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.
Though not a standalone speaker, the 804B’s role was critical: it shaped the sonic character of the systems it fed. Its multicellular horn design helped disperse high frequencies evenly, reducing hot spots and improving intelligibility. That same dispersion pattern also made it a favorite among restorers of vintage sound systems, who value its ability to reproduce the tonal balance of mid-century audio with authenticity. It doesn’t shout; it speaks clearly, with a presence that feels deliberate and measured.
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
Engineered for use with multicellular horns, the 804B was built to deliver even dispersion and controlled directivity at high frequencies. The geometry of the multicell structure helped break up sound waves into smaller, more manageable paths, reducing coloration and improving clarity, especially in reverberant spaces.
400 Hz Crossover Target
The 804B was intended to take over at approximately 400 Hz, positioning it as a mid-to-high frequency driver rather than a pure tweeter. This made it suitable for integration with larger low-frequency units in multi-way systems, where seamless blending between drivers was essential. Its performance in this range offered a balance of extension and power handling, avoiding the strain that smaller drivers might experience when pushed too low.
Aluminum Diaphragm
The use of an aluminum diaphragm gave the 804B a fast, articulate top end. Aluminum’s stiffness-to-mass ratio allowed for rapid acceleration and decay, translating transients with precision. While this contributed to 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 essential to temper its inherent brightness and unlock its full potential.
Collectibility & Value
The Altec Lansing 804B has gained favor among restorers and vintage audio enthusiasts, with used units appearing on the market at notable prices—one example listed on Reverb.com at $2,500. Descriptions like "Look Excellent - Sound Great!" suggest that condition and sonic performance remain tightly linked in buyer expectations. Instagram posts and user testimonials highlight its ability to add "smooth, detailed highs and a timeless character" to a system, though its value is as much about authenticity as it is about raw performance. No data exists on original pricing or common failure modes, but given its age, surviving units likely require careful inspection of the diaphragm and phase plug for signs of corrosion or misalignment.
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