ALTEC LANSING 418B ALNICO 15" BASS WIDE RANGE DRIVER COMPLETELY REFABRICATED AT OMR BASS GUITAR SPEAKER HIFI SPEAKER

*********SEE MY OTHER LISTINGS!!!****

Up for grabs is this completely refabricated Altec Lansing 418B bass/ extended range LOUDspeaker..

Below is a copied description of this massive woofer...

The Altec Lansing 418B is a legendary 15-inch cast-frame woofer produced during the 1960s and 1970s, widely celebrated for its role in professional audio and high-fidelity speaker systems. As a key driver in the iconic A7 "Voice of the Theatre" and other premium enclosures, the 418B helped define the sonic character of an era—particularly the punchy, warm, and dynamic "West Coast sound" favored in studios, cinemas, and live sound applications.

With its robust construction, high sensitivity, and efficient performance, the 418B remains a sought-after vintage driver among audiophiles, restorers, and professional audio enthusiasts.

It was recently overhauled/ built at PMR in Ohio with all new OEM/ AMERICAN components, so it's basically a new unit again,.

There are no after market, replacement, import or chyna junk parts in it, but only AMERICAN made parts..

...... 'Fellas, even if you don't buy from me- BUY AMERICAN!

This unit was completely dis-assembled, cleaned down to bare metal, and then repainted to look fresh again. The frame was painted white and it's original 6 digit codes were left there for reference. The can was redone with that cool looking fake textured granite looking finish, so it looks like a chunk of rock..

Then, the magnetic gap was verified with a gauss/ flux probe and measured just fine... Sooo, the rebuild process began. From the voice coil out to the front mounting gaskets, it's all new parts again...

The voice coil is a 3" diameter flat wire voice coil, and it's 8 Ohms..

A treated textile flat profile spider assembly was installed, and it has a high compliance to allow the physical movements required to reproduce those lower frequencies, and keep the free air resonance low...

COPPER Litz wires were used, which conveys the details in the signal much better than the usual industry standard pot metal gray/silver stuff does. It's .050" diameter and pure copper..

The cone assembly is a pulp composition, (#0638686) and has the correct semi curve-linear profile,. with the FLAT attach surround...

Speaking of- the surround is a nice thin, light weight accordion profile... This has been treated with the Altec dampener, which is always slightly tacky and pliable. Then- a white pin stripe dampener was applied to the inner fold of the surround in order to absorb any remaining cone edge resonance issues..

Front mounting gaskets are the usual 4/8 hole mounting pattern, and are real cork gaskets.

Then, in the center is that lip up pure aluminum dust cap. This is bonded onto the top of the voice coil former, and acts like a large dome midrange, radiating frequencies well above what the cone assembly by itself is capable of....

Hook up is the standard spring loaded bare wire terminals as original...

magnetic composition is alnico, and it's that huge " Coffee can" type, with the thick pole plates, and it comes with the bell cover as shown..

Impedance is 16 Ohms, power is 50 watts RMS.

Below is some more info that I copied from another site on this great old unit...

Production Years1960s–1970sDriver Type15-inch Woofer Frame Construction Cast Aluminum Magnet Type Alnico V Cone Material Paper with Accordion Edge SurroundImpedance16 ohms Power Handling15W–50W per channel (system-dependent)Sensitivity98–100 dB (1W/1m)Frequency Response Optimized for bass in 2-way systems (with horn)Typical Enclosure Use2-way systems, often with A7 or similar hornsWeight~18 lbs (8.2 kg)Historical Context

The Altec Lansing 418B was a cornerstone of Altec’s professional audio lineup during the golden age of analog sound. Designed for durability and high output, it was commonly deployed in movie theaters, broadcast studios, and public address systems across the United States. Its integration into the A7 Voice of the Theatre speaker system cemented its legacy, delivering powerful, clear sound in environments where reliability and sonic clarity were paramount.

The 418B’s Alnico V magnet contributed to its high efficiency and dynamic transient response—qualities that distinguished it from later ceramic-magnet designs. Its use in both commercial and high-end consumer applications made it a symbol of American audio engineering excellence during the mid-20th century.

Collectors and audio historians often cite the 418B as a defining component of the "West Coast sound"—a sonic signature characterized by forward mids, punchy bass, and lively dynamics, in contrast to the more neutral "East Coast" designs of the time.

Sound Signature

The 418B delivers a warm, energetic, and rhythmically precise low end, with excellent mid-bass articulation. Its high sensitivity allows it to perform well even with low-powered tube amplifiers, making it a favorite in vintage hi-fi setups. When paired with a suitable high-frequency horn (such as the 515C or 802), the 418B produces a balanced, immersive soundstage with a natural presence that many modern drivers struggle to replicate.

Its paper cone and accordion surround contribute to a smooth, organic tonality, while the Alnico magnet provides quick magnetic response and low distortion at moderate volumes.

Market Value and Collectability

The Altec 418B holds strong appeal in the vintage audio market:

Market Value: $150–$400 per driver, depending on condition, originality, and provenance

Collectability Rating: 8/10 — Highly desirable for restorations, A7 builds, and vintage PA projects

Demand Drivers: Use in authentic A7 replicas, studio monitor restorations, and high-efficiency speaker builds

Units with original labels, date stamps, and unmodified Alnico magnets command premium prices, especially in the audiophile and pro-audio restoration communities.

Conclusion

The Altec Lansing 418B is more than just a vintage woofer—it's a piece of audio history. Its combination of engineering excellence, sonic character, and cultural impact ensures its continued relevance in both professional and enthusiast circles. Whether you're restoring a classic A7 or building a high-efficiency vintage-inspired system, the 418B remains a benchmark in dynamic, engaging sound reproduction.

This unit has been fully tested under diagnostics and operates just peachy.

Plus- I'm confident enough that you'll LOVE this unit, that I am offering my 15 day " NO GAMBLE" return option from delivery date (((less customer damage))) if for ANY REASON you simply don't like it or you disagree with anything I just typed.

So, if you want a beautiful specimen of this classic driver for well under the 400 dollar mark of a nice one, then here ya' go!

ANY questions or concerns- just ask.

THANKS GUYS!!