Altec 288B Driver Speaker
A high-output compression driver built for power and presence, not finesse—still sought after by horn enthusiasts despite its age and quirks.
Overview
The Altec 288B Driver Speaker wasn't made for bookshelf listening or subtle jazz nights—it was engineered for projection, built to cut through noise in large venues, broadcast systems, and high-level reinforcement setups where clarity under load mattered more than flat response. Introduced at least as early as 1953, with examples documented from that year, the 288B served as a workhorse in professional audio environments where reliability and output were non-negotiable. Marketed by Altec for use in "high level music, speech reinforcement and paging systems of the highest quality," this compression driver carried the brand’s reputation for robust construction and sonic authority. While no official frequency response or sensitivity figures survive in the documentation, its role suggests a focus on midrange punch and efficiency rather than extended highs or deep bass. Owners report it being paired with Western Electric and Jensen systems, often repurposed into modern horn projects, indicating a lasting respect for its core performance despite its vintage.
One of the most persistent technical questions around the 288B is its power handling. The 1957 Altec catalog lists both an "eight watt power handling capacity" and a "40 watt power capacity"—a clear conflict that has never been officially reconciled. Given Altec's conservative engineering practices of the era, it's plausible that the 8-watt figure refers to continuous thermal handling, while the 40-watt claim might reflect short-term peak or mechanical capability. Audio (January 1964, p.22) noted that Altec manufactured a smaller version of the 288B, the 802D, which had curved-mouth horns available for it. Either way, users are advised to treat these drivers with caution; exceeding conservative limits risks damaging the voice coil, a failure mode already documented in owner reports. A Facebook user in January 2026 noted testing four 288B units, all showing "DCR is mega ohms," a tellable sign of open circuits—likely due to degraded insulation or overheating over decades of use or misuse.
Key Features
Compression Driver for High-Level Systems
Designed specifically for deployment in high-output applications, the 288B functions as a compression driver meant to be mated with large horn throats. Its construction prioritizes durability and acoustic output over neutrality, making it ideal for installations where sound must travel long distances without loss of intelligibility. Unlike modern drivers optimized for linearity, the 288B leans into the characteristics of its era: high efficiency, moderate power handling, and a rugged build suited to continuous operation in demanding environments. Though no sensitivity rating is documented in surviving materials, its use in large-scale reinforcement systems implies a design focused on maximizing SPL per watt.
Modified Use in Horn Systems with ~200Hz Cutoff
While the 288B itself is a driver, not a complete speaker, it has found a second life in modern DIY horn projects. One documented system, described on Bjørn Kolbrek’s horn speaker research site, uses modified Altec 288B drivers in a horn enclosure with a cutoff frequency of approximately 200 Hz. This suggests the driver can be effectively integrated into full-range horn systems when paired with appropriate low-frequency support and crossover design. A diyAudio thread discussing a 288B in a plane-wave tube noted interest in crossing over in the 5–7 kHz range, implying that while the driver can extend reasonably high, its optimal use lies in midrange-heavy applications where its character shines.
24 Ohm Variant (288B Hollywood)
A variant known as the "288B Hollywood" appears in user discussions, distinguished primarily by its impedance. One Facebook post from October 2023 confirms using a "288B holywood (24omh)" with a 12-watt amplifier, suggesting a higher impedance version tailored for specific installations or transformer-matched systems. Standard impedance for the base 288B remains undocumented, but general Altec practice of the time often included multiple impedance options for different distributed line applications. D.C. resistance, per a commonly cited rule of thumb mentioned in enthusiast forums, is approximately 80% of the rated impedance—so a 24-ohm unit would likely measure around 19 ohms DCR when functional.
Historical Context
The Altec 288B emerged during a period when public address and theater sound systems were transitioning toward higher fidelity and greater output. Though exact production years are not fully documented, a listing on HifiShark references "2 Beatifull Altec 288B from 1953," confirming its presence by that year. It was positioned as a premium driver for critical installations, competing in an ecosystem that included Western Electric and Jensen components—brands frequently mentioned alongside the 288B in current listings and restorations. Its design reflects Altec’s broader philosophy of building components for real-world durability, not just lab measurements. The lack of published frequency response or distortion data in original materials underscores that, at the time, performance was often judged by subjective clarity and output rather than objective metrics.
Collectibility & Value
Today, the 288B trades in a niche but passionate collector and DIY audio market. As of recent listings, a pair of Altec 288Bs without diaphragms sold for $1,699, while another set described as "2 Beatifull Altec 288B from 1953" fetched $2,499—indicating that condition, completeness, and provenance significantly affect value. Failures are common, especially open voice coils, as evidenced by multiple reports of DCR readings in the mega-ohm range. However, repair is sometimes possible; original Altec 288 diaphragms have been spotted for sale on Facebook, suggesting a supply chain for restoration. Enthusiasts continue to compare the 288B with the 288C, as seen in an audioheritage.org thread titled "Altec 288B vs 288C," though detailed performance differences remain undocumented in available sources. One owner reviewing an impedance plot on the same forum praised the results as "exceptionally good looking curves / by any standard (old or new)," hinting at a well-behaved electrical load despite its age.
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