Altec Lansing 902 Compression Driver
The Altec Lansing 902 is a high-efficiency compression driver used in both professional audio and home hi-fi. It was part of Altec's premium driver lineup and was built for clarity, dynamic response and durability. It was often paired with constant-directivity horns such as the 511B or 811B. You find it in theater sound systems, recording studios and high-end home speaker setups.
Precise production records don't exist, but the 902 was widely used throughout the 1970s. People still look for it today because of its midrange performance and vintage sound.
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Model | Altec Lansing 902 |
| Year of Introduction | Circa 1970s |
| Impedance | 16 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB (1W/1m) |
| Diaphragm Material | Phenolic |
| Throat Size | 1-inch |
| Voice Coil | Unknown |
| Power Handling | Not officially documented |
| Frequency Response | Optimized for mid-to-high frequencies (when horn-loaded) |
| Recommended Horns | Altec 511B, 811B, or equivalent CD horns |
Historical Significance
The 902 comes from an era of American audio engineering that put durability, efficiency and clarity first. As a compression driver, it was designed to deliver high sound pressure levels with minimal power input. That made it a good fit for large venues and professional monitoring.
Altec was a leader in professional audio in the mid-20th century, and it developed the 902 for cinemas, broadcast studios and touring sound systems. It also went into high-end home audio systems and was treated as a reference-grade driver. The 902 was often mated with Altec's own constant-directivity horns, which gave wide dispersion and precise imaging.
Audiophiles adopted it in the 1970s and later. It sits between professional ruggedness and high-fidelity nuance.
Sound Signature
The Altec 902 sounds bright, articulate and dynamic, with very clear midrange. Properly horn-loaded, it has a forward presence that brings out vocals and instruments. That same trait can get fatiguing if the driver is mismatched with the wrong horn or crossover network.
Due to its high sensitivity and low power compression, the 902 performs exceptionally well with low-powered tube amplifiers, making it a favorite among vintage audio enthusiasts. Careful system integration is recommended to tame its upper-midrange energy and achieve a balanced tonal presentation.
Common Issues and Maintenance Tips
The Altec 902 is built to last, but decades of use and aging materials can degrade performance. Here are common issues and maintenance recommendations:
- Aging Diaphragms: The phenolic diaphragm may become brittle over time. Cracks or warping can cause distortion. Re-coning or diaphragm replacement by a specialist is advised.
- Corroded Terminals: Check the input terminals for oxidation or corrosion. Clean with electrical contact cleaner and ensure tight connections.
- Voice Coil Rub: If a rubbing sound is heard during operation, the voice coil may be misaligned—often due to physical impact or overdriving. Professional servicing is recommended.
- Overdriving: Despite its robust design, the 902 can be damaged by excessive power, especially at low frequencies without proper high-pass filtering. Always use a crossover to protect the driver.
- Magnet Aging: While rare, demagnetization can reduce efficiency. A re-magnetization service is available from specialty repair shops.
Pro Tip: When restoring a pair of 902s, match them in condition and sensitivity for the best stereo performance. Pairing them with original Altec horns (like the 811B) preserves the intended acoustic design.
Market Value and Collectibility
The Altec Lansing 902 holds steady in the vintage audio market. Individual drivers typically sell between $100 and $300. Prices vary with condition, originality, and whether they are sold as matched pairs or with compatible horns.
Collectibility is rated 7/10. Professional audio historians, vintage PA collectors and high-efficiency speaker enthusiasts are the likely buyers. Complete systems or rare variants (e.g., with original packaging or documentation) command premium prices.
Conclusion
The Altec Lansing 902 combines high sensitivity, rugged construction and a vivid sound. It is used in restored systems and in modern high-efficiency speaker builds. It suits anyone after the sound of 1970s professional audio.
Similar items on eBay
No exact Altec lansing-902 listings are live right now — these searches show current Altec and similar vintage audio gear on eBay:
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.
Related Models
- Altec 1214A
- Altec 1224A
- Altec 1590B
- Altec 1592A
- Altec 1594A
- Eico 3150 (1967)
- Fisher CUSTOM-ELECTRA-I (K-14/K-15) (1957)
- Fisher CUSTOM-ELECTRA IV (E33/E44) (1960)
- Akai AM-2400 (1978)
- Akai AM-2600 (1977)