retro vintage modern hi-fi

Lowftin White Direct Coupled Radio News February 1930

2012-02-01T13:06:00.001-06:00

Gotto love thee early amp builder articles. This one buy Loftin and White The Amplifier Steps Out. I really dig the way the wiring is done. We saw an example of this in the Klipsch Museum.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Norelco presents the worlds second greatest pickup cartridge

2012-01-31T16:38:00.003-06:00

Interesting marketing from Norelco. I'm not sure they thought it through... Norelco presents the worlds second greatest pickup cartridge

Western Electric Systems 1931

2012-01-27T15:12:00.000-06:00

Here is some Western Electric propaganda from 1931.

OMG what are they flying here.....

Oh come on now that is just overkill. I only need one.. I lost count at 15.... Wow I wonder if they are still at Madison Square Garden.. Nah they probably sent them to the dump.

214 pounds of turntable. The original dj table.

Jump'n jesus on a pogo stick how many we555's can you stick on this horn....WOAH!

This is a rare treat for those of us obsessed with the WE16. Dual mount in a theater each 16 with 4 WE555's. Nice.... The Roxy was Rock'n WE style.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Retro Hi-Fi Girl Friday

2012-01-27T06:15:00.000-06:00

Dig the 8 track.

IMPROVED THREE-WAY CROSSOVER BY LARRY KLEIN April 1958

2012-01-26T12:33:00.000-06:00

Here is another Popular Electronics article from April of 1958. I really like these articles because I learn some basic along the way. The information may be a little outdated but the basic principles are the same.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

1930's DeForest 569 Mercury Vapor Rectifier

2012-01-26T09:36:00.000-06:00

I think this is more of a product announcement rather than an advertisement. The tube structure is very interesting. I'll have to keep a look out for the 569.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Garrard 301 Transcription Turntable Ad

2012-01-25T13:52:00.002-06:00

Sorry about the aging and coloration. It is interesting that the 1930's paper aged better than the 1958 paper. I'm trying to find a way to restore these by color swapping but it isn't working very well. This is another cool Garrard Advert. The only way I'll part with my 301 is from my cold dead ears!

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Amplex Loftin White Sound System

2012-01-24T09:44:00.000-06:00

Here is another old Radio News scan from the 30's. It is a cool Amplex Loftin White Sound System. I think it would be cool to build a modern take on this retro industrial design. I could see having a system rack like this in my music room with my 301 at standing height.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Old School Theater Sound

2012-01-21T23:00:00.000-06:00

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Retro Hi-Fi Girl Friday

2012-01-20T09:00:00.002-06:00

Make Your Own Pickup For Stereo Records April 1958 Popular Electronics

2012-01-19T09:11:00.001-06:00

Sorry about the address lable on the cover after many decades it won't come off. Check out this article on making your own stereo pickup.. Too cool.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Norelco Speaker Ad - Horn House For Sale

2012-01-18T14:45:00.000-06:00

I picked up almost a dozen 1950's Popular Electronics magazines last week. I finally had time to check them out. One of the first I went through had an ad I have been trying to find. It is the Horn House For Sale Norelco Ad. Check it out.... Yeah I wanna live there!!!!!!!!!!!!

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Worlds Greatest Sinner

2012-01-17T16:23:00.000-06:00

Best movie never released.... IMHO. Music by an early Zappa and Tim Carey's acting is brilliant. Most people hate it but I think it rocks.

Insurance salesman Clarence Hilliard denies the existence of any supernatural deity and proclaims himself God. Forming the Eternal Man Party, he becomes a rock and roll evangelist to gather converts to his cause, among them an elderly woman who agrees to finance his activities. He enters politics, but begins to doubt himself when his mother dies and his wife and daughter leave him. After violating a religious object he has stolen from a church, Hilliard challenges God to reveal himself. A miracle proves Hilliard's human fallibility, and he repents.

I hope it is released on DVD someday. I've only seen it once.....

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Braun Pron

2012-01-16T14:49:00.000-06:00

Superb Braun collection. I wish we encountered more of it in the US. All we get are their crappy electric razors.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Retro Hi-Fi Girl Friday

2012-01-13T08:12:00.000-06:00

Klipsch Console

2012-01-12T09:27:00.003-06:00

Klipsch is working on an extremely interesting product. A wireless music system console. It looks incredible.

http://www.hometheater.com/content/klipsch-shows-very-large-console-speaker
This prototype pic shows the possibility with the design. This is very heritage looking while using their higher end parts from the Paladium line as I understand it so far but this early information could be wrong.

More great news :)

"Interesting, the bleeding-edge Palladium and other higher-end Klipsch lines are moving their manufacturing from China back to Arkansas due to higher costs in the former. This isn't a knock against the Chinese but we can't help feeling pleased that more Klipsch speakers are going to be made in America."

I've often wondered how you could produce something cheaper than in rural Arkansas. This is great. Arkansas really needs the jobs and kudos to Klipsch for bringing them back. I wonder how much Audiovox had to do with this decision.

Thanks PMSummer for the additional info:
Hand built in Hope, Ark. where the brand was originally founded, the Klipsch Console serves as both a multifunctional 2.1 audio system and furniture centerpiece. Boasting cutting-edge design and engineering, the Klipsch console provides plug n’ play functionality for music, movies and television, in addition to its Airplay capabilities. Versatile inputs, including HDMI, optical and USB, provide numerous sound connection options no matter the preferred media source. To best produce the Klipsch sound signature, the unique system utilizes dual 90° x 60° Tractrix® Horns with 1.75-inch titanium dome, high-compression drivers featuring Linear Travel Suspension (LTS),10-inch machine-spun Cerametallic™ woofers with folded cones and huge motor structures, and 12-inch non-resonant, woven fiberglass subwoofer drivers with large, four-layer, aluminum-wound voice coils. For added impact, the Klipsch Console can also be used as a center channel and subwoofer solution for more extensive home theater setups.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

What's All This Talk About Hi-Fi? Popular Mechanics Sept 1954

2012-01-10T09:31:00.002-06:00

I just picked up a lot of Popular Mechanics and Electronics. The earliest one I have from Popular Mechanics 1954. It is strange as there are no Hi-Fi ads but there is a great cover article. I'll be posting scans from these mags over the next couple months.

I love the built in designs. I guess they bought quality gear the first time and didn't really roll through a lot of equipment.

I love these family circus style charts. Popular Electronics and Mechanics used this style often.

Why can't I find a house with LC1 built in lol..... Sorry for the watermark but its easy too see where my scans end up and there is a blog out there that just copies everything I post.

Sorry guys I was checking out the girl on the cover and missed the rest of the article but here it is..

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

How to rebuild JBL Paragon D44000

2012-01-09T19:23:00.000-06:00

Nice video of Paragon rebuild. They love the stainless. The finish they did is superb.

Excerpt from the video description.

This is the highest quality sound and most beautiful JBL PARAGON re-built by KENRICK SOUND
- Beryllium diaphragms for JBL 375
- Back covers and 075(2402) horns are made of solid stainless steel
- Center brackets and screw washers are made of solid stainless steel
- Teflon silver wires and Gold speaker terminals
- All drivers have been re-magnetized
- All capacitors in the crossovers have been replaced to new ones
- All screws are new ones
- Polyester paint finish 30 gloss level on the cabinets

Might as well post the Everest DD5500 they have posted as well..... I like the size of the horns :)

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Hippies and Horns

2012-01-09T11:02:00.000-06:00

I really dig the horn stack. When I see live bands I generally am there for the live experience not so much for the quality of sound. Now a days it seems the sound is lacking. For instance these stacks are really nice I'd love to hear them in a club. It has to be better than what I have heard lately. Perhaps I should just take matters into my own hands and open a HiFi coffee shop with a killer horns system or systems and just enough room for a small stage. Where is that bus full of money I need....

Ahhh acres of hippies and some nice horns. I dig multicells.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Retro Hi-Fi Girl Friday

2012-01-06T09:30:00.000-06:00

Western Electric 15A Horn

2012-01-05T09:29:00.001-06:00

To say I would like a Western Electric horn is a vast understatement. Finding one of these would be my holy grail. Here is one in an installation.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Warner Brothers Mobile Lansing Iconic

2012-01-04T11:34:00.000-06:00

This is the coolest Iconic I've ever seen. It is mobile and has a wonder case. The amplifier and turntable cart is superb. Wish I could find better pics. Hmmm I need to get into warner brothers and scavenge their warehouses and storage units....Wow....

