Altec Lansing MK-1A (Around 1991)
A floor-standing, all-horn, 3-way speaker system developed in Japan under the ALTEC Sound Development brand, based on the 1982 MK-1 design.
Overview
The Altec Lansing MK-1A is a high-output speaker system built around an all-horn design, intended for demanding audio applications. Manufactured around 1991, it was developed under ALTEC Sound Development (ASD), a Japanese brand established by Elektri to systematize ALTEC products. The MK-1A evolved from the original MK-1 introduced in 1982, incorporating updated driver units and revised crossover frequencies to improve low-midrange integration.
Specifications
| System type | 3-way, 4-Speaker, All-Horn, Bass-Reflex System, Floor Type |
| Woofer unit | 38 cm Cone Type (ER-15) |
| Mid-range unit | Horn Type (291-16K + MKII594) |
| High-frequency unit | Horn Type (MR-902-16HF) x2 |
| Frequency characteristic | 50 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Impedance (when using 3-way network) | 8 Ω |
| Impedance (for low frequency) | 8 Ω |
| Impedance (for middle range) | 16 Ω |
| Impedance (for high frequency) | 8 Ω |
| Allowable input (when using 3-way network) | 150W |
| Allowable input (low band) | 250W |
| Allowable input (for medium range) | 40W |
| Allowable input (for high frequency) | 30W |
| Output sound pressure level | 120dB/W/m |
| Recommended crossover frequency | 500 Hz, 7 kHz |
| External dimensions | Width 950 x Height 860 x Depth 680 mm |
| Weight | 110kg |
Design
The MK-1A follows a 3-way multi-amp drive design and uses the latest driver units available at the time of its release. It features an all-horn configuration with a horn mounted on the front of the woofer and a bass-reflex enclosure. The high-frequency units (MR-902-16HF) can be angled 15 degrees left or right, setting the HF coverage to 90° x 40°, matching the midrange dispersion. The cabinet construction combines FRP and wood plywood for rigidity and acoustic performance.
Context
The MK-1A is part of the MK series developed under ALTEC Sound Development, based on the 1982 MK-1 system. Key changes from the MK-1 include replacing the MR94-8 horn with the MKII594, which lowered the midrange and low-frequency crossover point from 1200 Hz to 500 Hz. The system also evolved from the MK-1’s 515-8LFE configuration, reflecting updates in driver selection and crossover strategy.
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