twintubdexter
Well-known member
You'd need to really, really want one badly to pay this price. For $2,200 I'd want one rebuilt and with the back panel on it. In Texas.
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Concert Grand
- Thread starter twintubdexter
- Start date
Help Support :
Twin, I have to admit I would like a really nice console to go in the main hall of the new (1886)home I'm redoing. But you are correct about the condition. I'm going to set aside some bucks in case one comes along. It would have to be completely rebuilt, the chance of finding anyone out here who would know how to fix it.
whirlcool
Well-known member
If you read between the lines the guy is telling us that the set probably needs recapping, may not work when plugged in. Plus this statement "Quite a statement piece for them and priced accordingly." means he's in it for the bucks. I predict it won't sell until he lowers the price, but about $1600.00.
twintubdexter
Well-known member
And a Fisher in my neighborhood
Sort of nice but way overpriced. At least all the knobs are there. I do like the Garrard Type A turntable. $475...$125/$150 would be reasonable.
Sort of nice but way overpriced. At least all the knobs are there. I do like the Garrard Type A turntable. $475...$125/$150 would be reasonable.
That Magnavox CG -way out of my price range-and---it needs reworking.I could do that--but for the price they are asking-the work should already be done,unit has the rear cover and set to go.Good they gave the crossover frequency--this is the same for Altec VOTTS-COOL!!!!
firedome
Well-known member
what a piece of puffery...
A Maggie CG is a nice unit but is not even CLOSE to being the best console ever: a Fisher President and Executive, and several HHScott, Pilot, Stromberg Carlson and Ampex consoles are better by FAR...at least if we are talking best sounding, and that doesn't include some custom McIntosh and Marantz and other hi-end component units that were put together and sold by top HiFi shops, often in Barzilay cabinets with Altec or Stephens speakers, that are still out there. $4-600 should buy a good CG... imo.
A Maggie CG is a nice unit but is not even CLOSE to being the best console ever: a Fisher President and Executive, and several HHScott, Pilot, Stromberg Carlson and Ampex consoles are better by FAR...at least if we are talking best sounding, and that doesn't include some custom McIntosh and Marantz and other hi-end component units that were put together and sold by top HiFi shops, often in Barzilay cabinets with Altec or Stephens speakers, that are still out there. $4-600 should buy a good CG... imo.
firedome
Well-known member
what a piece of puffery...
A Maggie CG is a nice unit but is not even CLOSE to being the best console ever: a Fisher President and Executive, and several HHScott, Pilot, Stromberg Carlson and Ampex consoles are better by FAR...at least if we are talking best sounding, and that doesn't include some custom McIntosh and Marantz and other hi-end component units that were put together and sold by top HiFi shops, often in Barzilay cabinets with Altec or Stephens speakers, that are still out there. $4-600 should buy a good CG... imo.
A Maggie CG is a nice unit but is not even CLOSE to being the best console ever: a Fisher President and Executive, and several HHScott, Pilot, Stromberg Carlson and Ampex consoles are better by FAR...at least if we are talking best sounding, and that doesn't include some custom McIntosh and Marantz and other hi-end component units that were put together and sold by top HiFi shops, often in Barzilay cabinets with Altec or Stephens speakers, that are still out there. $4-600 should buy a good CG... imo.
firedome
Well-known member
btw...
sorry for the double post.
btw: the Fisher Ambassador shown was one of their BOL consoles but would hold it's own with a CG.
sorry for the double post.
btw: the Fisher Ambassador shown was one of their BOL consoles but would hold it's own with a CG.
twintubdexter
Well-known member
There is ALWAYS something that is going to sound "better" including anything made by Fisher, Pilot, Ampex and the rest. People's preferences as well as their hearing itself differs from one individual to another. That Concert Grand is way overpriced to someone of modest means like myself but they remain fine instruments and are becoming more difficult to find every year. They are appreciated for what they are.
When I first got interested in console stereos a few years back it was not uncommon to see them advertised as free "curb pickups." Most thrift stores would not take any of them. I have no idea if sellers get what they're asking for today but I don't see many "freebees" unless it's something that's been sitting out in the back yard for years.
This Magnavox in my dining room was free. I was told to get there before the garbage truck arrived. The nice lady (she was losing her home to foreclosure) told me it belonged to her grandmother and she was grateful I rescued it. It's no TOL but I like it. I use it much more often than the Concert Grand, probably because it doesn't have 40 vacuum tubes.
When I first got interested in console stereos a few years back it was not uncommon to see them advertised as free "curb pickups." Most thrift stores would not take any of them. I have no idea if sellers get what they're asking for today but I don't see many "freebees" unless it's something that's been sitting out in the back yard for years.
This Magnavox in my dining room was free. I was told to get there before the garbage truck arrived. The nice lady (she was losing her home to foreclosure) told me it belonged to her grandmother and she was grateful I rescued it. It's no TOL but I like it. I use it much more often than the Concert Grand, probably because it doesn't have 40 vacuum tubes.
Twin, I've poked around on Google looking for someone who rebuilds console electronics but not too much luck. I agree with you that the demand may have dried up. I will keep looking.
firedome
Well-known member
there's still some reasonable stuff out there...
we've picked up 2 in the last few months, 1 free Sears Silvertone all tube console, 1 all tube Magnificent Maganvox at the Goodwill for $40. 2 weeks ago there was a similar Maggie near Ithaca about an hour away for "asking $50" that looked nice in pictures. Also being of modest means, I've never paid more than $250 for any console, including several Fishers, including the aforementioned President and Executive, 2 Pilots, &c. Be hard to find one of those for that now, no thanks to eBay, unless one got lucky, but that Ambassador above could probably be had for well less than the asking... however it's not that overpriced, it has a nice and desirable push-pull stereo 7591 tube amp that alone would bring $250+ and Garrard Type As in nice shape bring $100-150 these days.
we've picked up 2 in the last few months, 1 free Sears Silvertone all tube console, 1 all tube Magnificent Maganvox at the Goodwill for $40. 2 weeks ago there was a similar Maggie near Ithaca about an hour away for "asking $50" that looked nice in pictures. Also being of modest means, I've never paid more than $250 for any console, including several Fishers, including the aforementioned President and Executive, 2 Pilots, &c. Be hard to find one of those for that now, no thanks to eBay, unless one got lucky, but that Ambassador above could probably be had for well less than the asking... however it's not that overpriced, it has a nice and desirable push-pull stereo 7591 tube amp that alone would bring $250+ and Garrard Type As in nice shape bring $100-150 these days.
Hi-Fis-yes,don't forget Scotts,Fishers,Pilot,Ampex and some others.You usually don't see hi end ones like that set out for the trash.Folks will try to sell those.In my area(Greenville) high end consoles of any brand are surprizingly rare.There wasn't any higher end Hi-Fi dealers here-and folks weren't that interested.Glad that nice Magnavox Hi fi console was rescued from the trash.At what RL trash truck can do to pianos,jet skis,discarded fuel,water tanks,and so on we can only imagine the fate that was waiting that hi fi.
ovrphil
Well-known member
Pilot
Ugh! " At what RL trash truck can do to pianos,jet skis,discarded fuel,water tanks,and so on we can only imagine the fate that was waiting that hi fi. " I feel less for the plastic molded Mediterranean casket-looking consoles, though.
But, you guys mentioned Pilot. I rarely see these in Craigslist and I'm not familiar with the name. Maybe these were sold in the high-end audio stores, but I wasn't shopping for stereo equipment until the mid-80's and later…by then, Pilot was probably history?
I am still thinking of one that showed up a few miles from me, at just $75 and I had to pass due to a bad cold that week. Just wondering - has anyone owned or heard a Pilot stereo and how would you describe the sound quality or what would it be comparable to? Since these are so seldom seen, fewer consumers probably purchased these and what would be the incentive to buy these over , say, a Fisher, Scotts, Magnavox, and other similar quality brands?
I hate to see these consoles dis-membered, unless the cabinets are so far gone. Here's a Pilot tubed amp that was removed, I presume, and has been on CL a while (second photo below):
1958 PILOT SA-260 EL34 STEREO TUBE POWER AMP 60W HIGH FIDELITY - $1095 (GREENSBORO)
Ugh! " At what RL trash truck can do to pianos,jet skis,discarded fuel,water tanks,and so on we can only imagine the fate that was waiting that hi fi. " I feel less for the plastic molded Mediterranean casket-looking consoles, though.
But, you guys mentioned Pilot. I rarely see these in Craigslist and I'm not familiar with the name. Maybe these were sold in the high-end audio stores, but I wasn't shopping for stereo equipment until the mid-80's and later…by then, Pilot was probably history?
I am still thinking of one that showed up a few miles from me, at just $75 and I had to pass due to a bad cold that week. Just wondering - has anyone owned or heard a Pilot stereo and how would you describe the sound quality or what would it be comparable to? Since these are so seldom seen, fewer consumers probably purchased these and what would be the incentive to buy these over , say, a Fisher, Scotts, Magnavox, and other similar quality brands?
I hate to see these consoles dis-membered, unless the cabinets are so far gone. Here's a Pilot tubed amp that was removed, I presume, and has been on CL a while (second photo below):
1958 PILOT SA-260 EL34 STEREO TUBE POWER AMP 60W HIGH FIDELITY - $1095 (GREENSBORO)
firedome
Well-known member
Pilot tended to sell mostly in the NE and maybe west coast
Phil: it was started as a radio company in the '20s and was one of the oldest mfr's, before almost all of the better known names, almost as old as RCA. Very good quality, on par with Fisher/Scott/Sherwood etc. I've owned 2 Pilot consoles and 3 or 4 of the SA-232 and integrated amps, as well as several very rare PiloTone mono preamps and a SP-215 preamp. The SA-260 EL-34 amp is one of their most sought after units, never had one but wish I did. That $1100 price is not out of line in today's market. I'd bust my butt to get to buy any Pilot tube stuff... if you see one snag it!
