Altec Model 19 (1976)

At 99 dB sensitivity, these floorstanders play loud from a whisper of power and hit hard when pushed.

Overview

The Altec Model 19 arrived in 1976. It is not a 1950s design reborn. It carries the lineage of Altec's pro-grade Voice of the Theatre (VOTT) speakers into the living room. It is a two-way, floor-standing design with a 15-inch woofer and a horn-loaded high-frequency section in a vented enclosure. It shares lineage with the 604 Duplex and A-7, but the Model 19 was built for home use, not stage monitoring, and the balance of efficiency, size and sound shows it. Horn-loaded from top to bottom, it gives the dynamics and immediacy that transistor amps of the era could exploit, with no brute-force power needed. Owners report it plays "silly loud" with modest amplification. Paired with the right gear, like Yamaha's J-FET-based M-2 or P-2201, it is reported to respond almost like a live thing.

Yet it’s not a neutral transducer by modern standards. The treble is described as “clean but somewhat tilted up,” a trait common to Altec horns, and the overall presentation carries what some call a “horn coloration”—a distinct tonal signature that doesn’t disappear with burn-in or room treatment. It’s brash, yes, and “a bit untamed,” according to long-term listeners, but that same energy makes drums “hit you in the chest” and rock recordings “rock” with unapologetic force. Some find the high end gentler and less “honky” than Klipsch Heritage models, with more inner detail than the JBL 4430—though others argue the JBL offers slightly better imaging and bass definition. The consensus? It’s not perfect, but it’s potent. And for those who’ve lived with them, the Model 19 becomes a reference—not because it’s transparent, but because it’s expressive.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Altec Lansing
Product type	2-way floor type speaker system
Production year	1976
Enclosure Type	Vented
Frequency Response	50 Hz – 20 kHz
Crossover	1200 Hz
Woofer	15-inch
High-Frequency Horn	Model 511B
Compression Driver	Model 808-8B
Sensitivity	99 dB
Power Handling	75 watts
Impedance	8 ohms
Dimensions	31-1/2" H x 24" W x 15-1/2" D

Key Features

15-inch Woofer in a Vented Enclosure

The Model 19 uses a large 15-inch woofer in a ported cabinet. Owners describe the bass as "chest-thumping" and dynamically explosive. Unlike sealed designs of the era, the vented alignment extends low-end response and increases efficiency, so the speaker moves serious air without demanding excessive amplifier power. That choice reflects Altec's focus on real-world output and transient impact, qualities honed in cinema and PA applications.

Horn-Loaded High-Frequency Section with 511B Horn and 808-8B Driver

Above 1200 Hz, the Model 19 hands off to a horn-loaded compression driver system built around the 808-8B driver mated to the 511B horn. This combination delivers the 99 dB sensitivity. Horn loading gives high efficiency and controlled dispersion, but it also adds an upper-midrange lift that some find fatiguing over time. Others praise its clarity and lack of "honk" compared to contemporary horns. The 511B's directivity helps maintain focus in larger rooms, and owners note the wide soundstage.

1200 Hz Crossover with Passive Network

The 1200 Hz crossover point is typical for Altec's two-way designs. It lets the 15-inch woofer work within a controlled bandwidth, while the horn takes over where cone breakup and dispersion issues would otherwise arise. The passive network was well built for its time, but it is a known maintenance item. Owners report needing to re-cap or rebuild the crossovers to restore performance. Original components matter, since substitutions can alter the balance between the drivers.

Design Evolution from the 605A Duplex

The Model 19 is not a direct descendant, but it draws on the same engineering philosophy as the 605A Duplex. It adapts that high-efficiency, horn-loaded topology to a more compact, home-friendly ported enclosure. A variant, the Model 19-MR3, was proposed with a smaller high-frequency horn to improve imaging coherence, a sign that Altec recognized the trade-offs in the standard model's beamy top end. The production version kept the 511B, favoring output and presence over pinpoint stereo precision.

Historical Context

The Altec Model 19 appeared in 1976 as part of a broader effort to bring professional-grade loudspeaker technology to the consumer market. It was positioned as a "domestically oriented speaker" that kept the sonic DNA of Altec's Voice of the Theatre (VOTT) series, including the A-7 and 604 Duplex. By then Altec was already well known in cinema and broadcast circles. The Model 19 offered home listeners some of that authority without the bulk or cost of full theater arrays. It joined a group of "Legendary Products" that included the Valencia and A-7, even though it arrived decades after its most famous siblings.

Collectibility & Value

The Model 19 is not a common find on the used market. Owners note they "don't come up for sale often," so price trends are hard to pin down. Anecdotal sales suggest $400 to $450 for well-preserved, all-original pairs. One forum user mentioned seeing a $6,000 asking price, likely an outlier or a misunderstanding of the model's actual value. Originality is critical: replacements for the 808-8B driver or 511B horn can degrade the intended sound. Maintenance is expected. Crossovers often require recapping, and foam components may need attention. Some owners report acquiring pairs for free or at steep discounts. When properly restored, they are considered a "steal" for those who value dynamics and presence over clinical neutrality.

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