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Vintage Audio (record players, hi-fi etc) Amplifiers, speakers, gramophones and other audio equipment.

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Old 22nd Jan 2022, 11:01 am   #1
Gabe001
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Default Speaker identification

I was wondering if anyone could help me find some more information about this pair of vintage speakers. There are no labels or logos anywhere apart from the tweeter that is labelled "Audax". They're 8ohm speakers and sound good to me, although I don't have much to compare them to.

Thank you
Gabriel
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Old 22nd Jan 2022, 11:09 am   #2
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Default Re: Speaker identification

Is the cabinet totally enclosed or is there a port?
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Old 22nd Jan 2022, 11:11 am   #3
Edward Huggins
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Default Re: Speaker identification

These look like EMI drive (6.5") units from the mid-1970s. The cone periphery is well treated so these should allow a good excursion in their sealed enclosures.
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Old 22nd Jan 2022, 11:15 am   #4
Gabe001
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Default Re: Speaker identification

No ports from what I can see
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Old 22nd Jan 2022, 11:18 am   #5
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Default Re: Speaker identification

The dimples on the metal plate at the rear of the low frequency speaker magnet remind me of the elliptical EMI speakers.
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Old 22nd Jan 2022, 11:29 am   #6
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Default Re: Speaker identification

I think the bass driver might be Celestion or Goodmans - the hammer green finish is typical of their 1960's and early/mid 1970's chassis.

The tweeter is Audax, who made soft dome tweeters at around the same time - although that particular one might be conventional cone. Not easy to take out and look, because it has been stapled onto the baffle.

There are images on line of Goodmans loudspeakers of that sort of era that look very similar.

Craig
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Old 22nd Jan 2022, 11:33 am   #7
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Default Re: Speaker identification

The grille isn't removable, it's stapled.

Any idea of sensitivity and power?
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Old 22nd Jan 2022, 12:12 pm   #8
Craig Sawyers
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Default Re: Speaker identification

Paper cone drive units are somewhat higher sensitivity than more modern acoustic suspension drivers. So I'd say 85-86 dB/W. I wouldn't rate them at more than 30W, so they should put out around 95-100dB max.

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Old 22nd Jan 2022, 12:46 pm   #9
Edward Huggins
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Default Re: Speaker identification

Quote:
Originally Posted by Craig Sawyers View Post
I think the bass driver might be Celestion or Goodmans - the hammer green finish is typical of their 1960's and early/mid 1970's chassis.

The tweeter is Audax, who made soft dome tweeters at around the same time - although that particular one might be conventional cone. Not easy to take out and look, because it has been stapled onto the baffle.

There are images on line of Goodmans loudspeakers of that sort of era that look very similar.

Craig
I've never seen Goodmans or Celestion speakers in a hammered paint finish. Goodmans were pale blue and Celection were in a natural bare metal. The ribbed chassis/basket pressing is also redolent of EMI. I have all the relevant EMI data sheets as I once worked there.
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Old 22nd Jan 2022, 1:29 pm   #10
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Default Re: Speaker identification

Definitely EMI. We sold hundred’s during the 60’s & 70’s. All green hammer finished and with a similar round sticker on the magnet.
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Old 22nd Jan 2022, 1:56 pm   #11
Gabe001
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Default Re: Speaker identification

Quote:
Originally Posted by Craig Sawyers View Post
Paper cone drive units are somewhat higher sensitivity than more modern acoustic suspension drivers. So I'd say 85-86 dB/W. I wouldn't rate them at more than 30W, so they should put out around 95-100dB max.

Craig
Craig, I though 85-86 was rather take for vintage speakers. Isn't 89 a bit more typical?
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Old 22nd Jan 2022, 2:44 pm   #12
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Default Re: Speaker identification

Well, since sound level meter 'apps' (can you tell this is not my world) are now available for smart phones, I guess you could measure it! You could bring it round here (Whalley Range) but while I still have some lab mics and a SLM, I don't have a calibrator - or an anechoic chamber . I suppose you could assume its electrical impedance is the nominal value, work out how many volts for a watt (2.83v into 8 ohms rings a distant bell?) and stick some noise into it. Laying it outside on its back in the middle of a large garden (I don't have one of those either) will approximate semi-anechoic conditions. And put your mic 1m from the source.
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Old 24th Jan 2022, 12:56 am   #13
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Default Re: Speaker identification

They look like KF KR-series speakers from the early to mid 70's. Built in Stockport.

Regards,
Paul
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Old 24th Jan 2022, 7:30 am   #14
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Default Re: Speaker identification

Thank you very much for all the replies. They didn't travel very far then.

This is all I've found about them. They look really expensive; not sure what one paid for speakers in the 70s!

Any idea how they compared to standard speakers of the day eg the wharfdales or tannoys? I cannot find any reviews or specs online except that the kf20 was good for about 40 watts. Not sure I will ever go anywhere near 40W though - at 3 watts my ears start to complain!
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Old 24th Jan 2022, 7:52 am   #15
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Default Re: Speaker identification

The drivers are half decent but not on a par with Kef and Celestion or Seas & Peerless but ok non the less. The crossover is very primitive - a cap.
Andy.
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Old 26th Jan 2022, 8:56 pm   #16
Gabe001
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Thanks Andy. The reply I got in my email notification from you was much more descriptive and entertaining. Angel delight not meat fondue..lol.

This is what they sound like, driven by the modified Olson which may be of interest to you. Recorded with my phone but you get the gist.

https://youtu.be/p_hVDtrPxkA
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