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Modern Sound Projection - Radio Craft Feb 1930

2012-01-03T10:28:00.000-06:00

I picked up a stack of 1930's radio magazines not long ago. Most of it is of course radio related but there are some good tube ads and theater articles. Here is an oldie on theater sound projection.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Tripple A - Arabel, Skiller, Shamancheto, Pavel & George - Maski

2012-01-01T22:10:00.001-06:00

Not sure I would like the song without the video. Can't count how many times I've watched it today. Tripppppppppy!

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Retro Hi-Fi Girl Friday

2011-12-30T00:58:00.000-06:00

Braun Very Integrated

2011-12-30T00:44:00.002-06:00

Leben mit High Fidelity.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

In The Rubble

2011-12-29T09:41:00.000-06:00

This pic is from a theater in the north that in the glory days must have been amazing. If you look in the rubble you can see several LF cabinets. I'll never pass another decrepit theater without wanting to break in. I imagine the hf sections are just laying in the rubble decaying even further. There is also an amazing organ back there as well...... Sigh....

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Bell Has It

2011-12-27T22:50:00.000-06:00

I don't see Bell hi-fi gear very often but I love the 50's design. I'm a sucker for the MCM look. Guess I have something else to put on my ebay saved search. My ebay saved searches are a little out of control....

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Happy Holiday via Terry Gilliam circa 1968

2011-12-23T23:27:00.001-06:00

I'm not much of a holiday person but here is a xmas card from one of my fave pythons Terry Gilliam.

Retro Hi-Fi Girl Friday

2011-12-23T09:51:00.000-06:00

Oh yeah! It looks like the stereo is getting her excited. Just don't tell her that she needs a stereo cartridge and records....

Early Klipsch Brochure - Klipschorn Cornwall Shorthorn K-Ortho

2011-12-22T11:01:00.001-06:00

I think this is from the late 50's or early 60's. There is no date but given the speakers included it is very interesting from the Klipschorn to the Shorthorn.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Audax KT-12

2011-12-21T15:53:00.000-06:00

Check out this minty mono Audax KT-12 tonearm which sold $14.95 back in the good ole days. I think I need one of these to go with a mono Klipschorn system. I think I have a room or two left that still need a system.

Beautiful!!!!

Elgin Talkies Theater

2011-12-20T12:06:00.000-06:00

This is amazing. This theater is put back into action after being dormant for over 100 years. Amazing. Nice facade on the Bangalore theater the Elgin Talkies

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

1925 Western Electric Ad

2011-12-18T14:52:00.000-06:00

A 1925 Western Electric ad from Australia. I didn't realize they sold systems international. Just think you could find WE anywhere!

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

What ever happened to Doo Rag ? Bob Log III?

2011-12-16T15:20:00.003-06:00

There was a band in the 90's my friends and I used to go see called Doo Rag. They were awesome. They would bang on piece's of tin scrape washboards make crazy sounds and generally freak the hell out. They were noisy and cacaphonic. I miss them. Well I was looking them up today and found this kick ass piece by Bob Log III. This is what he they evolved into. Sometimes I get tired of the smooth clean sounds and want to hear some manic heavy grit music. I know this will annoy some but I dig it. The albums are much cleaner sounding than the live cuts and very interesting.

My main question is that if this is Bob Log III what has happened to the Bob Log's that preceded him?

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Retro Hi-Fi Girl Friday

2011-12-16T00:16:00.000-06:00

Horns Of Unusual Size

2011-12-15T10:41:00.001-06:00

What are these horns? I like the size. They would fit in my living room but barely. Hopefully a PA horn expert will chime in but what are these things?

Thank you Tubes+More.

Hi there,
those horns were made by FÖÖN in Germany in the mid 70s. The bass horn named "Hypex Trichter" was dismountable. The manufacturer is still active . . . take a look at http://www.foeoen.de

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

What Would Sun Ra Do ?

2011-12-13T13:40:00.002-06:00

Have you seen the movie Space Is The Place? If not add it to the list. I think one of my dream concerts would be Sun Ra and Blow Fly separate shows followed by a Jam session..... Does that sound cool or do I need to work on quelling those voices in my head?

Here is some footage of Sun Ra in Helsinki 1971.

This is very cool thanks Martin!!!!
I hate commentary about artist for instance Sun Ra ain't no mumbo jumbo but killer footage. I've got to buy this documentary...

