Altec Lansing is one of the greatest names in American audio history, so it has pained me to see this once mighty brand sinking down to making mostly cheap Chinese multimedia speakers. But if it ever gets into production, this new concept from designer Nuno Teixeira could put Altec back on the cutting edge.

The Omni is a three way design with upward firing drivers intended to deliver an even 360 degree sound radiation, giving it the type of openness and huge sound stage you can't normally achieve with a conventional forward radiating design. The result is a stunning design, that looks like it might cause an International weapons scare, if US satellite imagery spotted North Korea's Kim Jong-Il setting up a pair in one of his palaces.

No word yet on pricing or availability.