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.

Similar items on eBay

No exact Altec BIAS 550 listings are live right now — these searches show current Altec and similar vintage audio gear on eBay:

Search Altec BIAS 550 on eBay Browse Altec audio gear on eBay

As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.