Altec lansing-1506 (1975)

Altec Lansing 1506 Compression Driver & Horn System

The Altec Lansing 1506 is a professional high-frequency driver and horn assembly. It was a workhorse in commercial sound reinforcement, cinema audio systems, and large venue public address installations throughout the 1970s and early 80s. It isn't a delicate studio piece. It was built to throw sound across a crowded auditorium so every word of dialogue or announcement was heard clearly. It follows Altec's no-nonsense approach of high-efficiency, horn-loaded design, with projection and reliability ahead of domestic niceties.

Specifications

Model	Lansing 1506
Type	Compression Driver + Multicellular Horn
Intended Use	Professional Audio / Theater / PA
Power Handling	30 Watts RMS
Impedance	16 Ohms
Sensitivity	Approx. 112 dB (1W/1m)
Frequency Response	500 Hz – 15,000 Hz
Horn Material	Molded phenolic resin
Driver Diaphragm	2-inch aluminum
Mounting	Bolt-on, 2-bolt pattern
Dimensions (Horn)	Approx. 12" x 12" x 9" (varies by flare)
Weight	Approximately 9 lbs

Note: Specifications compiled from period installation manuals and cross-referenced with similar models like the 802-8G driver.

Historical Context

Altec Lansing was the undisputed king of professional audio throughout the mid-20th century. Everyone knows the "Voice of the Theatre" cabinets, but a lot of the work was done by modular components like the 1506 that system integrators could mix and match. This unit wasn't a standalone product you'd buy off a shelf. It was part of a larger system, typically bolted onto a low-frequency enclosure and fed by a passive crossover. Its natural habitat was the projection booth of a cinema or the rafters of a train station, where its job was intelligibility above all else.

The multicellular horn design is the key here. It isn't a megaphone. It controls dispersion to cover wide, fan-shaped auditoriums evenly, without beaming or hot spots, so the back row hears as well as the front row. Finding a 1506 today usually means it was salvaged from a theater being converted into condos or a church upgrading its sound.

Sound Signature

You don't put a horn like this in your living room for silky-smooth jazz. The Altec 1506 is bright and very articulate, with a dynamic punch that makes vocals and brass instruments leap out of the mix. The sensitivity is through the roof - put a watt into it and it shouts back. That gives it excellent clarity and transient detail, especially in the upper mids where human speech lives.

The trade-off is that it can be ruthless. If your source material is harsh or poorly recorded, the 1506 will tell you all about it. There's not much inherent warmth or forgiveness. Cross it over properly (keep the low end away from it) and pair it with a sturdy woofer, and it gives a lively, immediate top end that most modern dome tweeters can't replicate. It sounds like the movies used to sound.

Maintenance and Restoration Tips

These units are pushing 50 years old, so a little TLC is almost always required. First, get the driver off the horn. Pop the cover off and look at the 2-inch aluminum diaphragm in bright light. Check for hairline cracks or dents, because even a tiny deformity will cause nasty distortion. If it's shot, diaphragms for the more common 802-8G driver are a direct fit and still available new-old-stock or from quality repro manufacturers.

While you're in there, blast out the phase plug slots with compressed air. Decades of dust and grime hide in there and dampen the sparkle. Check the terminal connections for corrosion and hit them with some DeoxIT. Inspect the molded phenolic horn for cracks, especially around the mounting flange. It's tough, but not indestructible. If the driver's been apart before, make sure it was reassembled with even, firm torque on the bolts to prevent air leaks that kill efficiency. And use a proper high-pass filter. Full-range signal into this driver is a good way to turn the aluminum diaphragm into a fancy paperweight.

Collectibility and Market Value

On the vintage audio collectibility scale, the Altec 1506 rates a solid 7/10. It's not the legendary 604 Duplex, but it has a strong, dedicated following among horn enthusiasts, DIY speaker builders, and cinema history buffs. You'll typically see these drivers and horns selling in the $250 to $500 range, with the price heavily dependent on condition. A tested, working driver with an intact diaphragm on a clean, uncracked horn will command the top end. A "for parts or repair" unit with a blown diaphragm might go for under a hundred bucks.

The rarity is moderate. They don't pop up every day, but they're not unicorns either. Complete, original matched pairs are the real prize, since they suit a vintage stereo horn project. Demand is steady and knowledgeable, and you're usually selling to someone who knows exactly what they're getting and has a plan for it. Just don't expect your average vinyl enthusiast to understand why you've got a giant black waffle on a shelf in your garage.

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