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Open Baffle Epiphany!

Well, after asking the seller additional questions, I'm not buying his Vandys. They are the earliest Model II with serial # in the 7,000s, and I have some questions regarding the woofer and radiator surrounds.

I've jumped on speakers before I shouldn't have, and have a gut feel not to get these ones.

However I may sourced a set of AR 11
 
I will keep searching for another pair of the Zeniths. Poultrygeist, Do you happen to know if there are any differences in the 49cz models? I know a lot of them start with 49CZ, but end in "852" "703" "802" etc. That all seems to have the same basket design. I know there are smaller drivers with the 49CZ prefix but wasn't sure if they all are the same basic driver design.

til then, I'll be in my room with my trusty Beta12lta and helper tweeters. :music:
 
jelly_bean said:
I will keep searching for another pair of the Zeniths. Poultrygeist, Do you happen to know if there are any differences in the 49cz models? I know a lot of them start with 49CZ, but end in "852" "703" "802" etc. That all seems to have the same basket design. I know there are smaller drivers with the 49CZ prefix but wasn't sure if they all are the same basic driver design.
til then, I'll be in my room with my trusty Beta12lta and helper tweeters. :music:
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I was wondering the same thing myself. I see a lot of Zenith speakers on the bay.

hmmmmm.....my sister took my parents old solid state console, I wonder if she still has it...:idea:
 
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I've seen 4 and 8 ohm versions of the Zenith CZ49's. In fact I have one of each.
I'd rather have another 4 ohm to match up with the Magnavox 9301.
 
My Zeniths are 49CZ802 and Mr Glow has a pair which are identical to mine but are labeled 49CZ852.

I gotta believe any of the 12 inch Zenith 49CZ8** series with an alnico motor, 6 oval openings in the aluminum frame, full ribbed recessed cones and which look like these must be the same.

On mine I painted the gasket flat black but they were originally the same beige color pictured below.

zenith-49cz852-2.jpg
 
So I've found a pair of 49CZ1048. They have the same oval basket, and same ribbed cone, but the magnet on the back is round and large (much larger than the little alnico magnets). What say we? The price isn't bad, so I may buck up and be the guinea pig. Is this non alnico?


IMG_1951.JPG
 
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valvenator said:
Also similar to Audio Nirvana Alnico magnet drivers.
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I bought 'em...80 bucks... I couldn't resist. Those magnets had me intrigued. Funny enough, I looked at the Audio Nirvana AlNiCo motors a few minutes ago and it prompted me to just buy the dang Zeniths. FWIW, the owner stated they came out of a "Top of the line" tube console...

Hopefully we can confirm another 49CZ**** model holds up to the confirmed hype.

I'm praying they get here safe...Owner says he can ship stuff well. We'll see. I'm just happy to be back in the vintage full range club again. (I ADORED my 10" RCA AlNiCos that got me into OBs).
 
Looks like they'll be here on Thursday. Going to clean them up, and play them on the lesser gear for a few hours, then throw them in the H-frames. Should hopefully have some impressions on them by Saturday.
 
jelly_bean said:
Looks like they'll be here on Thursday. Going to clean them up, and play them on the lesser gear for a few hours, then throw them in the H-frames. Should hopefully have some impressions on them by Saturday.
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I'm looking forward to your impression of the Zeniths
 
Can't recall if the famous Diatones are modeled after the Zeniths or is it the other way around? Anyway the vintage Mitsubishi Diatones are world class full range drivers and highly sought after. Both drivers have similar motors and recessed ribbed cones.

P610MB.jpg
 
Mr. Glows site said the ribs on the zenith are the inspiration for the diatones.

Those drivers are beautiful. Did you find a set? There's some on the auction place that are supposedly modeled after the Diatones. They are China-fi, but seem to get great reviews. I think Mr. Glow tried a set or two of em.
 
also, after looking at the 49CZ1048, it has a ribbed cone, but does not cover the entire cone like the 852. Don't know if this will take away from the sound.

Also, the seller said that these drivers came from zenith consoles that were used on MadMen. He bought 4 of them. So that's kinda cool. They didn't use cheap stuff on that show.
 
jelly_bean said:
Mr. Glows site said the ribs on the zenith are the inspiration for the diatones.

Those drivers are beautiful. Did you find a set? There's some on the auction place that are supposedly modeled after the Diatones. They are China-fi, but seem to get great reviews. I think Mr. Glow tried a set or two of em.
Click to expand...

No I just found that image on the net. The Diatones are smaller compared to the big cone Zeniths. I've tried all different sizes and for now I'm fixated on the 12 inchers.
 
That is pretty cool! I remember the console in Don's office. It got used once on the show.

Mine are in their temporary baffles and are sounding good. I don't want to make any hurried judgements. Who knows maybe they haven't seen any use in many years. Their weight surprised me - so light! But first impression is these are a winner! Here is a pic

IMG_2769.JPG
 
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