Altec Lansing 1594A (1967–68)

A solid-state power amplifier built for professional sound reinforcement and installed audio systems.

Overview

The Altec Lansing 1594A is a solid-state power amplifier produced from 1967 to 1968, designed for use in sound reinforcement, paging, and fixed audio installations. It was part of Altec’s 1500-series lineup, intended to drive theatre and public address systems, including Altec speaker enclosures like the 844A. With transformer-isolated outputs and compatibility with a wide range of load impedances, the 1594A was engineered for flexibility in industrial and commercial applications.

Specifications

Power output	100 watts continuous into 8 Ω (mono), rated for 4–50 Ω loads via output transformer taps
Input sensitivity	0.8V
Frequency response	20 Hz to 20 kHz ± 1 dB
Total harmonic distortion	1% at rated power
Gain	64 dB
Input impedance	~15 kΩ (high‑Z input)
Signal-to-noise ratio	85 dB
Load impedance	4 Ω, 8 Ω, 16 Ω, 50 Ω (transformer taps)
Outputs	Transformer‑isolated outputs with taps for 4, 8, 16 Ω, and constant‑voltage distribution lines (25 V/70.7 V or 50 Ω)
Mains power	120/240 V, 50/60 Hz (configurable)
Power consumption	Up to ~250 W at full output
Dimensions	483 mm (W) x 178 mm (H) x 216 mm (D) / 19 x 7 x 8.5 inches
Weight	16.1 kg / 35.5 lbs

Design

The 1594A features an early solid-state design with a positive-ground power supply and an output transformer for electrical isolation and impedance matching, supporting both standard speaker loads and constant-voltage distribution systems.

Context

Introduced around 1967, the 1594A was part of Altec’s 1500-series amplifiers tailored for professional sound reinforcement, paging, and installed audio applications in theatres, industrial facilities, and public venues.