Altec Model One

Name: Altec Model One
Brand: Altec

1978 - 1980s

The Altec Model One was the entry point into Altec's home speaker line, offering the company's signature sound in a compact, affordable package. Despite its modest size, it maintained Altec's philosophy of high efficiency and horn-loaded high frequencies.

Specifications

Type	2-way, bookshelf loudspeaker
Low Frequency Driver	6.5" (165mm) cone woofer
High Frequency Driver	1" dome tweeter or small compression driver (varies by source)
Crossover Frequency	2,500 Hz
Nominal Impedance	8 Ω
Power Handling	25W continuous
Sensitivity	92 dB/W/m
Frequency Response	50 Hz - 18 kHz
Dimensions	11" H x 7.5" W x 6.5" D (approximate)
Weight	Approximately 12 lbs per speaker

Design Overview

The Model One was designed as an affordable entry into the Altec ecosystem. Unlike many entry-level speakers from other manufacturers, it maintained Altec's commitment to efficiency and dynamic range. It was ideal for:

Small rooms and apartments
Desktop audio systems
Secondary systems
Surround speakers in home theater setups

Position in the Lineup

The Model One was the smallest in Altec's numbered home speaker series:

Model One: Compact 2-way
Model Seven: Larger bookshelf
Model 19: Floorstanding flagship

Legacy

While less famous than Altec's professional or high-end home speakers, the Model One provided many listeners their first introduction to the Altec sound. Today, they occasionally appear on the used market at very affordable prices, making them a budget-friendly entry point for vintage Altec enthusiasts.

Images

The following sources may have images of this equipment. Always verify license terms and provide proper attribution when required.

Source 1: HiFi Wiki

Link: HiFi Wiki
License: Varies - check individual image
Attribution Required: Yes
Commercial Use: Unknown - verify on site
Notes: User-contributed content. Attribution recommended.

Source 2: HiFi Engine

Link: HiFi Engine
License: User-contributed manuals
Attribution Required: Yes
Commercial Use: Reference only
Notes: Great for specs/manuals. Request permission for images.

Source 3: Audio Database

Link: Audio Database
License: User-contributed
Attribution Required: Yes
Commercial Use: Unknown
Notes: Verify license before use.

Source 4: Radio Museum

Link: Radio Museum
License: User-contributed
Attribution Required: Yes
Commercial Use: Unknown
Notes: Attribution required for user photos.

Attribution Notice: This page links to external image sources. When using images from these sources, ensure you comply with their license terms. CC0 images require no attribution. CC BY and CC BY-SA images require attribution.