Altec Lansing Model 9861 (c. 1985)

A floor-standing, three-way horn speaker system with bass reflex enclosure, based on the "Voice of the Theater" A7-X.

Overview

The Altec Lansing Model 9861 is a high-efficiency, three-speaker, all-horn system with a front-loading bass reflex cabinet. Built around the design philosophy of the "Voice of the Theater" A7-X, it was engineered for extended frequency response and high sound pressure output. Housed in a walnut cabinet, the 9861 combines classic Altec horn technology with refined driver and enclosure tuning for improved low-end control and reduced resonance.

Specifications

Impedance	8 Ω
Playback frequency band	20 Hz to 20000 Hz
Output sound pressure level	100 dB (New JIS)
Allowable input	65W
Crossover frequency	1.2 kHz, 8 kHz
External dimensions	Width 630 x Height 1130 x Depth 470 mm
Weight	63kg
Original price	¥ 690,000 (around 1985)

Design

The Model 9861 uses a front-loading bass reflex cabinet with tuning by Paul Supran Carr, designed to optimize airflow and minimize port noise. The low-frequency section employs the cone-type 411-8A driver with a 10 cm long-travel voice coil and an 8.2 kg magnetic circuit. Midrange is handled by the horn-type 902-8A driver with a Tangerine phase plug, mounted on the 811B horn—a three-section, double-reinforced design made from special alloy die-cast to reduce squeal and resonance. High frequencies are reproduced by the newly designed MR-902 tweeter, featuring a manta ray Lehorn for a conical 65° directivity at 10 kHz.

Context

Based on the "Voice of the Theater" A7-X, the Model 9861 retains Altec’s signature horn-loaded design while incorporating modern refinements in horn construction, materials, and enclosure tuning to enhance bass performance and overall clarity.

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