How many iterations of the 515?

[adpopulum]

Hi all,

New to the group... been lurking for awhile, but finally decided to join.

I have a burning question about the various models/iterations of the famous 515 speaker: what is the difference between the Hollywood and the non-Hollywood versions? I see the RWB label versions fetch significantly more $$ than a gold label on that auction site. From what I have been able to uncover, they seem to be the same speaker apart from the label and era.

As well, I happen to have some 515s that are stamped Hollywood on the magnet covers, but with the more common gold Altec labels. Is this a third iteration of the 515s or were they all stamped Hollywood?

Sorry, no pics or date codes at the moment but I will try to get some posted tonight when I am home from work.

David

[Altec Best]

Hi all,

New to the group... been lurking for awhile, but finally decided to join.

I have a burning question about the various models/iterations of the famous 515 speaker: what is the difference between the Hollywood and the non-Hollywood versions? I see the RWB label versions fetch significantly more $$ than a gold label on that auction site. From what I have been able to uncover, they seem to be the same speaker apart from the label and era.

As well, I happen to have some 515s that are stamped Hollywood on the magnet covers, but with the more common gold Altec labels. Is this a third iteration of the 515s or were they all stamped Hollywood?

Sorry, no pics or date codes at the moment but I will try to get some posted tonight when I am home from work.

David

Hi David, First :welcome: to the board.The RWB labels tend to fetch more money for their rarity.The Hollywood designation is just were Lansing Manuf./Altec was located at the time Vine St.Then they moved to L.A./Mckinley Ave. and then to Anaheim.I think there is like 8-9 different models of the 515 More or Less I Dunno.

I've seen a pair of Mint Con. RWB 515's sell for $4000+

BTW - Cool Avatar

[gearfreak]

You can start downloading the spec sheets, and thus counting the models here:
Literature for Vintage Altec Products
IDK if the list is 'complete'.

No particular knowledge of the RWB/Hollywood era distinction.

[bfish]

Hi David,

Scroll to the bottom of the linked page to see Jim D's old list of the 515 lineup.

altec

Why aren't the "Hollywood" labels noted? Because it just doesn't matter.

[bowtie427ss]

Hi David,

Scroll to the bottom of the linked page to see Jim D's old list of the 515 lineup.

altec

Why aren't the "Hollywood" labels noted? Because it just doesn't matter.

I assume this list was complied in the late 70's or early 80's since there's no mention of alnico 515-8LFE's or the two different 515E iterations?

[Old Guy]

I assume this list was complied in the late 70's or early 80's since there's no mention of alnico 515-8LFE's or the two different 515E iterations?

Newest date on it is 87...odd though, those 2 should be in there.