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Dynakit MKII

2011-12-12T18:11:00.000-06:00

Dynaco MK's were among the first tube amps I heard. The modified MK's were rather fun and the rebuild they did on them looked great. I'm not sure what I would think of them today but I have fond memories of them.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Retro Hi-Fi Girl Friday

2011-12-09T09:18:00.001-06:00

I bet she is thinking gee why does me record sound weird.... Oh don't mind the album cover touching the tonearm..... WOMEN!

Tube Porn

2011-12-08T13:47:00.002-06:00

Woah! Careful with those fingers.

Altec VOTH Car Stereo

2011-12-07T09:08:00.000-06:00

Hell yes! This is my idea of a car stereo but you definitely have to beef up that suspension system.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Racon Electric or Western Electric Horn

2011-12-06T09:03:00.000-06:00

Here is another interesting horn ad from 1931. This one is from Racon but still looks like a WE horn. My guess is that hey are resellers. I wish the ad was bigger I had to scan at a higher resolution.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Fox Ram's Horn AKA Western Electric 16A

2011-12-05T09:51:00.002-06:00

I picked up a small stack of Radio News magazines from 1930 and 1931. Needless to see I was excited to see the WE16A even though it was being advertised as the FOX Ram's Horn. Perhaps better marketing name than the 16A but I've never seen it sold by anyone else. Very cool.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Eimac Baby

2011-12-04T20:23:00.001-06:00

Wow now that is a beastie. They really wore out that phrase in advertising back in the day.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Retro Hi-Fi Girl Friday

2011-12-02T09:33:00.000-06:00

Ok finally back from the Bahamas. It is good to float around in the sea soak up the sun and only think about what sea critters you are going to ingest for dinner.

Bob Carver Interview By Scott Wilkinson

2011-12-02T09:23:00.001-06:00

Interesting youtube interview of Bob Carver by Soctt Wilkinson of Home Theater Geeks.

It is good to hear that Bob Carver is leveraging Krell technology and no not that Krell.:)

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Bahamian Hi-Fi

2011-11-29T05:27:00.000-06:00

This has been my HiFi for the week. This appears to be a kenwood abused by the sea air.

What we have here is a mini blastomatic.

My personal favorite sub woofer installed under the sink.

However the best listening position I could hope for. The sweet spot is every bar stool.

Back to regular posting on Thursday.

Rodrigues Toon

2011-11-22T00:11:00.000-06:00

I need one of these turntable lasers. It has been a while since I posted a toon so here ya go. I wonder if there is a Rodrigues book out yet.

This may be my last post for the month I'm heading for the Bahamas.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Googlee Eye HiFi Alien

2011-11-20T23:27:00.001-06:00

Late night session.... It got a little out of control. Not sure about the wide eyed alien looking guy he showed up later in the evening. I'll have to check out the shrooms in the dinner salads.

Since I'm going to be out of town for a while we thought we would get some quality listening in. Weird night.....

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Sound Practices OMFG

2011-11-19T12:35:00.001-06:00

I'm sure Jeffrey and Joe saw this coming but OMG I can't believe it took me so long to get Sound Practices magazine. If you are interested in the things I post here than Sound Practices is a must. The 16 issues are available on ebay for the low price of $29.00. I got a copy yesterday and I have been reading ever since. My eyes are soar and my butt hurts from not moving off the couch while reading these articles.

I am glad that I only now have come across Sound Practices as it would have influenced my posting. There are things I wouldn't have bothered with as Sound Practices has been there and done that already. The truth is I seem about 10-15 years behind the times. Oh well it seems I have some catching up to do :)

Thank you Joe.

Ebay link to Sound Practices ---> Ebay Store Just buy it.

Retro Hi-Fi Girl Friday

2011-11-18T12:49:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the delay but I'm trying to get away to the Bahamas for some overdue R&R. Next week postings will be sparse.

Thoradson Quality Amplifiers

2011-11-16T17:47:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure what year this was but 2A3 6L6 and 6F6 tubes are the flavor of the day. The price list is great....If only...

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Radio Hat

2011-11-14T19:45:00.000-06:00

This hat could be dangerous in a rain storm. Zzzzap :)

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Winding Man Horn

2011-11-12T13:16:00.000-06:00

I saw this diy horn over on the DIY Audio forums. The builder is Winder Man. The horn is very cool.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Retro Hi-Fi Girl Friday

2011-11-11T01:05:00.002-06:00

This is why all those old records are so scratchy......

Cool just noticed we finally hit 200,000 visitors and 525,000 page views.

