Vintage Audio Sighting: Technics SB-2745 Speakers

Just a week after buying myself mondo huge Technics speakers, I came across a second similar set in a different thrift store.  These were Technics SB-2745 speakers.  They had similar characteristics to my larger Technics SB-2845 speakers.  However, these speakers had a pronounced duct at the bottom.

Technics SB-2745 Speakers

Like my speakers, the Technics SB-2745 speakers were 200 watt speakers.  While the cabinets bore the scars of a long life, the cones and surrounds looked good.  If the sound quality came any where near the quality of my SB-2845 speakers, then someone found a great deal!

Technics SB-2745 Speakers

The frequency response curves looked similar to those of my Technics speakers.  These would definitely rock the house!  Like most Technics gear, these speakers probably don't get the respect they deserve.  Here is a discussion on Audiokarma.org.  However, I suspect that they are probably much better than the average modern stereo speaker.

As this audioholic found, people who stumble across these speakers and hook them up are surprised and pleased!

Deals Foregone - A Sharp Mini Stereo System

I almost bought this little Sharp Mini Stereo a few weeks ago.  The speakers on it sounded really good.  The Goodwill had it priced to move at only $11.  I found a CD and listened to it for awhile.  Sound was wonderful.  The volume seemed more than adequate to fill a room.  However, the tape deck was not working.

Sharp Mini Stereo System

Ultimately, I decided to pass.  At the time, we didn't need any more stereo equipment in the house.  I think I might have missed out.  But, Sharp still makes mini stereos.

How Can I Add More Inputs To My Stereo?

In a world full of personal devices, it is easy to run out of auxiliary inputs on an old school stereo.  Most old school stereos were designed for inputs from a record player, a tape deck or two, and a CD player.  When you want to add a cellphone, a tablet, a computer, and an MP3 player, you can run into problems.
How do you add new devices to a stereo?

The answer is simple: an audio source selector switch box.   I picked a Radio Shack switch box up at a thrift store for just a few dollars and now I can plug in nearly any device wthout running out of audio inputs.  If you'd like to save yourself months of searching your local thrifts, simply check one of these out:

Pioneer Speakers: CS-G104. Floorstanding Speakers

I recently ran into some interesting looking speakers at Goodwill.  They were Pioneer CS-G104 Floorstanding Speakers.  

Pioneer CS-G104 Speakers

I didn't have my pocket knife so I couldn't pry the grills off.  However, when I shined my phone's flashlight through the black grill cloth, I couldn't see any flaws in the speaker cones or surrounds.  Even the wood laminate cabinets seemed unblemished.  Plus, it was also only $10.91 for the pair.  Plus, you just can't get this kind of quality colored vinyl laminated wood any more here in America.

 A quick check of this CS-G104 review on the interwebs revealed that owners were generally pleased with the sound from these speakers.  The interesting thing about this speaker design is that it has no dedicated mid-range speaker.  It just has a 10-inch woofer and a tweeter.  According to the information printed on the back, these are 50 watt speakers with 6 ohm resistance.  They were also made in the U.S.A. with U.S. and imported parts.

Pioneer CS-G104 Specifications

I was sorely tempted.  But, I had no rational reason to buy them.  I am quite happy with my current Pioneer bookshelf speakers.  I also like my monolithic Technics speakers.  So, I left them in the wild.  Perhaps someone else will discover them and get great joy using them in conjunction with a vintage receiver.