question about vintage toshiba ss-51

[cheerfulpimp]

I purchased a set of 1968 toshiba ss-51. They are supposed to be 100db. I have been a/b these speakers with a pair of klipsch kg4 with a sensitivity of 94 db. The klipsch are quite a bit louder. Can anyone explain why? I opened up the toshibas and they are completely original/unmolested.
thanks

 

[A400]

Perhaps the other parameters differ, the dB is only part of sensitivity measurement. You also need to know measurement distance and input power or voltage and impedance (common parameters are 1m and 1W).

 

[cheerfulpimp]

You are correct. The Klipsch is 94db (1m and 1w) and the Toshiba is (50cm and 1 w)
How do I convert the equation?

 

[greenmonster]

A lot of speaker manufactures stretched the truth a bit when it came to the sensitivity. Especially back in the 60's and 70's.

I have some Sansui's that are the same way. I think they say they are in the upper 90's but they aren't any where near that sensitive.

 

[cheerfulpimp]

The speakers also are rated at 60 watt max

 

[mjw21a]

Converted I believe they're abut 91 or 92db @ 1m. I've recently been looking into that myself as I've sourced a pair of Toshiba SS41 speakers. They'll be quite a bit less efficient than the 97db Oatlon W2-1000F (Klipsch KP5.5) speakers they're likely to replace.

 

[tattoos]

I purchased a set of 1968 toshiba ss-51. They are supposed to be 100db. I have been a/b these speakers with a pair of klipsch kg4 with a sensitivity of 94 db. The klipsch are quite a bit louder. Can anyone explain why? I opened up the toshibas and they are completely original/unmolested.
thanks

As far as I'm aware, the Toshiba SS-40 and SS-50 were released in 1969, the SS-41 and SS-51 I believe were released around 1970/1972.
The Onkyo E-83A and E-154A (which later became the Toshiba SS-41 and SS-51) were released in 1968.

You're right, the dB measurement was done at half a meter, I'm not sure whether the curve is exponential or whether halving the distance is equal to doubling the loudness so a 3dB boost. I had mine measured after getting a dust cap dent repaired and they measured at 91.5 @ 1 meter. I had the caps in the crossovers replaced not long after that and they sounded so much nicer, more balanced, effortless. I didn't get them re-measured after that though, so I'm not sure if the dB increased at all.

Anyway, congrats on finding a rare and great sounding set of speakers. I've had mine for over 20 years and they still impress. Mine are due for another recap soon. I hope you got yours done.

I've recently been looking into that myself as I've sourced a pair of Toshiba SS41 speakers

Nice going. they are also really rare, I don't think I've ever seen anyone mention a set but I know they exist because Toshiba in Japan sent me some info on them and the SS-51's.
Did you find them in Brisbane? I'm actually located in Brisvegas as well, but got my SS-51's from New Zealand. I've always been on the hunt for another set (40, 41, 50 or 51) but have had no luck.

 

[Akustic]

I purchased a set of 1968 toshiba ss-51. They are supposed to be 100db. I have been a/b these speakers with a pair of klipsch kg4 with a sensitivity of 94 db. The klipsch are quite a bit louder. Can anyone explain why? I opened up the toshibas and they are completely original/unmolested.
thanks

The Japanese speaker manufacturers seemed to be in a Sensitivity rating war in the 70's ..
It got to a point where the manufacturer's ratings didn't resemble what independent labs or industry magazines were measuring ..
Find a magazine review from that era and you'll likely find a more reasonable and qualified measurement of their sensitivity ..

 

[mjw21a]

As far as I'm aware, the Toshiba SS-40 and SS-50 were released in 1969, the SS-41 and SS-51 I believe were released around 1970/1972.
The Onkyo E-83A and E-154A (which later became the Toshiba SS-41 and SS-51) were released in 1968.

You're right, the dB measurement was done at half a meter, I'm not sure whether the curve is exponential or whether halving the distance is equal to doubling the loudness so a 3dB boost. I had mine measured after getting a dust cap dent repaired and they measured at 91.5 @ 1 meter. I had the caps in the crossovers replaced not long after that and they sounded so much nicer, more balanced, effortless. I didn't get them re-measured after that though, so I'm not sure if the dB increased at all.

Anyway, congrats on finding a rare and great sounding set of speakers. I've had mine for over 20 years and they still impress. Mine are due for another recap soon. I hope you got yours done.



Nice going. they are also really rare, I don't think I've ever seen anyone mention a set but I know they exist because Toshiba in Japan sent me some info on them and the SS-51's.
Did you find them in Brisbane? I'm actually located in Brisvegas as well, but got my SS-51's from New Zealand. I've always been on the hunt for another set (40, 41, 50 or 51) but have had no luck.

A mate picked them up for me and restored in Melbourne. After all that though I don’t really have space for them.

 

[Golden audio]

Hello, I really like Klipsch, I have owned Scalas, Heresy 1 and 2, Cornwall 2, KLF30, RF7 mkI and today CF4 first version. Some time ago I found a pair of SS-41s. Everything was original, The varnish darkened over time, sanding the woodwork was necessary. The wood veneer is magnificent !! I still need to apply wood oil to protect them. I ordered the new capacitors because none are in the right measurements. I'm very happy to have gotten my hands on this pair of speakers and I can't wait to listen to them again and see the real potential.

 

[zati]

Hello.
I'm from France. I used to speak only French.
I'm coming back to you to ask for a little help. I just got some Toshiba SS-51s. The big sisters of the Toshiba SS-41s. Unfortunately the Tweeter and Super Tweeter of these speakers are out of order. Probably burnt out because of the bad connection that can be seen in the photos.
I have in my possession 2 ONKYO speakers bought a long time ago on a shelf. I was thinking that maybe I could use them to replace the original ones.... But for that I might have to modify the holes of the existing speakers on the speaker. But before embarking on this transformation I would like your opinion.... Compatibility, usefulness and sound. If it's a good idea or not?
Here is the photo of the ONKYO speakers in my possession.
Thank you for your answers