Altec Lansing 604 RWB Speaker + N-2000b Crossover 1946

604 (Original): Introduced in 1944/1945. The first 100 or so units featured a black and white decal, which was later changed to red, white, and blue. The serial #1822 falls right into this initial production run.

This Altec 604 RWB is a highly collectible, first-generation original Altec 604 Duplex monitor manufactured in late 1945 or early 1946. These early production units feature an Alnico V magnet structure and a cast frame, making them the foundational models for Altec's legendary and long running studio monitor line. 

This speaker appears to have never been re-coned and is in remarkable condition (especially for an 80 year old!) The Altec N-2000b crossover and speaker was bought from Crawford's Stereo in Beverly Hills. "Let Your Ears Be The Judge!"

History of the Altec 604 and Arthur Crawford: In 1941, following Altec's acquisition of the James Lansing Manufacturing Company, intensive work began on developing loudspeakers that could retain the performance of massive theater systems in a much smaller package. Arthur Crawford suggested to Altec leadership that radio stations and recording studios desperately needed a compact coaxial speaker to handle monitoring without the radiation issues of split sources. Jim Lansing took on this feedback, resulting in the famous 604.