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Looks a lot like the old Koss Model 1 electrostatic speakers.

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I still have a pair of ESS Lab Series speakers that I bought in the 70s. Really interesting design and good sound for the time (don't know how they compare today). Hooked em up a couple of months ago and they played until the bass surrounds gave up the ghost. Also have some other pieces around, Sansui AU8500, TEAC reel to reel (can't remember the model) etc
 
The surrounds can be replaced without too much trouble. Please don't put those out to pasture, they deserve to live on.
I looked around a bit on replacing the surrounds. I don't know if it is a toss up over just replacing them. Haven't been into good sound for a while. Fixing the speakers shouldn't be a biggie. I did crank up the AU8500 and it worked for a bit before it died. If I had to guess from my ancient electronics knowledge, I think I would be looking for burst caps. Who knows, need to open it up.
 
I was really lucky in that I got to work at a high-end stereo shop when I was in college. I got to listen to some of the best stuff in the world (at that time - late 70's).
@Sooner Boomer I did too. When I was working there the JBL's L100 came out. I couldn't believe my ears. :) I still have them and they still sound great! And I have never needed to fix anything on them. For my 5.1 system the serve as L & R front mains.
 
I used to have a great system years ago, and always liked listening to music on good quality sound systems. My wife likes listening to music on her mobile phone, using the tinny little speaker they have. It drive me bananas. She has had the Bee Gees Greatest Hits on loop for the past two months :( :( :(.

I offered to get her a Bose speaker system but she declined.
Good luck my friend.
 
I'm breaking the rules of the thread, I think, but since things have turned audio for a few posts, I figured I'd post something I did back in July as it is audio.

This is my work 'system'. It is a pair of DIY speakers I did with Dayton 4" full-range speakers in Walnut, a Pass Labs ACA Class-A kit amp and a chunk of wood I made to put the monitor and speakers on top of the monitor stand, painted with truck bed liner so it matches the aesthetic of cheap plastic junk that commonly occupies office desks.

I only get to listen to it after hours, so probably 20 hours a year, but I do like it. By far, not a real audiophile system, but the speakers sound decent, the amp sounds decent and when compared to every other office system in the place, it sounds like a million bucks!

I also finally got around to building 80% of a Pass Pearl Phono 2001 version (by Wayne Coburn), but ran out of a few parts and other things got in the way. I really need to finish that one out for my home system. . .

Sandy.
 

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@Sandy H. - a young wizard Papa Pass was working on speakers at ESS in the early 70's. Thus my comment above to @PatD about preserving them.
I have no intent at this point of dumping them. I have plans for a larger space that is the 20x24 garage that will become the living room. They would be great front and (split) center.
 
You are probably right with the caps. If you are lucky they might have just taken the fuses out as the capacitors reformed their oxide layer.
Well you are certainly right about fuses in the AU8500, there are several. I need to do some research. I would assume you might have some vids or forums that deal with them. That would be sweet. :)
 
If I can get the AU8500 going I could sonicly clean the disintegrating speaker covers. They are basically wedge shaped front and flat back. They are made from a VERY porous foam. Touching them they shed now, they are about 1973 vintage. I'll bet I could atomize them in 10 minutes play from some of my favorite bands.
 
I need to do some research. I would assume you might have some vids or forums that deal with them.

If you have tools to at least do basic measurements with, head over to diyAudio.com and ask for help in the solid state forum.


Here's a service manual:
 

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@Sandy H. - a young wizard Papa Pass was working on speakers at ESS in the early 70's. Thus my comment above to @PatD about preserving them.

I didn't know that Pass history, but totally agree with your recommendation. Heck, he might be able to email Mr. Pass and get a recommendation about who could/should re-surround the speakers and might even get a buddy deal for asking the question!

Oddly enough, I found out (years ago) that Wayne and I were members of a machining forum and he and I were discussing various machining topics. At one point, he posted a picture of something and I PM'd him asking 'Hey, Wayne C. . . are you Wayne Coburn? That looks like a Pass X series amp!' and sure enough he said yeah, I'm that guy. We BS'd a bit about machining and audio via PM for a few messages after that. I also had dinner and a listening session with another guy who ended up moving out West and going to work for Pass Labs, designing a pre-amp or two, I believe.

Sandy.
 
I didn't know that Pass history, but totally agree with your recommendation. Heck, he might be able to email Mr. Pass and get a recommendation about who could/should re-surround the speakers and might even get a buddy deal for asking the question!

Re:- WayneC, it's a small world, ain't it? Neat.

@PatD - I'm sure Papa Pass would be happy to make a recommendation for ESS service (if he has one) via email, he may even suggest helpful changes. He says all emails are answered eventually, but patience may be required. Look for his info on the First Watt page: https://www.firstwatt.com/, or reach out publicly in the Pass Labs forum under Amplifiers at diyAudio.com.
 
@Sooner Boomer I did too. When I was working there the JBL's L100 came out. I couldn't believe my ears. :) I still have them and they still sound great! And I have never needed to fix anything on them. For my 5.1 system the serve as L & R front mains.

A year or two after I left the hi fi shop, I managed to get a loan and buy a Pioneer receiver and a pair of HPM 100a speakers. Still have the speakers, and enjoy them almost every day. Front mains to my 6.1 system. I foolishly gave the receiver away about 5 years ago, wish I had it back.
 
Back when we threw a lot of parties my brother had a Sylvania Quad system with 4 "Shot Glass" mini column speakers.
I don't recall the exact numbers but they handled a lot of power and delivered the sound. I think they were rated at 125W each. each column had 4 x ~6" speakers with fiberglass cones and a Mid-range/tweeter horn in the center.adr

When Dark Side of the Moon was released we played the hell out of it. The song "Run" in 4-channel was awesome with the helicopter coming around behind you.
That was hot stuff back then.

I don't know how those speakers would measure-up today but they were pretty cool back in 1974.

Today, instead of rocketry I listened to Zen music for relaxation on my Moto G6 with ear buds.
They are just loud enough to overcome the constant ringing :confused:
1978. The Who. Quadrophenia. Klipsch speakers. Oh ya.....
 
Got a call at 10 telling me to come to the ICU because it's a very good possibility that my dad may pass today. He was admitted last week with severe pneumonia and only had 20% use of his lungs. Lots of tests later and he has 4 different infections and they're throwing the book at him. He was slowly getting better but last night took a turn for the worse. And really can't turn up the machines any more and he still isn't getting the air he needs. They're not sure if the breathing issues will be it or his heart. I'm headed to the hospital now.
 
Got a call at 10 telling me to come to the ICU because it's a very good possibility that my dad may pass today. He was admitted last week with severe pneumonia and only had 20% use of his lungs. Lots of tests later and he has 4 different infections and they're throwing the book at him. He was slowly getting better but last night took a turn for the worse. And really can't turn up the machines any more and he still isn't getting the air he needs. They're not sure if the breathing issues will be it or his heart. I'm headed to the hospital now.
Tough stuff. Keep the faith.
 
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