515 to 515 b

**LOUDER** · September 21st, 2022, 07:55 PM

Does anybody know when Altec changed from 515 "A" to the B ? Can't find any info.

GM · September 22nd, 2022, 02:03 AM

The late Bill Eckle's chart lists 1955 with no 'A' listed: Bill Eckle's Altec page_intro

**LOUDER** · September 23rd, 2022, 03:54 PM

Thanks GM, I don't know why I didn't think of the Eckle site. Brain fart !!!!

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And I have one of each, A,B, and C. I'll have to hook them up this winter and hear the difference myself.

GM · September 24th, 2022, 04:26 AM

Please let us know as I've never seen/auditioned a 515a unless it was in a behind screen theater as even my May '55 are Bs and my high school's single original A5/515 I much preferred for HIFI.

**Old Guy** · September 24th, 2022, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by LOUDER

Thanks GM, I don't know why I didn't think of the Eckle site. Brain **** !!!!

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And I have one of each, A,B, and C. I'll have to hook them up this winter and hear the difference myself.

I've never seen a 515A

**magnarc** · September 24th, 2022, 09:00 PM

To the best of my knowledge from photos I have saved, the 515 with the Red White Blue label came first - the magnet rear stamped Altec Lansing Hollywood, and a grey wrinkle finish on the standard 15" Altec basket. These have lower serial numbers, up to about 3500.
Then came the same basket and backstamp, just with a 515 label that was gold. Serials from about 5000 to 9000.

I've never seen a label that says 515A.

The B then came out as others have said c1955 with a smooth finish to the basket.

**LOUDER** · September 26th, 2022, 06:40 PM

Sorry everybody !!!!! I have a 515, not a 515 "A". Hence my quotations in my first thread. It has the Altec Lansing cast or stamped on the rear of the magnet assembly and has a gold label. Can't see the serial number because of poor lighting and bad eyes. Will post later. [With new glasses and a l.e.d.]

**Alien_Shore** · September 29th, 2022, 10:32 PM

515 spec, "this husky speaker..."

**polinkuer12** · October 19th, 2023, 10:48 PM

Originally Posted by LOUDER

Sorry everybody !!!!! I have a 515, not a 515 "A". Hence my quotations in my first thread. It has the Altec Lansing cast or stamped on the rear of the magnet assembly and has a gold label. Can't see the serial number because of poor lighting and bad eyes. Will post later. [With new glasses and a l.e.d.]

I really hope you've found a method that helps! I would love to refer to it!