Susumu Sakuma

2011-11-09T22:50:00.000-06:00

Susumu Sakuma was hot rodding idler drives while they were still getting tossed in dumpsters or selling for cheap in the US and UK. He was building with triodes before it was hip. It would be a hell of a pilgrimage to travel to his restaurant or coffee house in Japan.

The restaurant is very unassuming. You would never guess how much audio gear is stuffed into this space as well as a working restaurant. I really like the HiFi cafe concept. I'd love to do that here.

The video is in Japanese but the footage is very cool. It is worth watching check it out.

Direct Heating website click here.

Eimac Tube Fetish Club

2011-11-08T15:46:00.001-06:00

You gotta love the large glowing Eimac tubes. Here are some 30's and 40's ads for the Eimac 150 tube. I could not find a good pic of one fired up so if you have one send it too me. Tube porn should not be so hard to find. I understand the president of the Eimac Tube Fetish Club resides in Memphis and has been known to do perverse things with these tubes in circuits ;)

Thanks Dave for sending the link. Now here is the money shot. Beautiful.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Altec High Fidelity Home Music Systems

2011-11-07T08:37:00.001-06:00

Altec Lansing in the home brochure. There are several speakers here I have been drooling over for years.

I know the 50's and 60's weren't perfect but I love girls in dresses....Sigh......

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Retro Hi-Fi Girl Friday

2011-11-04T00:06:00.000-05:00

Altec Lansing News

2011-11-03T10:41:00.000-05:00

This is a really cool early Altec Lansing ad. I wish I could still receive the color brochure.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Really Old School DJ

2011-11-02T09:16:00.001-05:00

Two wait make that a three turntable console. Just look at those shiny clean 78's and those 16" records. I have some really clean 78s but not very many. They sound incredible.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Because Its Sunday Tom Waits Chocolate Jesus LIVE

2011-10-30T13:07:00.001-05:00

Tom Waits is bad ass. His band is incredible. Mule Variations was an instant classic. I've gotta see Tom next time he tours and with a new album out hopefully be soon.

“We are buried beneath the weight of information, which is being confused with knowledge; quantity is being confused with abundance and wealth with happiness.
We are monkeys with money and guns.”

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

1981 Heresy I Score

2011-10-29T14:41:00.005-05:00

I walked into a vintage store today and spotted these little bookshelf speakers. Heresy Oak Lacquer. This is great since I needed them for my make shift shop. The price was decent.

I've been running them all day with my Luxman KMQ60 and an Intact Audio autoformer volume control. I love the combination. It sounds great.

Thanks PMSummer perhaps they are Heresy I's. I took the back off and took some more pics. The serial is 122W031. The sticker has a date of 1980.

The crossover look allot better in Heresy and Cornwalls than they do in La Scala Belle or Khorns since they are not opened in the back. All nice and shiny. I like shiny.

Retro Hi-Fi Girl Friday

2011-10-28T09:34:00.002-05:00

Braun Portable Record Player and Radio

2011-10-27T20:17:00.000-05:00

Braun design is simple and sleek. I love it. I've never seen Braun in the southern US but I keep an eye out just in case. This combo record player and radio is so cool.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Glory Days Of HiFi

2011-10-26T20:25:00.000-05:00

Just a guy and his gal putting together an EV speaker kit. Yeah I'm jealous and those curtains are so cool.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Hi Fi Year Book 1959 Quad for the closest approach to the original sound

2011-10-26T13:02:00.000-05:00

The 1959 Hi Fi YEAR BOOK seems to be limited to Quad stereo. I would love to have this vintage system. The Quad II's were the first tube amps I ever heard.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Leak Ads 1955 1951 1949

2011-10-25T08:48:00.000-05:00

I bet the guys designing these didn't think people would be drooling over them 60 years later. It is a shame this were hidden away in cabinets. There are a few examples in the Klipsch museum which reportedly came from an early UK Klipsch dealer.

Groovy arm with Ruby stylus.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Secret Stash Records Vis-A-Vis Reissue Obo Agye Me Dofo #166

2011-10-21T11:43:00.000-05:00

I just received this killer reissue from Secret Stash Records. I preordered two copies because the first 250 come with a 45. My friend should get his copy tonight. They really do it right and it is obvious that they take great pride in their product. It also includes a coupon for a digital download of the album. Very nice.

I've never bought a record with a wax seal so that is a nice touch.

The bonus 45 is definitely high quality.

