Altec Lansing 805 Multicell Horn Speaker

The Altec Lansing 805 is a legendary multicell horn speaker developed during the 1950s and widely used through the 1960s and beyond. Revered for its high sensitivity, dynamic clarity, and robust construction, the 805 became a staple in professional sound reinforcement, movie theaters, and high-end audiophile systems. Often paired with Altec’s 288 or 290 compression drivers, this horn exemplifies the golden era of horn-loaded loudspeaker design.

Specifications

Feature	Specification
Model	Lansing 805
Brand	Altec
Year of Introduction	1950s (production into the 1960s)
Category	Passive Horn Loudspeaker
Impedance	16 ohms
Sensitivity	104–108 dB (1W/1m)
Frequency Response	Optimized for high-frequency reproduction
Horn Type	Multicell (rectangular pattern)
Driver Compatibility	Altec 288, 290, or equivalent 1.5" compression driver
Construction	Cast aluminum horn body
Dispersion	Wide and uniform high-frequency coverage
Recommended Use	Professional sound, studio monitoring, high-fidelity home audio

Historical Context

The Altec Lansing 805 was a key component in Altec’s renowned Voice of the Theatre (VOTT) speaker systems, which set the standard for sound reproduction in movie theaters and live venues during the mid-20th century. Its multicell design was engineered to eliminate the "beaming" effect common in simple horns, providing smoother off-axis response and consistent sound coverage across large audiences.

Originally developed for professional applications, the 805 found a second life among audiophiles who prized its exceptional efficiency and dynamic range. When paired with compatible drivers like the Altec 288 or 290, the system delivered a vivid, punchy sound that brought recordings to life with remarkable presence.

The 805’s influence extends into modern high-end audio, where vintage horn systems are celebrated for their musicality and engineering excellence. Its use in iconic installations and recording studios cements its status as a milestone in loudspeaker development.

Sound Signature

The Altec 805 delivers a detailed, dynamic, and highly efficient sound profile. With sensitivity exceeding 104 dB, it requires minimal amplifier power to achieve high output levels, making it ideal for tube amplifier pairings.

Key sonic characteristics include:

Pronounced midrange presence – vocals and instruments are rendered with immediacy and clarity.
Horn coloration – a slight warmth and forwardness typical of compression driver/horn systems.
Excellent projection and articulation – ideal for large rooms or environments requiring long-throw sound.
Fast transient response – captures the attack and decay of musical notes with precision.

While not as neutral as modern designs, the 805 offers a thrilling, engaging listening experience that many collectors and enthusiasts find emotionally compelling.

Maintenance and Restoration Tips

Due to its age, the Altec Lansing 805 often requires careful inspection and maintenance to perform optimally:

Driver Condition: The original Altec 288 or 290 compression drivers may have deteriorated diaphragms (typically aluminum or titanium). Replacing or reconing the driver is often necessary.
Horn Integrity: Inspect the cast aluminum horn for cracks or warping, especially around mounting points. Hairline fractures can affect sound quality and structural stability.
Phase Plug and Throat Gasket: Ensure the phase plug is clean and the driver-to-horn seal (gasket) is intact to prevent air leaks and diffraction issues.
Crossover Matching: If used in a multi-way system, verify compatibility with the crossover network. Many restorers upgrade to modern passive crossovers for improved integration.
Mounting and Placement: The 805 benefits from secure mounting and proper aiming. Due to its wide dispersion, it performs well in both free-space and wall-mounted configurations.

Restored units with matched drivers and proper maintenance can deliver performance that rivals modern high-efficiency speakers.

Market Value and Collectibility

The Altec Lansing 805 is highly sought after by vintage audio collectors and horn speaker enthusiasts.

Market Value: $300–$800 per unit, depending on condition, originality, and inclusion of a matching compression driver.
Collectibility Rating: 8/10 – High demand among vintage pro-audio and hi-fi collectors.
Rarity: Moderate – units surface regularly on secondary markets, but fully restored sets with original drivers are less common.

Complete systems or matched pairs command premium prices, especially when paired with original Altec drivers and horns.

Conclusion

The Altec Lansing 805 stands as a landmark in loudspeaker history—a fusion of professional-grade engineering and audiophile-grade performance. Its role in shaping the sound of mid-century cinema and music playback is undeniable. For today’s vintage audio enthusiast, the 805 offers not just exceptional sound, but a tangible connection to the golden age of audio innovation. With proper care and restoration, it remains a powerful and expressive speaker system decades after its introduction.