Here I go again. Going forward with my Hi-Fi Console idea.
First some (very brief) history: For many years from the early 1950’s up through the mid-70’s various manufacturers; General Electric, Magnavox, Curtis Mathis, Zenith, and many others made all-in-one stereo cabinets. Usually these units resembled fine furniture. What set apart these credenzas from their solid wood counterparts was what they concealed. Underneath their lids were automatic record changers, AM/FM radios. Some hid behind faux drawer fronts reel-to-reel and 8-track cartridge tape players. Some contained color TV sets flanked with fairly large loudspeakers.
They had a warm, soothing, booming sound most people associate with tube electronics (although the newer consoles were solid state.) Credit the large, hollow cabinet space for most of the boom boom.
Inspiration for my idea comes from an article I read in Stereo Review many years ago about a woman who had such a console updated with audiophile quality components and speakers, replacing the old works while retaining the original appearance. It was like dropping a 351 cubic inch v-8 in a Ford Focus. Ever since then I have been inspired to do a similar project (both with a compact car “sleeper” and a stereo, I might add.)
The record players, amps and speakers in these vintage units were not all that special to begin with. For example, I hate record changers. They are overly complicated, mechanically. They are noisy. And changers damage vinyl records by stacking them one on top of another.
But I love the look and finish of these consoles. The furniture aspects are aesthetically appealing. Why these units fell out of favor is a mystery. Blame component rack systems and the public’s desire for portability. Whatever the case, this retro look can’t be beat. Instead of chasing an original unit I have decided to design and build my own console stereo. Here are some of my ideas:
- make it a “modular” design so components can be swapped.
- conceal the components while providing adequate ventilation and access.
- use standard 19” rack mount professional electronics: tuner, amps, CD player, etc.
- utilize heavy duty drawers to slide electronics in and out of the cabinet, especially for a turntable, due to the need for easy top access
By the time I am finished the project it will probably evolve into a custom entertainment center cabinet. Here’s to the process!
Stay tuned.
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