Altec Voice of the Theatre A2
At over 400 kg, it doesn’t just fill a room with sound—it redefines the room itself.
Overview
The Altec Voice of the Theatre A2 isn’t a speaker so much as a monument to high-efficiency sound reproduction. Standing over two meters tall and weighing well over 400 kilograms, this system was built for one purpose: to deliver crushing volume and clarity in the largest cinematic spaces. It carries the legacy of the Voice of the Theatre line, which emerged in the late 1930s and evolved through the 1940s to become the dominant sound system in movie theaters. The A2, however, wasn’t just another iteration—it was the apex. Described in manufacturer documentation as the largest Altec "Voice of the Theatre" system, it was engineered without compromise for venues demanding extreme output and deep, articulate bass.
It was designed to be used in large enclosed environments, often deployed in arrays to support stereo or surround configurations. The system is based on the Enclosure 410, a massive cabinet combining a front-loaded short horn with a bass reflex design, allowing both high sensitivity and extended low-frequency response.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Altec |
| Product type | Speaker system/enclosure |
| Enclosure type | Combines a front load short horn and a bass reflex system. |
| Associated enclosure model | 410 |
| Number of mounted speakers | 4 |
| External dimensions (Enclosure 410, without wings) | Width 1,651 x Height 2,134 x Depth 1,003 mm |
| External dimensions (Enclosure 410, with wing) | Width 2,616 mm |
| Weight (Enclosure 410) | 403.7 kg |
| High-frequency driver power handling capacity | 50 walt power handling capacity |
| Bass drivers | 15-inch woofers |
Key Features
15-Inch Woofers in a Dual Cabinet Configuration
The A2 distinguishes itself from smaller VOTT models by incorporating an additional cabinet and two extra bass drivers. Where other models might use a single 15-inch woofer or a pair, the A2 steps up with multiple low-frequency units—reportedly four total drivers—arranged to maximize bass output. This configuration, housed within the Enclosure 410’s hybrid design, allows the system to reproduce low frequencies with authority, making it suitable for the dynamic demands of film soundtracks. The use of 15-inch woofers, mounted in a bass-horn and reflex-loaded arrangement, delivers both punch and extension, critical for large venues where sound must travel long distances without losing impact.
Modular High-Frequency Horn System
One of the defining traits of the Voice of the Theatre line is its adaptability, and the A2 continues that tradition. Various high-frequency horns can be selected and mounted to suit the specific acoustic needs of a venue. This modularity meant theaters could optimize dispersion and efficiency based on room size and shape. The horn is front-loaded, contributing to the system’s directional control and reduced distortion at high volumes.
Front Load Short Horn with Bass Reflex Integration
The Enclosure 410’s design merges two acoustic principles: a front-loaded short horn for the midrange and high frequencies, and a bass reflex system for the low end. This hybrid approach was uncommon in its time and reflects Altec’s engineering pragmatism. The short horn provides high sensitivity and controlled dispersion, while the reflex port enhances bass efficiency without requiring an impractically large cabinet. The cabinet itself, while not described in material terms in the documentation, is built to withstand the physical and acoustic stresses of continuous high-level operation.
Historical Context
The Voice of the Theatre series represented a seismic shift in sound reinforcement when it was introduced in the late 1930s. According to audio heritage documentation, it offered nearly as significant an improvement over the Shearer Horn as the Shearer Horn had over earlier Western Electric systems. By the 1940s, it had become the de facto standard in cinema audio, a position it held for decades. The A2 emerged as the culmination of that lineage—larger and more powerful than the A1, A4, or A6, and designed for the most demanding installations. Its ability to be arrayed in multichannel setups made it relevant as film sound evolved toward stereo and surround formats.
Collectibility & Value
The A2 is exceptionally rare on the secondary market, and complete, functional pairs are even rarer. One recent listing offered a pair with original drivers installed for €3,500, suggesting strong collector interest despite the logistical challenges of ownership. Due to its size and weight, transportation and installation are major considerations. No documented common failures or maintenance issues are available, but given the age of surviving units, driver reconing, horn diaphragm replacement, and cabinet integrity are likely concerns. Spare parts are not documented as available, making original condition a premium attribute.
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