• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

The magnificent Zenith 49cz852's

nick parkin

nick parkin

Well-Known Member
This 12" woofer manufactured for radio cabinets in the early 60's sounds better than any driver period.
The dynamics, clarity, ease of listening to, and sharp imaging make this thing a true gem. I love them so much I own five, my most recent pair just came in the mail today.

Did I mention I own five of them? (So far)
Both pairs have matching serial number so in relation to its "brother" speaker

IMG_5464.JPG
IMG_5447.JPG
IMG_5449.JPG
IMG_5458.JPG
IMG_5465.JPG
IMG_5454.JPG
IMG_5453.JPG


Both pairs also have Immaculate cones. The fifth one got hit on the cone with my MacBook charger(**** you apple) as I pulled it out the wall and put a 1.5" crack in the top of the cone, which I repaired with high quality superglue for guitar building.

They are in remarkable condition considering they were made in around 1962- 55 years old, even older than my dad, and over 3 times my age!
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
mark warren said:
I like that amp! :thumbsup:
Click to expand...
Thanks. It's my buddy's tinker amp. He modifies it and tunes it before he makes them for production. They cost $550 ish to build and I'm told he wants to sell them for $5000. It sounds fantastic, although my solid state Yamaha sound s better for my application. Remember, he tunes it to the zenith 49cz852 driver, that's on a large baffle and paired with a different woofer and tweeter in his acoustically treated room. I'm my application it sounds great, in his, it sounds unbelievable.
 
Similar looking drivers in the Allegro speaker series? Maybe check out what's inside the 4000 series? Pretty sure it's a 12"
 
The Fuxtor said:
Similar looking drivers in the Allegro speaker series? Maybe check out what's inside the 4000 series? Pretty sure it's a 12"
Click to expand...
I don't believe so. Both have ribbing on the cone but the allegro sleepers have a 12" that is specifically designed to be a "woofer". Zenith just made these and used them as full rangers for their old radio cabinets.
 
nick parkin said:
I don't believe so. Both have ribbing on the cone but the allegro sleepers have a 12" that is specifically designed to be a "woofer". Zenith just made these and used them as full rangers for their old radio cabinets.
Click to expand...
Ah yes.... Of course! The Allegros had a Fostex tweeter!
 
At my house the Zeniths get far more use than the high dollar Lowthers. I use tweeters to extract a bit more sizzle on the top end but they would certainly be enjoyable as single drivers. My two 49CZ802's came from a mono Zenith TT console which predated stereo ( circa 1958 ).

P1010005.jpg
 
I wish I'd known about these drivers a couple years ago. Sadly I remember chucking 4 of them into a dumpster during a clean out of a long time audiophile friend's place. Apparently he knew what they were:music:
 
Nick's Zeniths have the beige gaskets and so did mine until I painted them flat black to match the cones. My 802's look identical to the 852's in every way and probably represent the original model run of these fantastic drivers. I wish I could find more information on them.

If anyone has the Zeniths and plans to pair them with tweeters powered by the same amp you'll need to find some over 100dbs. A good rule of thumb is to go with tweeters that are 10dbs higher than the full range drivers and I'd estimate the Zeniths to be around 95dbs. That rules out most domes and ribbons but horns more often have the higher sensitivity necessary for a good match.

If you drive the tweeters separate from the FR's you're not so limited. I once did that with some B&G planar tweets but the cabling for tri-amping was a nightmare and far too complicated.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom