This page is devoted to listing topics of ongoing research
for which we need the help of our readers
.
COAXIAL HISTORY
May 28, 2000
- There is a
fundamental question regarding the development of the Duplex
speaker for which we would appreciate any assistance.
Specifically, we are trying to confirm if the Duplex was
indeed the first coaxial speaker ever made. Altec Lansing
implied this in their sales literature with their marketing
claim "First time in history - a two way loudspeaker in
compact form". However Stephens Tru-Sonic made an even more
direct claim in their 1940's add copy that stated "First to
design, manufacture and sell a multicellular, coaxial,
two-way speaker". Finally, we have an unconfirmed report
that someone, possibly WE, produced a coaxial speaker
consisting of a WE555 mounted behind an 18" Jensen bass
driver.
August 23, 2000
- Since the above
was written, we have a bit more insight to add, but the
riddle is not yet completely solved. Thanks to Bill Woods,
we have definitive evidence that Western Electric (WE)
developed coaxial speakers in 1933. At right, is the front
page of WE's patent for what appears to be two versions of a
coaxial driver. Both used field coils for the fixed
magnetic fields. The top driver appears to use two separate
field coils for the high frequency and low frequency
diaphragms, similar to the later Altec Lansing 604. The
bottom driver appears to one coil that is similar in
topology to the later Tannoy Dual Concentric of 1947. Both
drivers used utilized the cone as the high frequency horn
flare that was also in common with the later Tannoy. The
question on who developed the first multicellular coaxial
speaker still remains. Both Altec and Stephens Tru-Sonic
claim this accomplishment. We know the Altec dates from
1943, but have yet to confirm the date of introduction for
the Stephens unit.
ALTEC HISTORY
May 28, 2000
- On a sadder note,
the opening of this site coincides with the closure of the
Altec Lansing Professional Sound division of Telex
Communications. As of this month, the Altec Lansing name
ceases to exist in the professional market and will only
live on as a brand of multimedia speakers. We are looking
for any insight on the long downward spiral, that appeared
to begin in the late 70's. In 1975, Altec literature stated
they had over 1000 employees, which was larger than that of
their main competitor JBL. By 1983, they were in Chapter 11
bankruptcy and would soon sell off the consumer division
before being taken over by Gulton Sound in 1985. There
would be numerous other changes in ownership before
culminating in the recent closure.
August 16, 2000
- We're still
looking for insight on the above. It appears that LTV spun
off Altec as a public company in 1972 with a substantial
amount of debt. Indications are that this debt handcuffed
Altec throughout the 70's and limited their ability to bring
new product to market. However, this assessment remains
speculative. Any further insight would be appreciated.
WESTERN
ELECTRIC / ALTEC RELATIONSHIP
August 23, 2000
- We're looking
for information on this relationship after WE's acceptance
of the consent decree that led to the formation of All
Technical Services Corporation (Altec) in 1938. We had been
under the impression that the decree forced WE to divest
both the theatre loudspeaker manufacturing and servicing
divisions. However, subsequent information shows that
Western Electric continued to manufacture theatre
loudspeakers into the 1940's. What remains unexplained is
why Altec did not avail itself of Western Electric's new
products at this time, instead of relying on the parts stock
they inherited after the divestiture. It was the depletion
of this stock that led to Altec's subsequent purchase
Lansing Manufacturing in 1941. Further, at some point in
the late 40's or early 50's, WE did stop manufacture of
theatre speakers and resold Altec products as OEM units
under their name. The details of this later arrangement
remain a mystery to us.
JBL
MYSTERY SPEAKER
September 9, 2001
- The photograph
of the speaker at right (click to enlarge) was found with a
series of publicity shots in JBL's archive at Northridge CA.
The file and photo contained no information on either what
the speaker was or the date. We can find no record of this
system in JBL's product literature. It may be a prototype
that was never manufactured, but if not, we are wondering if
anyone has seen such a system before or knows what it is. It
is obviously a three-way system with an 075 ring radiator,
an apparent HL89 and 375 and an unknown 15" driver. Our best
guess is that the system dates from around 1957 given the
vintage of the other photos in the file.
If you can enlighten us on any of these issues, drop us a
line at our
mailbox
.