The wax seal is too cool. I can't break it.

Ok so I couldn't bring my self to break the seal or rip the label. Since I work for a bunch of doctors I snagged a scalpel and slit the plastic cover down the side leaving all the cool marketing information intact.

Oh man I LOVE new virgin vinyl. Too freaking cooooool man.

Why I dig Secret Stash Records check out this Vis-A-Vis remaster sneak peak on you tube.

Thank you Secret Stash Records for the great product and music. I think Persian Funk is next on my list. As my good friend would say "IT ROCKS THE FUCK"

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Retro Hi-Fi Girl Friday

2011-10-21T00:02:00.000-05:00

Technolust Nagra Reel To Reel

2011-10-20T11:12:00.000-05:00

This is a beautiful piece of technology. I wants the precious. Wow!

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Dragons Mouth Bass Horn

2011-10-19T23:09:00.000-05:00

These were posted on the Klipsch forun a few years ago. I love the size and the name. Would love to know more about them but these pics are all that is available. I did several searches with no more info. Gotta love large bass horns...

Yeah! Horns you need a crane to move HELL YES!

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Pye Hi-Fi Black Box Record Changer 1955

2011-10-18T22:06:00.000-05:00

If only they knew the negative connotations associated with the term black box.

Gotta love the pipe. Praise Bob!

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Ampex A423 Console

2011-10-18T09:24:00.000-05:00

One of the first if not the first stereo consoles. I've been working on the console I have. Does anyone know of a good RTR repair shop?

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Heathkit Speaker Ad

2011-10-16T11:39:00.000-05:00

We're building a Heathkit. he

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Retro Hi-Fi Girl Friday

2011-10-14T08:52:00.002-05:00

Oh the horror!

Wallensak

2011-10-12T22:51:00.000-05:00

Yeah Wallensak but you have to say it with a German accent. Looks like the 60's. I wish they still made gear like this.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

MOONDOG MOONDOG MOONDOG MOONGOD MOONGOD MOONGOD

2011-10-11T20:04:00.000-05:00

I've been listening to alot of Moondog lately. On one side I think it is sad it took me so long to hear him but on the other hand it is great to have recently heard him and dove headfirst into his music. Thank you Moondog.

This is one of my favorite recent aquisitions. To quote my friend Sterno Moondog "rocks the fuck".

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

How Stereo Works?

2011-10-10T10:21:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of HH Scott. I really like the early graphics explaining hi-fi to the masses. I'm going to start posting examples from early hi-fi records. There are probably some pretty good tshirt designs in those 50's graphics.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Retro Hi-Fi Girl Friday

2011-10-07T09:40:00.000-05:00

RCA Logo Axis T'Shirts

2011-10-07T09:23:00.003-05:00

I found this t'shirt on eBay while I was looking for something RCA related. It was only $9.99 so I ordered one. It is good quality and plenty of sizes to choose from. Anyway great seller great t'shirts.

Axis t'shirts ebay store. Click here.

They also carry a wide selection of other designs. I asked the seller if he had thought about a Western Electric t'shirt and mentioned he just might do it. There are some cool WE logos out there. After looking at the ebay store it could really use a vintage audio section... hint :)

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Vitavox Western Electric Style Horn ?

2011-10-05T08:57:00.002-05:00

This horn was on eBay a couple of times. If I remember right it was in Europe but I can't remember who made it. The horn is obviously in the style of Western Electric but built one of the European horn makers like Vitavox, BTH, or Klangfilm. I'd love to have a couple of these hanging in my house. Oh man that would be cool. Thanks for the clarification Jeffery.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Ampex Mid Century Modern Console Score

2011-10-04T10:53:00.001-05:00

I collect mid century modern furniture as well as stereo gear so this fits right in. It is an Ampex A423 console. I think it dates to the mid 50's. It makes some sound but not much. The goal will be to make it sound ok and be functional. The turntable is a Garrard RC33 which is a bummer but maybe I'll find something else to go in there like a 4HF. The console will likely go in a spare bedroom. I'm just glad it didn't go to the dump.

The RTR doesn't work so I'll try to lube it and replace belts if that doesn't work I'll start looking for one on ebay. It isn't high end so it should cost too much. If something else would fit I'd use a different RTR but that seems to be more trouble than its worth.

The speakers are interesting. They are some form JBL D260 or D216 or some predecessor to the LE8. These are the only drivers in the console. They are pretty heavy for 8 inchers. The mids sound surprisingly nice but not much HF. A period JBL tweeter might make it sound pretty good.

