Altec Lansing 804B (1950s–1960s)
A 16-ohm high-frequency driver with an aluminum diaphragm, built for clarity at the upper edge of vintage sound systems
Overview
The Altec Lansing 804B isn’t a speaker you’d casually plug in and forget. It’s a purpose-built high-frequency compression driver from the 1950s–1960s, designed to handle the top end with precision in professional and high-fidelity setups. Owners report it was engineered specifically for use with multicellular horns, targeting a crossover point around 400 Hz—placing it squarely in systems where detailed, controlled highs mattered more than raw volume. This wasn’t a consumer-grade add-on; it was part of a larger acoustic architecture, often paired with complementary drivers and horns to form full-range systems. The 804B’s construction centers on an aluminum diaphragm, a material choice that contributed to its fast transient response and crisp articulation, though it could border on bright if not carefully integrated. While the brand’s broader reputation rests on robust, touring-grade components, the 804B occupies a niche within that legacy—one focused on refinement rather than brute force.
The 804B is not a standalone speaker, but it shaped the sound of the systems it fed. Its multicellular horn design spread high frequencies evenly, which reduced hot spots and improved intelligibility. That same dispersion pattern made it a favorite among restorers of vintage sound systems, who value how it reproduces the tonal balance of mid-century audio. It doesn't shout. It speaks clearly.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Altec Lansing |
| Product type | High-frequency compression driver |
| Driver Type | High-frequency compression driver |
| Diaphragm | Aluminum |
| Impedance | 16 ohms |
Key Features
Multicellular Horn Design
The 804B was built for multicellular horns, to deliver even dispersion and controlled directivity at high frequencies. The multicell structure breaks sound waves into smaller paths, which reduced coloration and improved clarity, especially in reverberant spaces.
400 Hz Crossover Target
The 804B was intended to take over at approximately 400 Hz. That makes it a mid-to-high frequency driver rather than a pure tweeter. It suited multi-way systems with larger low-frequency units, where the blend between drivers had to be smooth. In this range it offered a balance of extension and power handling, and it avoided the strain smaller drivers might show when pushed too low.
Aluminum Diaphragm
The aluminum diaphragm gave the 804B a fast, articulate top end. Aluminum's stiffness-to-mass ratio allowed rapid acceleration and decay, so transients came through with precision. That earned the driver a reputation for detailed highs. It also meant the driver could emphasize upper-midrange presence if mismatched with complementary components. Proper horn loading and crossover design were needed to tame its brightness.
Collectibility & Value
The Altec Lansing 804B has gained favor among restorers and vintage audio enthusiasts. Used units appear on the market at notable prices, and one example was listed on Reverb.com at $2,500. Descriptions like "Look Excellent - Sound Great!" suggest that buyers expect condition and sound to go together. Instagram posts and user testimonials credit it with adding "smooth, detailed highs and a timeless character" to a system. No data exists on original pricing or common failure modes. Given its age, surviving units likely need a careful look at the diaphragm and phase plug for corrosion or misalignment.
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