Vintage MI speakers

[baergy]

As an amateur ex-musician I find myself in a position to have to reduce my collection of vintage speakers. This forum seems to be one of the best I have come across for knowledge and realism. I realize that these speakers are considered to be from the Musical Instrument realm however in my experience they are High Fidelity quality. From circa 1974, I have 1- 12" Gauss 2140 serial #00220 4 ohm, 2- 12" Gauss 2101 Serial #00208 & #00217 8 ohm. From circa 1985, 6-12" TOA HLS-3006-8 serial # between 40001522 - 40001766, 4 - TOA Horns 14 x 5 w/ 2" drivers Model HFD351-BN, 4 - TOA tweeters w/ 2" drivers Model HFD351-BN. I am looking to get some idea as to their fair market value (read intrinsic value). Any kind of comments would be most helpful.

 

[Charivari]

Welcome to AK, baergy!

I wish I could help out, but I'm afraid that I'm not the least bit familiar with those speakers or brand. The only "MI" speakers I can think of were from the Canadian company Mitom Industries, but those came out about ten years after yours. I'd bet a few people around here would like to check out any photos of those speakers you might have available to post.

Just so you know for the future, threads regarding the valuation of vintage audio gear should be posted in the "Dollars & Sense" sub-forum and should be kept down to a modest level.

Feel free to post around.

- JP

 

[baergy]

Thanks for the response JP. I guess I should have worded my query a bit different since I am more interested in finding out if there is any real interest or knowledge of this this equipment out there. I hope to get my camera back from repair soon and will post some pictures.

Bill

 

[westend]

Vintage Musical Insrument speakers fly under the radar a lot and Ebay is the place for trying your luck, I would think. The Gauss still have a good reputation for those in the know.

 

[RichPA]

Value questions belong here in Dollars and Sense.

 

[dgwojo]

Welcome to AK, baergy!

I wish I could help out, but I'm afraid that I'm not the least bit familiar with those speakers or brand. The only "MI" speakers I can think of were from the Canadian company Mitom Industries, but those came out about ten years after yours. I'd bet a few people around here would like to check out any photos of those speakers you might have available to post.

Just so you know for the future, threads regarding the valuation of vintage audio gear should be posted in the "Dollars & Sense" sub-forum and should be kept down to a modest level.

Feel free to post around.

- JP

MI = Musical Instrument!! Welcome aboard, hang around and have fun, the members here have really diverse backgrounds, you might fill in your location on your profile so members have an idea of where you're geographically located, welcome!! Dave.

 

[bowtie427ss]

The Gauss were top of the line in their day, and aren't far off in today's world. I'm not model specific familiar with them, but many of those 12's were outstanding mid-bass/low midrange reproducers and with their 400 watt power handling, high efficiency, and low distortion they easily out performed the big name competitors of the day(early 70's).

The TOA large horns and 2 inch drivers were probably something else re-branded with TOA logo's. I'm not aware of anything of that caliber that TOA made themselves, doesn't mean they didn't tho.

 

[Charivari]

MI = Musical Instrument!!

That's why I'm lousy at Wheel of Fortune, I always overthink what the letters spell out.

- JP

 

[baergy]

Welcome to AK, baergy!

I wish I could help out, but I'm afraid that I'm not the least bit familiar with those speakers or brand. The only "MI" speakers I can think of were from the Canadian company Mitom Industries, but those came out about ten years after yours. I'd bet a few people around here would like to check out any photos of those speakers you might have available to post.

Just so you know for the future, threads regarding the valuation of vintage audio gear should be posted in the "Dollars & Sense" sub-forum and should be kept down to a modest level.

Feel free to post around.

- JP

Thanks for the input JP. Not familiar with Mitom Industries. I was aware of used very many speakers from Canadian company "Marsland". They had a reasonably stable speaker in 10-12 & 15 configurations. My Electronics guru used to buy case lots of 24 each during the 60's and then go through them and pick out 3 or 4 that were close to matching for his particular box sizes and send the rest back for credit. I guess he actually bought enough that they put up with his finicky purchases.

Bill

 

[baergy]

The Gauss were top of the line in their day, and aren't far off in today's world. I'm not model specific familiar with them, but many of those 12's were outstanding mid-bass/low midrange reproducers and with their 400 watt power handling, high efficiency, and low distortion they easily out performed the big name competitors of the day(early 70's).

My electronics guru felt the same. I don't know how he had found out about Guass, but in 1974 he drove down to L.A. and brought back 24 speakers. He was amazed to say the least. Each 12 or 15 was identical in specs and their power handling was incomparable. He had taken to winding his own voice coils for Marsland speakers (rated @ 75 could handle 50 max) so they could handle 100 watts. That way he was able to provide speaker cabinets for his new 200 watt Hi Fi amps. (guitar, bass, keyboard and P.A.) Needless to say, he of course had to supply 2 speakers for each amp which gave his customers the choice of two cabinets or one huge cabinet. He didn't like it. The Guass changed all that.

They're sweet too. I have driven mine with a small 1/4 watt stereo amp he built me as a gift. He knew my wife wasn't impressed with having my PA set up in the living room that disappeared every weekend. The sound is good - just not loud.