The Alón Model 1 is a true cult classic of 1990s high-end audio—a bold, open-baffle design from Carl Marchisotto that set out to make box speakers sound un-boxed. With its distinctive exposed tweeter and midrange floating above a sealed woofer cabinet, the Model 1 delivers a sound that’s wide, airy, and startlingly lifelike. The open-baffle upper section gives instruments and vocals a holographic sense of space, while the sealed bass chamber grounds everything with punch and precision. Efficient, dynamic, and unapologetically musical, the Alón Model 1 captures that perfect balance of warmth, speed, and transparency. It’s one of those rare speakers that makes you forget you’re listening to a system—and reminds you you’re listening to music.
- Production
- 1986-89
- Condition
- 9/10
- Serial No.
- 1-207 / 1-208
- Restoration
- All original Alon Model 1 speakers in the optional oak finish, which was an upgrade
- All original grills and cages for the open baffle mid/tweeter assembly
- Woofer surrounds were replaced by Nola Speakers working directly with Carl Marchisotto about 10 years ago. Carl started Alon (also known as Acarian Systems Ltd.)
- Factory Specs
Crossover Points/Slopes: 500 Hz; 3.5 kHz
Sensitivity (dB): 87 dB/w/meter
Impedance (norm/min): 8/4
Weight: 40 lbs.
Dimensions
38" x 9" x 13 1/4"
Number & Size of Drivers:
(1) 8" Woofer
(1) 4.5" Midrange
(1) .75" Tweeter
- Liner Notes
Carl Marchisotto: The problem that I have is when I was at Alon we made an open-baffle speaker called the Alon 1. They started out at $1,200 per pair. It was a three-way open-baffle speaker with grilles and all that goes with it. In those days you could actually make that design for a very reasonable price. Today there is no way I can touch making something like that at anywhere near that price. I would love to make a $2,000 floor standing open-baffle speaker, but it is just impossible. People don’t understand that building an open-baffle speaker is inherently more expensive than building a box speaker. A box speaker has fewer parts, which leads to lower cost production and much reduced labor costs. It is not the best way to go, but it’s much less expensive.The Alon Model 1 has an open baffle design for tweeter and midrange, the woofer is in a non-ported cabinet. Speakers can be bi-wired, and come with the factory adjustable floor spikes.
These sound amazing when set up properly, sounded awesome in my previous setup. They really come into their own when used with tube amplification (this was a direct comment from Carl Marchisotto when I was working with him to get the original woofers surrounds replaced). He was absolutely right!
The setup can be a bit tricky, but patience is a virtue. The soundstage and depth achieved once you have them dialed in is well worth it! There are several reviews and tips on the internet on how to get the most out of these gems.
- Packing
- We'll deliver this piece in its original factory box, so you can be sure it will be protected just as Alon intended.
- Shipping
- This piece ships to the contiguous United States for a flat rate of $380, which includes our packaging and our insurance. Of course, we'll ship anywhere in the world, just drop us a line and we'll give you an estimate – even if you're just curious.
- Stock No.
- 9141018656989
The Alón Model 1 is a true cult classic of 1990s high-end audio—a bold, open-baffle design from Carl Marchisotto that set out to make box speakers sound un-boxed. With its distinctive exposed tweeter and midrange floating above a sealed woofer cabinet, the Model 1 delivers a sound that’s wide, airy, and startlingly lifelike. The open-baffle upper section gives instruments and vocals a holographic sense of space, while the sealed bass chamber grounds everything with punch and precision. Efficient, dynamic, and unapologetically musical, the Alón Model 1 captures that perfect balance of warmth, speed, and transparency. It’s one of those rare speakers that makes you forget you’re listening to a system—and reminds you you’re listening to music.
