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Pair of Altec Lansing A5 Voice of the Theatre speakers in excellent condition. This set retains all original internal components, including drivers and crossover networks. The system has been well maintained and is fully functional, delivering the scale, clarity, and efficiency the A5 is placed upon a high pedestal we are all aware of. Grill covers have been replaced; otherwise, the speakers remain original. Cabinets are worn albeit with light, age-appropriate wear– scratches, no big chunks missing. No structural issues. Horns and drivers are intact and perform as expected. Originally designed for cinema and studio environments, the A5 is a high-efficiency, horn-loaded system that pairs exceptionally well with low-watt tube amplification. Capable of effortless dynamics and room-filling presence. A complete, matched pair—ideal for both serious listening and collection. Local pickup preferred due to size and weight.Happy to demo. Asking $7,500 or best offer.
Ambitious asking price at USD7,500. Comparable late '60s/early '70s Voice of the Theater listings cluster tightly around a median of USD2,143, with the 25th percentile at USD1,116 and 75th at USD6,250—putting this well above the top end of recent market reality. These grey-blue Altec A5s are icons for their raw cinema-scale dynamics, but pristine pairs rarely command a premium this steep without provenance or exceptional restoration; you'd be wise to negotiate down toward USD5,000-USD6,000 if the cabinets show no major dings and drivers test clean.
Verify drivers and crossovers first. Pop the backs to inspect the 811B horns and 515 woofers for foam rot or cone tears—common in unrestored units this age—then fire up a multimeter on the Level 1/2 attenuators and Type B network for crackles or drift. Original grilles and feet should be there too; missing bits tank resale fast. Listen critically for balanced LF punch before wiring cash.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Altec Lansing traces its roots to 1927 in the United States, emerging from the merger of Western Electric’s theater-equipment arm, All Technical Service Company, with Lansing Manufacturing, the speaker company founded by James B. Lansing. The Altec-Lansing name reflects that union, and the brand’s early reputation was built in cinema and professional sound rather than consumer hi-fi.
Historically, Altec Lansing was known for loudspeakers, theater systems, and audio amplifiers, especially the legendary Voice of the Theatre systems that became a benchmark in cinema sound. In its classic era, the company also helped define the early hi-fi market by promoting professional-style sound systems for home use.
In market terms, Altec Lansing is best understood today as a legacy heritage brand rather than a current high-end audiophile heavyweight. Its name still carries weight among collectors and vintage audio enthusiasts because of its pro-audio history and classic speaker designs, but the modern brand identity is far more mainstream and consumer-oriented than its mid-century golden age.
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