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What speakers are these hanging from the ceiling?? (pictures)

bowtie427ss said:
The woofers are still the original Gauss woofers.

Did y'all miss the white painted frames?

The rest of the speaker has been re-loaded with JBL components.

They began life as Gauss studio monitors.

gauss-2.jpg
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Those frames are cast aluminum it's bare brushed metal around the front rim of the speaker cage.
 
toddalin said:
Appear to be "customs" that would appear to have JBL components. Woofers appear to have been refoamed to the outside of the cones (a no no). If real JBL, the horn/lens/driver are worth beaucoup bucks
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They are ribbed, copied the image and zoomed in.
 
Gauss woofers, white painted frames, clearly shown in the OP's picture.

Likely 4583's before they went to the narrow foam roll a la JBL 2035.

large gauss woofer.jpg
 
bowtie427ss said:
The 2405's are cobbed in there using an adapter plate, if you look at the OP's picture carefully, you can see the top 2 of the 2405's four mounting bolts in the deep recess around the outer lens of the 2405.

The outer 3 bolt pattern is what the "adapter" plate is secured to. They are the original, factory, Gauss compression tweeter bolt holes as shown in my first picture of what they originally looked like.
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Upon an even bigger blow-up, yes indeed. Looking at the placement, I would not be suprised if they just used a fender washer to capture the back of the tweeter's mounting flange holding it against the baffle.

Moves the "re-build" date to between 1976 and 1985 based on the four bolt tweeter and horn if components purchased new.
 
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I promise, those are early Gauss monitors. They originally had a 30 lb 2 inch throat Gauss compression driver on a modified Smith horn where the slant lens is now. When Locanthi took the design to japan, he would again use the Smith horn for mids, but a more JBLish looking version. Uncommon speakers. Not sure if they're worth trying to make original again or if that would even be possible, even though selling the JBL bits would go a long way toward making the entry fee negligible.
 
You sir are a walking encyclopedia! I would not be surprised if you knew what color socks the guy was wearing who assembled it, by examining microscopic fibers trapped under the mounting flanges and a bit of ash from a Turkish cigarette that found its way into the port.

Then he straightens up and says "Elementary, my dear Watson!"
 
So would you say these were cobbled together in an amateurish fashion, or do the components seem to be matched well? I realize that the info you've all presented may already have answered that to those more in the know than me, but, I'm in unfamiliar water here.

If they would be exceptional for home 2 channel (or theater) use, I could be interested....but they'd have to be exceptional. That, or easily flipped for excellent profit.
 
With the right crossovers and maybe revised porting, if even necessary, they could be exceptional for home theater with a slam and dynamics that you won't believe. (Think L300s on steroids with a bit less, but possibly tighter bass and lower midrange!)

Well worth $500 a side and you can always resell them as components to get max value back.
 
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G871 said:
So would you say these were cobbled together in an amateurish fashion, or do the components seem to be matched well?
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IMO, yes well matched. I'd even go as far as to say they sourced the best components that were readily available at the time.
 
toxcrusadr said:
You sir are a walking encyclopedia! I would not be surprised if you knew what color socks the guy was wearing who assembled it, by examining microscopic fibers trapped under the mounting flanges and a bit of ash from a Turkish cigarette that found its way into the port.

Then he straightens up and says "Elementary, my dear Watson!"
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I've seen a speaker or two in my travels. Off and on since my early teens i have had the opportunity to work around a few bands, a few recording studios, a mastering studio or two, and a few other interesting music reproduction facilities. You could say i'm a "speaker fetishist". :)

I also have a great appreciation for true innovators. Bart Locanthi was one such innovator among many in our hobby. He left his mark at many corporations, Altec, Cetec Gauss, JBL, Sharp/Optonica, Pioneer(TAD). etc..

The particular speaker in the OP was distantly familiar. I couldn't place it until i picked up on the 3 bolt mounting pattern for the original tweeter. Then there was the walnut veneer, the only professional speakers that come walnut veneered are professional studio monitors.

Not unlike a JBL studio monitor, the Gauss cabinets were built like a brick outhouse, strong enough to suspend with basic hardware.

Note the machine bolts in the baffle above and below the woofer securing the front/back braces.
 
If you've never heard anything like these in a home/small setting..., you will be blown away. You may not want to change a thing.
 
Ok, you've all convinced me. I'm waiting for a call back from the seller.

Any idea on dimensions of one cabinet?
Maybe 25w x 30h x 15d?
 
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The dimensions are ... grab them quickly and don't fool around -
the raw parts alone are a worthwhile stack of hardware with great potential!!

G871 said:
Ok, you've all convinced me. I'm waiting for a call back from the seller.

Any idea on dimensions of one cabinet?
Maybe 25w x 30h x 15d?
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John James said:
Sounds like a visit to U-Haul is on the to do list.
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I'm wondering/hoping I can fit all four in my car. It's a Subaru Forester....if they're close to my estimation then I think I could. Back seats fold down for a flat cargo area about 6' long. Just hoping he calls back.
 
G871 said:
I'm wondering/hoping I can fit all four in my car.
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Does it have a roof rack?

Bring tools to remove the passenger side front seat, and tie-downs to strap it to the roof rack just in case.

I have some doubts about cabinet #4 fitting in easily.

If you have a friend or relative with a minivan, it may be time to call on a favor.
 
It does have a roof rack! Wonderful idea. I will do that. Hoping to make the drive on Monday....pretty excited!!
 
G871 said:
It does have a roof rack! Wonderful idea. I will do that. Hoping to make the drive on Monday....pretty excited!!
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You sir, are a dedicated enthusiast! :thumbsup:

I applaud your motivation and enthusiasm, and wish you the best of luck on this adventure.
 
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