Phil: it was started as a radio company in the '20s and was one of the oldest mfr's, before almost all of the better known names, almost as old as RCA. Very good quality, on par with Fisher/Scott/Sherwood etc. I've owned 2 Pilot consoles and 3 or 4 of the SA-232 and integrated amps, as well as several very rare PiloTone mono preamps and a SP-215 preamp. The SA-260 EL-34 amp is one of their most sought after units, never had one but wish I did. That $1100 price is not out of line in today's market. I'd bust my butt to get to buy any Pilot tube stuff... if you see one snag it!
firedome
Well-known member
btw:
Pilot did survive the Transistor Transition, at least into the mid-70s, but like almost all US electronics got bought out, I think by Emerson or some such, and disappeared soon after, RIP to a once good product and name.
Pilot did survive the Transistor Transition, at least into the mid-70s, but like almost all US electronics got bought out, I think by Emerson or some such, and disappeared soon after, RIP to a once good product and name.
ovrphil
Well-known member
Pilot history
Thank you, Roger - it's good I didn't find a tubed version, but the solid state one looked decent. I had NO idea this company was founded in the early 1900's. It's understandable, now that you put its marketing territory in perspective, why I didn't recognize the brand. I'll keep my eyes peeled for the tubed console. Surprises happen, but I'm not holding my breath.
Thank you, Roger - it's good I didn't find a tubed version, but the solid state one looked decent. I had NO idea this company was founded in the early 1900's. It's understandable, now that you put its marketing territory in perspective, why I didn't recognize the brand. I'll keep my eyes peeled for the tubed console. Surprises happen, but I'm not holding my breath.
ovrphil
Well-known member
Reply #3 - more in the area
There's a few other Fishers, to add to Reply #3, and reasonable…
1)Vintage Fisher Console Stereo - $100 (Moreno Valley) - http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/ele/5018108863.html
Ad: " Old Fisher "Metropolitan" M-399 console stereo in great condition.Has phono,stereo,am/fm,aux/tape inputs.BSR Turntable(made in U.K.)needs cleaning/service.In elegant mahogany finish.Little bit dusty.Comes with original fisher sales brochure and manual.$100....Email with contact # for fastest reply.Thanks.."
2)Console Vtg Fisher AM/FM radio cabinet w/turntable & speakers - $160 o.b.o. (long beach)- http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/fuo/5016354400.html
There's a few other Fishers, to add to Reply #3, and reasonable…
1)Vintage Fisher Console Stereo - $100 (Moreno Valley) - http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/ele/5018108863.html
Ad: " Old Fisher "Metropolitan" M-399 console stereo in great condition.Has phono,stereo,am/fm,aux/tape inputs.BSR Turntable(made in U.K.)needs cleaning/service.In elegant mahogany finish.Little bit dusty.Comes with original fisher sales brochure and manual.$100....Email with contact # for fastest reply.Thanks.."
2)Console Vtg Fisher AM/FM radio cabinet w/turntable & speakers - $160 o.b.o. (long beach)- http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/fuo/5016354400.html
norgeway
Well-known member
In my book...
The high end Motorola 3 channel is about the best sounding unit ever thought up...With a Drexel cabinet no less!
The high end Motorola 3 channel is about the best sounding unit ever thought up...With a Drexel cabinet no less!
firedome
Well-known member
Had one of those 3 channel Moto consoles once...
and it was decent, 6 x 6V6GTs for 3 discrete channels @ 8-10 watts/ch, smallish open frame output transformers, 15" bass speaker for the center channel (low frequencies are omni-directional), and 2-way mid-high speakers on each side. The problem with a lot of bass output in a console is feedback, especially to the turntable cartridge, and microphonics in pre-amp tubes, so mfr's of consoles tended to roll off bass response in consoles sharply in the below 70 Hz range.
Stromberg cleverly approached this problem with actual bookshelf-sized cabinet speakers made with wax-impregnated very heavy-duty corrugated cardboard (!) to combat cabinet resonance, and floated them on thick fiberglass insulation pads, inside the speaker compartments on each side of the console, so there was no actual direct connection to the console cabinet. Innovative, and it worked quite well.
and it was decent, 6 x 6V6GTs for 3 discrete channels @ 8-10 watts/ch, smallish open frame output transformers, 15" bass speaker for the center channel (low frequencies are omni-directional), and 2-way mid-high speakers on each side. The problem with a lot of bass output in a console is feedback, especially to the turntable cartridge, and microphonics in pre-amp tubes, so mfr's of consoles tended to roll off bass response in consoles sharply in the below 70 Hz range.
Stromberg cleverly approached this problem with actual bookshelf-sized cabinet speakers made with wax-impregnated very heavy-duty corrugated cardboard (!) to combat cabinet resonance, and floated them on thick fiberglass insulation pads, inside the speaker compartments on each side of the console, so there was no actual direct connection to the console cabinet. Innovative, and it worked quite well.