I was hoping for better amps but they came with a pair of 6V6 monoblocks. I'm sure they are ok for these speakers. They actually work pretty well right now.

It is a tight fit in there. The hard part will be getting everything out for a check up. It looks like the tuner and preamp are on the same piece. This appears to be the preamp for the RTR so it is separate. That is a guess we will see when I get in there.

The Ampex badge designates it as the A423.

The console came out of an old money 1950's mid century modern home. I doubt the console has moved since mid 50's. The funny things is that I drove right past 311 Main St to get it to my house :). Now that location is a Jazz Club which I'll have to check out soon.

The condition is pretty good the wood is solid and the thing must weigh around 250lbs. It was heavy. Not sure what the grain is but it is pretty.

Anyhow not bad for $40.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Radio Of Unusual Size

2011-10-03T16:06:00.000-05:00

Either that radio is really big or those girls are really small.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Retro Hi-Fi Girl Friday

2011-09-30T08:53:00.000-05:00

Broadway Jungle or Dog Ska War or School Days

2011-09-30T01:59:00.000-05:00

This may be my favorite song from the Islands. The song has crawled inside my head and it won't leave. When I first heard this song I was stunned. I can't count the number of times I've heard it and it still doesn't sound old. Then I realized there were other versions but they don't come close to the original. It was produced by the legendary Prince Buster and performed by the Maytals. The song Dog Ska War is a hyper manic ganjaic romp of ska ecstasy. In the immortal words of my friend Sterno "it rocks the fuck".

Excerpt from an online song review. Interesting history about the song.
If any one song can be said to have captured on vinyl the true exhilaration of the Maytals, this was it. "Broadway Jungle" -- or "Dog War" as it was also known -- absolutely sizzles with excitement. From the opening piano intro to its final yip, the song never lets up. The solid ska beat sets the pace, buttressed by the rest of the band; superb brass solos float in and out, and through it all comes an exuberant chimp-like yipping that can barely be contained. In this jungle setting, Toots Hibbert sets up his revival tent and leads the chorus of Jerry Matthias and Henry "Raleigh" Gordon in a reassuring dance for joy. The group may be lost in the jungle, but that's no reason not to celebrate. The single was cut for Prince Buster in early 1964 and would quickly appear in British shops as well. Unbeknownst to the trio at the time, many of their records were being leased across the Atlantic, where they were credited to the Flames or the Vikings. The labels only became aware of these subterfuges after Buster leased the song to the Island label as the Vikings' "Broadway Jungle," then subsequently leased it to Blue Beat as the Maytals' "Dog War." The Maytals themselves did not become aware of this disreputable situation for a few more years. Under either title, the single remains a masterpiece; it's one of the group's greatest songs, as well as one of the Prince's most memorable productions.

Original recording Maytals Dog Ska War. This was the best I could find but poster disabled embed option.

Click here to hear the original Dog Ska War. This is incredible.

Slow Skank Version 1976

Toots and The Maytals 2000 version
Sorry for the add but worth the wait.

Dog War (Broadway Jungle or Jamaica Dog SkaWar or School Days)
1964 Single

Skaba-liba-lay (down)
Ska-day (down)
One last stop in the jungle
We leave for the first time
We were tied in the jungle
At the hands of a man
We're all in the jungle
Couldn't find a way
So Come on the jungle
Man to man
When we really don't know this jungle
Which way to jump and dance
Hey hey, ha ha ha ha hey
Oh baby lay (down)
Jump in the line
Rock your body in time
Everything is alright
We're going to Broadway
Very first time
We're out of the jungle
Everything is alright
Skaba-liba-lay (down)
Ska-day (down)
We're out of the jungle
We're going to Broadway
Come on boys
Come on girls
Let's jump in the line
Rock your body in time
Everything is alright
Let's go to Broadway
Come up
Everything is alright
We're really gonna stay in the jungle
Skaba-liba-lay (down)
Ska-day (down)
Skaba-liba-lay (down)
Ska-day (down)
Ha ha ha ha hey hey hey ha ha ha
Come on, come on, come on, everything's in line
Everything is alright
Don't have no scars
Don't get no scrapes
Everything is alright
We're out of the jungle
Everything is alright
Ska-liba-liba-lay (down)
Ska-day (down)
Come on boy
Come on girl
Just jump in the line
Rock your body in time
Let's got to Broadway
etc.

