ALTEC - A5 / A7 Voice of the Theatre
A reference system for efficiency, dynamics, and presence.
The A7 Voice of the Theatre stands for controlled horn technology with high efficiency and immediate response.
Developed for professional cinema sound reinforcement, the Altec A7 Voice of the Theatre is one of the most well-known and influential horn loudspeaker systems in audio history — designed for high output levels, maximum speech intelligibility, and controlled dynamics in large theater environments.
Concept
The Altec A7 Voice of the Theatre is one of the most well-known classic horn loudspeaker systems and is still regarded today as a reference for high efficiency, dynamic capability, and controlled radiation.
It was originally developed for applications where clear reproduction, high level stability, and low distortion were essential.
From a constructional perspective, the A7 combines a horn-loaded low-frequency section with a horn-based mid/high-frequency section within a single, mechanically stable enclosure.
The low-frequency range operates through a short, front-radiating bass horn designed for efficiency and fast transient response.
Mid and high frequencies are reproduced by a compression driver with horn loading, providing controlled directivity and high intelligibility.
The system is not optimized for maximum low-frequency extension, but for precision, dynamics, and structural clarity in the lower and midrange.
These very characteristics continue to make the A7 relevant for demanding music and studio applications, as well as for large domestic spaces where dynamics and immediacy are required.
The LMH interpretation of the A7 adopts this proven design principle and translates it into a contemporary manufactory execution.
The objective is a reproducible, mechanically calm construction that preserves the characteristic sound of the original — without romanticizing or technically altering its fundamental nature.
A7 - Panzerholz Edition before finish applied
Manufacturing & materials
The A7 enclosure is consistently designed for mechanical stability and long-term operational reliability.
Large wall sections, defined horn geometries, and strategically placed internal bracing create a calm and controlled working environment for the drivers — even at elevated sound pressure levels.
In addition, critical cavities are structurally filled to effectively suppress residual structural resonances.
This measure increases structural damping, reduces micro-mechanical feedback, and stabilizes the system particularly in the lower and midrange.
Resonances are not treated retrospectively, but eliminated through construction.
LMH manufactures the enclosures using precise CNC machining from high-quality wood-based materials.
Wall thicknesses, internal structure, and material combinations are selected to keep resonances under control while preserving the direct, dynamic character of the A7 principle without coloration.
Surface finishes and wood species are defined on a project-specific basis.
For selected customers, a no-compromise version manufactured entirely from Panzerholz is also available — without regard to material usage, weight, or manufacturing effort.
Further VOTT models
LMH primarily offers the Altec A7 Voice of the Theatre.
Other historical VOTT variants can be realized on request and are evaluated on a project-specific basis.
Who is the A7 designed for?
LMH Classic Line
High-frequency horn
System Architecture
The A7 Voice of the Theatre is designed as a classic two-way horn loudspeaker system.
The low-frequency and mid/high-frequency sections are functionally distinct, each optimized for high efficiency, low distortion, and stable radiation behavior.
Low-frequency section
In the low-frequency range, a 15″ driver operates in a short, front-loaded horn configuration.
Historically, Altec drivers such as the 515 or 416 were used for this purpose. These chassis are designed for high sensitivity, controlled cone motion, and clean reproduction in the lower-midrange region.
The horn loading is not intended to extend low-frequency response, but to provide efficient acoustic coupling to the air and to reduce cone excursion within the operating range.
The result is fast, precise bass reproduction with high dynamic capability and low compression.
Mid/high-frequency section
The mid- and high-frequency range is handled by a compression driver, historically for example the Altec 802 or 806.
This configuration provides:
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high efficiency
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controlled directivity
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very high speech intelligibility
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stable imaging even at elevated sound pressure levels
The crossover frequency typically lies in the range of 500–800 Hz, depending on the horn and driver combination.
System integration
The low-frequency and high-frequency sections are mechanically and acoustically matched to form a coherent two-way system with clearly defined roles.
The A7 deliberately avoids complex multi-way architectures in favor of directness, time coherence, and mechanical simplicity.
At LMH, the specific selection of drivers and horns is carried out on a project basis, guided by historical references and contemporary application requirements.
Original components or sonically equivalent driver solutions can be implemented on request.
Design Driven by Acoustics
At LMH, design consistently follows acoustic function.
Material selection, surface treatment, and construction are not decorative elements, but integral parts of the mechanical and acoustic design.
Solid Wood – Where It Makes Sense and Remains Stable
Where it is structurally and acoustically meaningful, we also build enclosures from carefully selected solid woods.
We use only woods with proven long-term stability, defined density, and good internal damping, such as:
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Beech
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Maple
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Oak
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Ash
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Walnut
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Selected tropical hardwoods (project-dependent)
Solid wood is used deliberately – not universally – only where mass, stiffness, and resonance behavior benefit from it and where climatic influences remain controllable.
Veneer on Plywood – The Technically Preferred Solution
In many cases, veneered plywood is the acoustically and mechanically superior solution.
As a core material, we use high-quality beech or birch plywood with excellent dimensional stability and uniform resonance behavior.
This core is finished with real wood veneers in virtually any available species – chosen for visual reasons without sacrificing the structural advantages of plywood.
This construction offers:
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High long-term stability
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Low tendency to warp or crack
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Reproducible acoustic properties
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Free choice of wood appearance without structural drawbacks
At LMH, veneer is not a compromise, but a deliberately chosen high-end solution.
Stains & Wood Surfaces
Wherever possible, the natural wood structure remains visible.
We use:
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Transparent stains to emphasize the grain
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Oil and hardwax systems for open, lively surfaces
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Satin-matte lacquers with minimal film thickness
Surface finishes are defined on a project basis, matched to wood species, geometry, and acoustic targets.
Paint Finish (Optional)
Where it makes sense from a design or conceptual perspective, fully painted versions are also possible.
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Color selection in nearly all RAL shades
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Opaque or satin finishes
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Multi-layer, mechanically stable paint systems
At LMH, painted finishes are not a standard solution, but a consciously chosen alternative to wood or veneer surfaces.
Project-Specific Configuration
Every LMH product is configured on a project-specific basis.
Wood species, veneer, stain, or paint finish are integral parts of the overall design – not interchangeable accessories.
The goal is a permanently stable, mechanically quiet, and visually honest system that does justice to the respective loudspeaker or enclosure concept.
System
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Classic two-way horn loudspeaker system
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Based on the A7 principle
Low-frequency section
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1 × 15″ low-frequency driver
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Front-loaded horn configuration
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Focus on high efficiency and precise transient response
Mid/high-frequency section
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Compression driver with horn
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Controlled directivity
Operation
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Passive or active operation possible
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Very well suited for high-efficiency setups
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Compatible with tube amplifiers and low-power amplification
Applications
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Larger domestic listening rooms
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Studios
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Listening environments with a focus on dynamics, directness, and presence
Drivers & system architecture
The A7 Voice of the Theatre is designed as a classic two-way horn loudspeaker system.
The low-frequency and mid/high-frequency sections are functionally distinct, each optimized for high efficiency, low distortion, and stable radiation behavior.
