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Vintage Toshiba Speakers

Jon0tron

Jon0tron

Member
I recently came across a pair of Toshiba speakers from 1960. I didn’t know Toshiba made speakers back then. They sound pretty nice for what they are (simple 2way design) but lack in low end. The model number is SS15 and have sequential serial numbers. I’m going to pull the back off and take pics to catalog them. I haven’t found much information online but it looks like they were only sold in Japan. I found them for free in Ontario Canada. The cabinets are phenomenal and way over built. Does anyone have any info on these and are they collectable before I maybe try new drivers and xover in these cabinets?
 
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/203501697016

Just my 2 cents-
Well- from the pictures, they don't look like really great quality cabinets. I could be wrong.

Also, seeing that the speaker runs are wired directly out of the cabinet doesn't seem appealing. usually a good set of speakers has terminals

I wouldn't put too much money into them, but keep em if they sound decent!
 
Jon0tron said:
...I haven’t found much information online but it looks like they were only sold in Japan. I found them for free in Ontario Canada. The cabinets are phenomenal and way over built. Does anyone have any info on these and are they collectable before I maybe try new drivers and xover in these cabinets?
Click to expand...

I think this means you get to post pics and info for posterity :) Congrats on your find!
 
brianjrealto said:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/203501697016

Just my 2 cents-
Well- from the pictures, they don't look like really great quality cabinets. I could be wrong.

Also, seeing that the speaker runs are wired directly out of the cabinet doesn't seem appealing. usually a good set of speakers has terminals

I wouldn't put too much money into them, but keep em if they sound decent!
Click to expand...
These are not the speakers I have. I guess Toshiba reused some early model numbers. They definitely have their own terminals and are from 1960 but I’m translating a Japanese website. I’ll post pics this evening or tomorrow
 
Dswankey said:
@swechsler I got that same vibe too then I'm guessing, as there is little info on them the OP got the date from here
Click to expand...
Then I'd say those sites are incorrect. That electrolytic cap is no way from 1960, and same goes for the style of binding posts and the printing on the connection plates.
 
Curious why you say that - electrolytics have been around a long time, and the binding posts and printing seem about right to me. I base this on little actually knowledge, but nothing seems untowards to me.
 
It looks to me like someone did some modifications - the sealant all around the sides of the cabinet and the driver baskets, and the plastic over the crossover (with somewhat haphazard stapling). I've never seen a speaker that came that way, but I have done similar OCD things myself.
 
Nat said:
Curious why you say that - electrolytics have been around a long time, and the binding posts and printing seem about right to me. I base this on little actually knowledge, but nothing seems untowards to me.
Click to expand...
Electrolytics have been around, but in 1960 they weren't wrapped in shrink wrap; paper was more common. The chromed letters and the font are classic 1970s.
 
That seems like a reasonable guess as to age, then. Thanks for the explanation.
 
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