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Heathkit SS-1

jim t

Well-Known Member
I found a pair of Heathkit SS-1 speakers at a yard sale, one has I think a Jensen 8" woofer and the other a University C8W 8" woofer and I think the Jensen Horns. None of the Jensen's have stickers or labels. Are the Jensen Horns collectible or what woofer is better sounding? Or does it not really matter?
 
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Hey Jim,

The SS-1 was part of a system back in approximately 1957. You could start with what you have, the SS-1's. Then, if you wanted to go all out, you could add a pair of the SS-1b's. These were large, floor standing cabinets fitted with a Jensen 15" woofer and a Jensen horn super tweeter. At the time, it was actually more probable that it was a put together for a mono system. The fact that you have two is pretty darned cool.

The University woofer is something that someone replaced the original with. The system was filled entirely with Jensen drivers. You'll find that those little rigs don't dig very deep, and they don't go very high. But depending on what you're listening to, could be a very pleasant pair. I see the SS-1's come up on fleabay once in a while.

Ultimately, you'd want to find the matching Jensen woofer and replace the University. But at this point, who cares. You got the cabinets and that's what really counts!

Biggles
 
The cabinets are in great shape and look like blonde ash or maple. The front's almost look like they have tiger stripes.
 
I really like the looks of those, nice lighter wood. I had a pair of very trashed SS-1b's and I think they were maple, but I don't really know. I was able to salvage the wood grill frames, that's all I have left of the cabinets.

Great little score, congratulations!

Biggles
 
If they're like the one I had the horns will be RP-103, a decent and somewhat sought after horn.

It's the super tweeter in the SS-1b (RP-302) that Biggles mentioned that people really get excited about.
 
The Heathkits are the RP-103's, one speakers has a rectangular opening and a round one and the other has a two round openings.
 
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