Altec 1003B

At 14.5kg and nearly a meter wide, this horn doesn’t whisper—it commands the room with brute acoustic authority.

Overview

The Altec 1003B is a multi-cell horn engineered for high-output sound reinforcement in large spaces. Built without compromise for projection, it was intended for use in theaters, concert halls, and outdoor public address systems where clarity and volume over distance were non-negotiable. Its design prioritizes controlled dispersion and efficiency, making it a staple in professional installations during its era. The horn’s physical presence is imposing: a wide, segmented faceplate formed from ten individual cells arranged in a 2x5 configuration, each channeling sound with surgical directionality. Though lacking consumer polish, every dimension and angle serves an acoustic purpose—this is industrial audio hardware, not decor.

Owners report that the 1003B delivers a commanding presence when paired with appropriate drivers, particularly the 288-series and 290/291 variants. Its horizontal dispersion of 90 degrees and vertical coverage of 35 degrees allow for focused sound projection across wide but not excessively tall listening areas, ideal for covering theater seating or open-air stages. Unlike modern horns that attempt broad frequency reproduction, the 1003B operates as a mid-to-high frequency device, crossing over at 300Hz, meaning it must be paired with capable low-frequency systems to form a complete sound solution. The horn accepts different throats—model 30210 for single-driver use and 30170 when two drivers are employed—giving installers flexibility in output and redundancy.

Despite its professional roots, the 1003B has found a second life among vintage audio enthusiasts and DIY speaker builders. Its reputation for durability and raw output makes it a prized component in retrofitted systems, especially when mated with classic Altec drivers. However, due to its size and directional characteristics, it’s not suited for domestic living spaces unless acoustically treated or used in dedicated listening rooms. The horn itself contributes no active electronics or crossover components—it is a passive acoustic transformer, relying entirely on the driver and external filtering to define its performance.

Specifications

Key Features

Ten-Cell Multicellular Horn Design

The 1003B features a 2x5 cell configuration, forming a ten-cell multicellular horn structure. This segmentation allows for precise control over sound dispersion, minimizing reflections and ensuring even coverage across the intended listening area. Each cell acts as an individual waveguide, contributing to the horn’s ability to maintain clarity at high sound pressure levels. The design is optimized for professional environments where consistent off-axis response matters—such as auditoriums or outdoor venues—where a single speaker must cover a wide audience without hotspots or dropouts.

Interchangeable Throat System for Single or Dual Drivers

One of the 1003B’s defining features is its adaptability: the horn can be configured for use with either one or two driver units by swapping the throat adapter. The 30210 throat supports a single driver, simplifying integration into smaller systems, while the 30170 enables dual-driver setups for increased output and redundancy. This modularity made the 1003B versatile across installations, allowing engineers to scale performance based on venue size and power requirements. The 36mm throat diameter ensures compatibility with a range of Altec compression drivers, though proper alignment and sealing are critical to avoid distortion or air leaks.

High Sensitivity and Long-Throw Output

Rated at 110 dB sensitivity (1W/1m), the 1003B is exceptionally efficient, converting electrical input into acoustic output with minimal loss. When driven by capable units like the 290E or 291-16B, it achieves SPLs exceeding 126 dB at close range (4 feet), making it suitable for long-throw applications where sound must travel significant distances without amplification boost. The combination of high efficiency and directional control means fewer units are needed to cover large areas, reducing system complexity in professional deployments.

Collectibility & Value

The Altec 1003B has emerged as a sought-after component among vintage PA collectors and high-efficiency speaker enthusiasts. Individual units have appeared on the market labeled “Parts Only” at prices as high as $4,000, reflecting scarcity and demand. A listing on Reverb offered a pair for £392.48, while another sale included a matched pair of horns with Altec 291A-16 drivers and an 80210 adapter, suggesting complete systems command premium interest. No widespread reports of structural failures or common maintenance issues are documented, though the integrity of the horn surface and throat threads should be verified when acquiring used units.

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