These arrived today. I knew as soon as I bought them I'd have to move them straight on as I don't have the room but I've always wanted to hear a pair. The seller has restored them, replacing the capacitors, reveneering some areas ( which you cannot tell without examining them closely) and putting better metal strips on the top and bottom of the (original) fabric.
They have a 15" woofer in a big thick plywood cabinet with slotted ports at the back - some quite modern features I thought, they're ahead of their time in some ways. The omnidirectional 8" mid range and 3" cone tweeter point upward and can be adjusted by the knobs on the back that crackle a little. I think bypassing then would improve the sound quite a bit.
While they are big they make beautiful pieces of vintage furniture. I imagine they would cost thousands if made now. In fact the original price is up there with the ESL57 and big Tannoys. The fabric is lovely original vintage with a couple of minor issues that you don't really notice, the worst is shown in a photo.
I thought they would be quite different sounding due to the upward pointing mid and treble drivers but they sound very good I could definitely live with them if I had the space. I reckon they'd sound even better with valves but I can't set up my monoblocs with the kids around to try. I found the bass a little waffly so I took the backs off and took some roughly cut black fabric off the back of the slotted ports and added some damping material to the bass chamber and they sound much better. They could still be probably tuned a bit more optimally if I was fussy and had the time but I'll leave that to the next owner.
Collection only from North London N21 near the M25, A1, A10 and A406. You'll need a big car (estate or 4x4) or a van for these!
Withdrawn while I try ebay. Update: ebay price is £295 but members can PM me for a deal
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