515 to 515 b

[LOUDER]

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

[GM]

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

[LOUDER]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.]

[GM]

Yes and me for one. The trade-off is basically a 0.001 Xmax, but for speech no biggie with its high efficiency and ~300 Hz pistonic output, so basically a round flat panel from a strictly acoustical POV.