Concept was the house brand for Pacific Stereo (a subsidiary of CBS), a stereo chain with stores mostly in California, but also Illinois, Texas, Georgia, Missouri, Washington, and Wisconsin. They closed down in the early 80s. The Concept line, according to many, was/is better than the best offerings by Marantz, Pioneer, Sansui, etc. Their top of the line receiver, the Concept 16.5, retailed for $950 in 1978, was rated at 165 WPC into 8 ohms and 250 into 4 ohms, featured a "dual mono" design with huge twin power transformers, and has a damping factor of 450. Dick Schram, who went on to greater glory with Parasound was the Chief Designer for the Concept line.
