Altec Lansing Voice of the Theatre A9
Huge but remarkably efficient - the big speaker they used to place behind movie screens.
Overview
The Altec Lansing Voice of the Theatre A9 is a cinema loudspeaker system from the Voice of the Theatre (VOTT) series. It was built for high-output sound reinforcement in large theaters. Described as "huge but remarkably efficient," the A9 was the workhorse placed directly behind movie screens, delivering dynamic, uncompressed audio from the 1950s through the 1970s. Specific technical documentation for the A9 is scarce, but field reports and technical recollections confirm it as a full-range VOTT configuration. It carried forward the engineering philosophy of the line: sturdy construction, high sensitivity, and the ability to handle the volume demands of optical soundtracks and early magnetic surround formats without distortion.
The system was built around the 802D compression driver coupled to an 811B multicell or sectoral high-frequency horn — a pairing known for its clarity, dispersion control, and extreme output capability. Power handling is reportedly in the 50–100W range, which, combined with high efficiency, allowed the A9 to achieve extraordinary sound pressure levels with the tube amplifiers of the era. Collectors note that original 802D drivers are now high-value components, and substitutions with modern equivalents can alter the speaker’s character significantly.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Altec Lansing |
| Model | Voice of the Theatre A9 |
| Type | Cinema speaker |
| High-Frequency Driver | 802D compression driver |
| Horn | 811B multicell or sectoral high-frequency horn |
| Power Handling | 50–100W |
Historical Context
The Voice of the Theatre (VOTT) series was introduced in the late 1930s and refined through the 1940s. It became the industry standard for cinema sound. The Altec Voice of the Theatre A9 is part of this lineage, a full-scale configuration intended for large venues. The VOTT line was everywhere in the United States from the 1950s to the 1970s, the primary sound-reinforcement solution in theaters and auditoriums. Models like the A5 and A7 became audiophile favorites in later decades. The A9 stayed a professional tool - the big speaker engineered for maximum projection and reliability in commercial cinema.
Collectibility & Value
A pair of Altec Voice of the Theatre A9 speakers currently runs $1,500 to $4,000+, depending on condition, originality, and configuration. Units that keep their original 802D drivers command the highest prices, since those components are critical to the system's authentic performance. Restoration and repair should follow the original Altec schematics and service manuals. Modern driver substitutes may compromise the speaker's tonal balance and efficiency. Collector interest is growing, but comprehensive service data for the A9 remains limited. Full specifications, including low-frequency driver details, sensitivity, impedance, and crossover design, are not documented in available sources.
Similar items on eBay
No exact Altec VOICE OF THE THEATRE A9 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.