Posted 7 years ago
Gerthquake
(2 items)
1966 General Electric Kalmar console stereo. This is by far the best looking mid century modern console stereo out there in my opinion.
Finally found my favorite mid century modern console stereo and is safe at home | ||
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My father had brought some of these home himself. Unfortunately I had to get rid of some, including one outstanding example.
I've gotta agree with you Gerthquake -- as such things go, that is quite a handsome unit! Love especially how they continued the 'vertical slat' design across the entire back of its cabinet, by any chance are there rear-facing speakers in there as well? (probably not) Cool also that it has the reel to reel tape machine included -- that's a way-fun 'extra' that's likely not commonly found these days?!
Is it in working condition?
Everything but the reel to reel works but I replaced it with a higher end one and also replaced the turntable with a higher end Pioneer, I don't want to play some of my records on the old ceramic cartridge. I also put a tube amplifier in it. As far as the back goes no speakers and is a removable option so you can sit it in the middle of a room and entertain guests. It's actually the only one I have ever seen like that. I put the original components in storage so I can always put it back to original condition.
I'd say that was a good call to replace/substitute it's guts. (esp since you preserved the originals!) Frankly, by today's standards the audio/build quality of nearly all those console stereos was pretty pathetic...but the cabinetry could be lots of fun! Neat detail about the back -- makes yours an even more-funner (and unique!) example!
My next door neighbor-lady when I was growing up had a GE console stereo with a unique feature -- a small matching standalone box (maybe 8" x 12" x 4" or so?) with a single speaker in it, which actually functioned as a "wireless remote", usable in another room of the house to also play whatever the main unit was playing. I don't have any real memory of what either looked like, but no doubt it was the "latest-greatest hi-tech" feature available then (late 1960's or so) as her husband was a recently retired owner of a local GE appliance dealership.
Yes Porti-Fi my console was equipped with that feature but did not have the little external speaker. I just finished repairing some 12" Heathkit speakers for it. I'll add a couple more pics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aX6bzWBDAdI
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