Altec Lansing BIAS 550 (c. 1990)
A high-power active floor-standing speaker system with multi-amplified 5-way design and remote-adjustable channel balance.
Overview
The Altec Lansing BIAS 550 is an active speaker system designed for high-fidelity audio reproduction, built as a floor-standing unit with integrated amplification. Manufactured around 1990, it features a sophisticated 5-way, 6-speaker configuration per channel, driven by a total of 10 dedicated amplifiers—five per speaker. Each speaker is housed in a separate, isolated enclosure within a double-box structure engineered to eliminate unwanted cabinet resonance. The system was priced at ¥2,200,000 per unit at launch, reflecting its premium positioning in the high-end audio market.
Specifications
| System type | Built-in Amplifier / 5-way / 6-speaker |
| Total amplifier power | 1400W |
| Total harmonic distortion | 0.05% |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz to 22 kHz ± 2 dB |
| Driver complement (per speaker) | Unit For Ultra Low Band: 2 Cone Type; For low band: cone type; For middle and low band: Cone type; For Middle Area: Dome Type; For High Frequency: Dome Type |
Design
The BIAS 550 employs a 5-channel multi-amplifier system, with a total of 10 amplifiers driving left and right speakers independently. Each speaker is mounted in its own sealed enclosure, forming a dual-box structure that minimizes cabinet vibration. The high-frequency and midrange drivers (referred to as "tweeter and 'skoker'") use diamond-coated polyimide diaphragms, while the midbass, woofer, and subwoofer drivers utilize carbon fiber diaphragms for rigidity and low distortion. A remote control allows users to adjust the volume and balance of each channel from the listening position.
Market
The value of the Altec Lansing BIAS 550 has been assessed using 20 years of Hi-Fi Marketplace sales data, indicating its presence in the collector and secondary audio equipment markets.
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