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Norman Labs Model 14 bookshelf speakers and Model 15 subwoofer

R

Rhatcher

New Member
I was fortunate enough to find a consecutive serial number pair of Norman Laboratories Model 14's (with NL stands) and a paired Model 15 sub-woofer at an estate sale recently. While the 14's need re-foaming, the finishes on all the speakers and stands are great considering the 45 - 50 years of age (have not been polished/oiled in the pics; this is the exact condition as acquired).

I know that Norman Labs speakers were highly regarded back when I was in High school (I remember them in stereo stores like Sound Emporium), but I really know very little about these speakers and would greatly appreciate any information on them specifically or NL speakers generally. I would especially appreciate advice on re-foaming the speakers and any other advice on rehabilitating them. FYI, the 14's woofer/mid-range is 5 1/2" and the sub-woofer is 10". Thank you in advance for any assistance.
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Seek out correct surrounds. Speaker works in Tulsa, Dave a Dr of coneology is knowledgeable of the Norman line and might know where to get proper parts.

Some remove the circuit breakers if they cause trouble.

The speakers look like correct parts based on the one web picture I have collected. I’ll add your pics to my files when I can.
 
Thank you for the reply.

I found a guy in Houston that is highly recommended - Allen Speaker Reconing. I spoke to him yesterday. He was very knowledgeable and interesting, but mentioned that he is very close to retiring after many decades of speaker work. Based on the location, property his shop is sitting on is very likely worth more than enough for a nice retirement!

https://www.reddit.com/r/vintageaudio/comments/125nhsv/allens_speaker_reconing_houston_tx
 
Dave not only has the knowledge, he has the correct parts.. he's a very busy man, so don't expect overnite service, but he will take time to talk with you.

Bypass the resets, lots of info out there on that.. even new Littelfuse resets are questionable..

I have 2 and half pair of model 14's.. one pair has the original poly cones, the other pair, unfortunately, had some 12v 4ohm midwoofs in them.. I replaced those with some midwoofs from partsexpress.. the single is original, refoamed by Dave..

Replace the caps, I used Audyn caps..

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Dave's a good friend of mine! I have backstage access at the shop, and I get frequent flier prices. When it comes to Norman Labs, he's the one to talk to.
 
Blue Shadow said:
You need a backstage pass the shop is just packed with stuff, not enough room to change your mind, say nothing of turn around.
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One of the ways you can tell he's good at his job! Dave's listed in my caller ID as My Dealer, and, since I buy all of my Ortofon stuff from him, it's legit! It's kind of lucrative, for both of us. I bought my current TT from him, a Denon DP-1700. He knows what kind of system I have, and he trusts my input. So, I get the first MC X30 shipped to Tulsa, at a stupidly good price! He gets real-time performance feedback for his other customers. Last week, I got the first X10 that he's sold, and, after a couple of dozen album sides, he knows he can tell interested parties that it's really pretty good. And it is, the motor in the new MC X-series is truly awesome, and I don't throw that word around.
 
I was going to take the to Allen Speaker Reconing in Houston as he is highly regarded and I am in Houston several times a year. But, it sounds like Dave in Tulsa is the Norman Labs man. These speakers (cabinets, stands, etc.) are in such good condition, I really want them to be as mint as possible, So now, I am leaning towards maybe taking a trip to Tulsa.
 
Call Dave in Tulsa and discuss. He may say guy in Houston would be fine. Don’t know as the surrounds may be specific to the pose woofers and not replaceable except by someone that has exact parts. Capacitors, black with red ends that Norman used in many and shown above, swap em while you’re in there.
 
Rhatcher said:
I was going to take the to Allen Speaker Reconing in Houston as he is highly regarded and I am in Houston several times a year. But, it sounds like Dave in Tulsa is the Norman Labs man. These speakers (cabinets, stands, etc.) are in such good condition, I really want them to be as mint as possible, So now, I am leaning towards maybe taking a trip to Tulsa.
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How far is your drive?
 
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