Yes I know I'm a little obsessed.

Western Electric 755A 756A Ads

2011-09-29T23:46:00.001-05:00

A friend found a 755 in a small office speaker enclosure for an old intercom system.. What a find!

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Horns Of Unusual Size

2011-09-26T09:47:00.000-05:00

This is great. I want one of these in my back yard. Anyone feel like building on out of concrete? When the cars drive by my house shaking it with their mobile sub woofers I could fire this back at them. My favorite are the cars that sound rattled apart.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Two tons and what do you get?

2011-09-25T21:54:00.001-05:00

A giant rell to reel. This one is in the UK. I wonder if it is still going and how many hours it could play without flipping the t

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Retro Hi-Fi Girl Friday

2011-09-23T15:10:00.001-05:00

Now I know why are all those records at thrift stores so scratched up....

Herald Radio Horn

2011-09-22T21:21:00.000-05:00

Not as cool as the Callophone horn I posted a while back but some of these early radio horns are really nice. I'm looking for one for a little project but keep finding these little high priced beauties.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

John Lennon

2011-09-22T18:59:00.001-05:00

"I think the basic thing nobody asks is why do people takes drugs of any sort? And that question has to be resolved before you can think, well, what can we do for the poor drug addict? Why do we have to have these accessories to normal living to live? I mean, is there something wrong with society that's making us so pressurized, that we cannot live without guarding ourselves against it?" - John Lennon

Tannoy Brochure From The 70's

2011-09-21T09:14:00.001-05:00

Can't say I like many speaker designs from the 70's but at least these would have those Tannoy dual concentric drivers. Yummmmmmm.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Klangfilm Europa Junior

2011-09-19T13:52:00.000-05:00

Very cool German Klangfilm brochure. I can remember enough German to just barely get by.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Tesla

2011-09-17T12:08:00.000-05:00

Awesome vintage graphic design. This would be a cool tshirt. Oh course anytime I can put the name tesla in the title is cool.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

Retro Hi-Fi Girl Friday

2011-09-16T08:47:00.000-05:00

Gamper Martino Designs

2011-09-14T12:13:00.000-05:00

This designer seems corner obsessed. He designs lots of items from bookshelves to lights to speakers. I found his corner speakers very interesting. Check it out.

http://www.gampermartino.com/projects/corners/page/2/

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

RCA 15" Duo-Cone Speaker Ad

2011-09-13T18:12:00.000-05:00

I think this is the last bit of information I have on the RCA 15" Duo-Cone.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com

The Office Of PWK Hope, AR

2011-09-12T22:47:00.000-05:00

On one of my visits to Klipsch HQ in Hope, AR the office of PWK was open. A friend showed me in and I couldn't say no. This is one of the biggest posts for this site because I wasn't smart enough to put it in video mode. Anyway check out the office of PWK. This is obviously not how his office really was as that was reportedly cluttered but some of his items remain.

PWK preferred his own recordings compared to those store bought. Check out how many tapes there are and I am sure this is a small portion of his collection.

This is one I would like to hear the 1973 Ozark Mountain Bluegrass Festival. My friends dad helped with the founding of this festival.

Here we have PWK's Brook preamp and 2a3 amplifier. PWK reportedly kept this running up to spec throughout the years. It is in pristine condition.

Clearly a man of good taste a nice RCA driver.

Also a JBL 375 driver.

A cool vintage Stephens tweeter.

I've always wanted to build and try one of these. This takes two channels creates a third channel. A friend of mine is going to use this on his 1950's 3 channel shorthorn project.

This looks like a 1950's Klipschorn crossover on a chunk of lumber.

This appears to be a study for the anchoic chamber which was built in the late 70's.

Interesting items on the desk of PWK. I'm not gonna lie I have no idea what this stuff is.

A mini Klipsch study. It appears to be a model C.

The K-500 I was used in one of my favorite speakers of all time the Belle circa 1969.

A generous letter from some horn builder namesd Bruce Edgar.

At one point in the 50's PWK started the Klipsch tape project. I really like the detailed description he has added about the recordings. I've never seen one outside of Klipsch.

Where Klipsch was started a tin shack.

Klipsch through the years 1946 - 1952.

No sure what is going on here apparently some cast off projects.

This post originated at retro vintage modern hi-fi http://itishifi.blogspot.com