The fascination of vintage hi-fi: A Look Back
Is “top class” always “top class”? Not that easy to answer. By definition, a spike is the end of something. Whether with class or without it doesn't matter, at some point, it's over. Even top wines that have been kept under ideal storage conditions will one day change their state of aggregation. Also the tip of the iceberg. Which leads me to my buddy Werner. Referring to his favorite hobby, the fascinationwithf vintage hi-fi, he claims: "What used to be good can't be bad today."
I am a big fan of 1930-60 horn-compression midrange systems. IPC compression drivers can be VERY good. I particularly like Western Electric drivers and horns and some later Japanese copies, and designs inspired by, Western Electric. In my own system I run Western Electric 713b drivers and 12025 horns. I have modern woofers, but they are old-school—twin 12” paper cone drivers with pleated surrounds and alnico magnets in an Onken cabinet. The tweeters are modern (Fostex bullet tweeter). |
There’s not much information I’ve been able to dig up. It seems the drivers themselves were made by Jensen, for sure the woofer was. I’ve been able to locate a few industry catalogs. They mostly show projectors etc.. but do show the drivers also. When I refinished the cab I left the stencil marking in the back, International Projector Co. NY. I’m now on the look out for more. My wive is thrilled. |
Interesting, @doyle3433. In my very perfunctory research the name of the company came up on the Altec Heritage site indicating that Altec made woofers for some of these- but perhaps not the only supplier. What a great find! Enjoy it. |
