Yes, that's right Larry. As far as I am aware Brook was the only manufacturer (or at least the only USA manufacturer) of directly heated triode audio amplifiers intended for use in the home (the Western Electric/Northern Electric products being theatre-oriented, of course) prior to the resurgence of interest in such things in the last few decades (and subsequent to the 1930's when companies such as E. H. Scott and McMurdo Silver offered certain high end multi-chassis "radios" which used 2A3 power tubes).
I had a Brooks (not Brook) mono FM tuner ca. 1954 for a while during the 1990's. A reasonably nice unit of its kind, which I think I sold for something like $50. In contrast, I suspect that a nice pair of top-of-the-line Brook 10C monoblocks (which as you no doubt realize were supplied with a choice of 2A3 or 300B power tubes, in a push-pull configuration) would go for well upwards of $20K today. It wasn't cheap in its day, either, selling for $315 (list price $525) according to a 1951 Allied Radio catalog I have.
Best regards,
-- Al
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P.S. to my previous post: To clarify, the 1951 prices I mentioned were per monoblock.
Best regards,
-- Al
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Signature Technologies.
This Milwaukee company produced tubed preamps, amps and dynamic speakers under the names Nobis and Signature. Brian Bienfang and his wife Michelle operated the company during the heyday of local entrepreneurial electronics repair and product manufacture. In my early audio adventures, Brian became a source for both equipment and Sound Investments a friendly place to hang out and converse about audio and life. Products of note that I still own today are the SRp-7 tubed preamp, SRd-20 tube buffered CD player, SRa-8 70 watt EL34 mono, SRa-9 200 watt 6550 mono, SRM2.1 2 way speaker and the flagship monolithic SRM.7. Some are still in use in a secondary system, others are idle.
All the electronic components could be characterized by their tube prevailing influence, and the speakers by an honest, full bodied sound.
Alas, as time moves on, Signature also has become part of the "cottage" industry lore. How many manufacturers will address a blown tube circuit while you wait and /or watch the owner at the repare bench? Fortunately, we have a very competent repair shop, Audio Ventures who is familiar with Brian' s designs and has rescued me when needed.
Signature Technologies - another "out of business" but not totally forgotten. |
Thanks for the information Al. I would also add to my list a small, local to me (Northern Va.) speaker company named Metaphor. They made speakers to compete with the likes of Thiel, but, to me, they sounded more natural than the equivalent Thiel. Unfortunately, even in my area they did not sell well because a lot of prospective buyers NEED the reassurance of positive reviews and reputation. I was at a dealership that sold both Metaphor and Thiel and watched a couple making a buying decision. They both loved the Metaphor and thought it was better than the Thiel, but, they bought the Thiel instead because they just didn't "know" about the Metaphor. I suppose this is valid for someone who is concerned with resale value, service, etc., but, I would personally go with the better sound. |
Larryi:
The thing about reviews is a person, who cares enough about audio to actually make it their career, has listened to something you want for months. They bring a huge experience base (can compare to lots of other similar functioning products) before rendering their conclusion.
Now assuming altruistic motivations (i.e. they have not been bribed by the manufacturer), they can have insight that I may not have the time or judgment to acquire.
Of course, your ears should be the final arbiter, but can you trust them after a 1 hour demo in unfamiliar surroundings with equipment you don't own? |
I have no problems with reviews and people relying on reviews to be informed about a product. I do find it a bit odd that once people hear something for themselves, they don't trust their own judgment. It is pretty simple to me, if you like something better than another thing, it IS better to YOU, and your preference is the only one that ultimately matters.
Can I "trust" my own ears after just an hour of listening on unfamiliar gear? No not really, but, I certainly trust my own ears in that circumstance more than I do any reviews. In such circumstances, I give something sounding "bad" the benefit of the doubt; if something sounds good under those circumstances, I know that the speakers are good (given the right equipment and environment).
There are FAR too many positive reviews of gear I have heard and don't like for me to trust any kind of "rave review." I at least know what I like, it comes with experience, which is not the case of everyone looking for gear. |
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I miss Counterpoint and E.S.S . |
None come to mind i guess ill still get buy. |
JSE Model 1's great speakers for the price.
Spectro Acoustics 217 Preamp had a full Spectro
Acoustics system in 1980 maybe 81 loved the Preamp.
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New York Audio Labs. As much for it's owner, Harvey Rosenberg, as for it's products. Characters like Harvey aren't common in business. |
Dunlavy
Gold Ribbon Concepts |
Anyone mention Shahinian Speakers? Saw them at Chicago CES in the Nineties. Wish I could have heard them in my home. BTW, I was using the crossover vestibule in the Hilton and bumped into J. Gordon Holt smoking a fag. Always regretted not "bumming" one and saying "hello". Coincidentally, rode in an elevator with Mr. Julian Hirsch at the same show. Everyone disses JH but I had great respect for him.
Anyone mention S.U.M.O. electronics? Big in the Eighties... |
My favorite former companies (I hate to say defunct because I'm still running their 30 year old products) : Kinergetics KPA-1 pre-amp and KBA-75 amp. Apt Holman pre-amp and Apt amp.
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Shahinian is still around making pretty much the same speakers they have been making for the longest time. If you got the right formula, no reason to make a change just to appear to be making progress. |
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Speaker Art, Bob Gross designed some of the best 2 ways I’ve ever heard but he was a horrible businessman. |
Norman Laboratories and Phase Linear speakers. |
Cello Music and Film Systems.
Also agree with Apogee Acoustics, Nakamichi, and Threshold. |
Teres Audio, no idea if they were out of business, I like their turntable, I hope they still provide parts and supports.
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What happened to Creek? Stereophile "A" and rode off into the sunset of oblivion.
Also:
Platinum Audio
and
Audio Sector
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Creek is still in business. They advertise here.
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Aiwa cassette decks. Sounded better than my nak cr-7.
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Verity audio …..Thiel audio
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EPI-Epicure Speakers
my first set of speakers~1979
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