Vintage Universities, any info?

[soundoc03]

I saw these interesting speakers on a local CL. I can't find any info on the net about them other than ElectroVoice took them over about this time. They look substantial like Valencias or similar EV models of that era. I asked the owner if he knew what the drivers were or if there was a model name or number but he had nothing to offer. Is anyone here familiar with them?

http://spokane.craigslist.org/ele/4021739770.html

 

[Gang-Twanger]

Yeah, I believe those are Medallion X12's, the TOTL model from that series. You can't miss that Sphericon tweeter (I think that's what it's called). There's a brochure on Google Images for those. Supposed to be a VERY-nice-sounding pair of speakers. Ultra-smooth, and musical, like wrapping a warm blanket around you (University also made great full-range drivers). The drivers probably all have alnico magnets, if those are from '62. That was a great period for hi-fi gear. Tons of truly-awe-inspiring speakers, all available at the same time like that. Man, what it must have been like... :drool:

That's a REALLY-high price though, compared to what I've seen come up for sale. You can get that kind of sound for a lot less than that, if that's the sort of thing you're looking for here. You should also check out the Wharfedale and Fisher speakers from that same period if you're looking for that kind of ultra-smooth, effortless, open, early '60's sound. You'd be surprised what kind of sound you can get with a simple 30wpc early-solid-state receiver and some efficient, tube-era speakers like that.

 

[soundoc03]

Thanks, you nailed it they are indeed Medallion Xlls and look to be in decent original condition. I didn't want to make this a $ and sense post so I will not comment further about the price. There are lots of posts regarding this speaker here and the general consensus is that they are very good with tubes. The only speakers that I have of that era are a pair of Sherwood 16 ohm 3-way Ravinias which are OK but really nothing spectacular. The woofer basket and Alnico on the University's did not look all that impressive but I would want to hear them myself before casting judgement.

 

[blhagstrom]

They are VERY good speakers on SS also.
Low power, but smooth, clean, airy with the right amount of bass.
Really musical and fill a large room well...


Price is totally out of line.

 

[janikphoto]

Thanks, you nailed it they are indeed Medallion Xlls and look to be in decent original condition. I didn't want to make this a $ and sense post so I will not comment further about the price...

Too late about making it a D&S post. Once you link to CL or eBay, it gets moved here. Your original post made it D&S. besides, what's so bad about this section of the forum? Some great guys hang out here! With that said, I love my university speakers, but $800 for a pair... Vintage university will be we be as valuable as vintage James b Lansing gear.

 

[Stephen J]

Too late about making it a D&S post. Once you link to CL or eBay, it gets moved here. Your original post made it D&S. besides, what's so bad about this section of the forum? Some great guys hang out here! With that said, I love my university speakers, but $800 for a pair... Vintage university will be we be as valuable as vintage James b Lansing gear.[/QUOTE]

:scratch2:.......Huh ?............

 

[janikphoto]

Too late about making it a D&S post. Once you link to CL or eBay, it gets moved here. Your original post made it D&S. besides, what's so bad about this section of the forum? Some great guys hang out here! With that said, I love my university speakers, but $800 for a pair... Vintage university will be we be as valuable as vintage James b Lansing gear.[/QUOTE]

:scratch2:.......Huh ?............

It was supposed to say Never... Be We was the iPhone trying to figure out what my fat fingers were trying to type.