Altec Lansing Model 9 (Circa 1978)
A high-end 3-way bass reflex bookshelf speaker system from Altec Lansing, known for its synergy with tube amplification and distinctive handmade oak finish.
Overview
The Altec Lansing Model 9 is a 3-way, 3-speaker bass reflex bookshelf system produced around 1978. It was positioned at the top of Altec Lansing’s consumer speaker range before their professional horn-loaded models like the Santana, Model 15, 18, and 19. Designed for high-fidelity audio playback, it features a 12-inch woofer, 16 cm mid-range driver, and a 12 cm cone-type tweeter. The system was originally priced at ¥180,000 per unit in 1976 and is noted for its exceptional performance when paired with tube amplifiers.
Specifications
| Impedance | 8 Ω |
| Playback frequency band | 40 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Output sound pressure level / Sensitivity | 96 dB (New JIS) |
| Allowable input | 60W (continuous program) |
| Crossover frequency | 800 Hz, 7 kHz |
| External dimensions | Width 445 x Height 673 x Depth 381 mm |
| Weight | 25.4 kg |
| Woofer | 30 cm (12") cone type |
| Mid-range driver size | 16 cm cone type |
| High-range / Tweeter size | Cone Type (Frame Diameter 12 cm) |
Design
The cabinet is constructed with oak veneer and finished with a handmade oak oil stain. The grill features a deeply carved three-dimensional knitted fabric. A common upgrade noted is replacing the tweeter capacitor, such as with a Solen 2.2uf capacitor, to improve performance.
Context
The Altec Lansing Model 9 was the flagship of the company’s consumer speaker lineup prior to their professional horn-loaded models, including the Santana, Model 15, 18, and 19.
Market
Common issues include foam surround rot on the 12-inch woofer and 16 cm midrange driver, as well as midrange voice coil failure. Refoaming kits and replacement drivers are available on the used market. The FSK-4.5 refoam kit is marketed for a 4.5-inch driver, though the official midrange size is 16 cm (~6.3 inches). When paired with tube amplification—such as a 4WPC single-ended amp—the speakers deliver full bass, precise imaging, and crisp highs, described by one owner as "luscious" and "pure heaven." With solid-state amplifiers like the Sony STR-V5, they can become loud but lose coherency, exhibiting muddled bass and shrill mids/highs at high volumes. A forum user reports excellent results using "Altec Model 9 II" speakers with a Sansui AU 717 amplifier.
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