Anybody have an idea what this is?

[Nolan Woodbury]

Currently listed on the 'Bay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-ZENITH-S...QQcmdZViewItem

Without a model number it's hard to figure, but in one shot there's a group of tubes next to what appears to be a good sized, layered-design transformer. Or is that a circuit board? Could this be a carryover/hybrid set? The cabinet appears to have Zenith’s ‘solid state’ 60s styling, and note those twin 8” speakers! That rocks.

I'm interested to read the collective wisdom on this. I'm interested in it-

[spartanmanor]

It looks like a stereo power amp with built in speakers. Very cool.

[Nolan Woodbury]

Man...gotta lay off the paint chips.

Pretty clearly, the top detaches or hinges to reveal the turntable...but it differs from other Super Stereophonics by not having an angled front. Might be a early version-

[Nolan Woodbury]

Just received an email from the seller, who reports there is no turntable on top of the unit, only that "the back comes off after opening a latch."

So, I'll ask again; does anyone have an idea what this is? Clearly, it is a tube power amp with two speakers...did Zenith make a tube pre-amp/tuner that needed an outside power supply? Is this part of a multi-component set?

Finally, if this 'Super Stereophonic' is truly stereo, why isn't there a balance function on the front? Even the MJ1035 table stereo has that. Could it be a portable PA system?

[orthophonic]

That Zenith dates from 1958/1959.
It is the stereo "companion" speaker amp.
It was common in the early days of stereo for the second channel (to make stereo) to be offered separately.
this allowed the buyer to purchase the main unit (with turntable/amp/speaker) and upgrade to stereo playback
by purchasing the matching companion amp/speaker when
he could afford the additional cost. It plugged onto a special jack on the main unit.
This was done with consoles and portables.
This "companion" speaker/amp can be used by itself by plugging a line level source into its input.

[jln1966]

I wouldnt mind having it myself. I have the record player with am radio that it matches. My record player is a 59 model. The case has the same covering as this does.
John.

[jln1966]

I got it! Now I will have the matching unit to go with my record player. The record player has an rca jack to plug this into. I assume this has the same jack. It would take a speaker cable with a male connector on each end to connect them.
John

[Nolan Woodbury]

John, I'm happy to hear you won the Zenith, especially since you have the matching components! I placed the opening bid but really have no use for it. The amp generated more interest that I thought...I was thinking if I did win it, I'd probably offer it up here anyway.

It went to the right place-

[jln1966]

I got the speaker box last weekend. I cant get it to work. I tried 2 different cables to connect it. That didnt make a difference. The tubes glow but the only sound I get is real low tinny distorted with the volume all the way up. Would bad electrolitics cause this? It does have one .033 paper cap. If it was bad would it effect the sound be like that? It is pretty simple otherwise.
John

[Nolan Woodbury]

What's the proper way to test the output transformer? What else could it be?

[orthophonic]

Change all of the caps, that wil put the kick back into the cones.
Also a good idea to test the tubes (just because they light does not mean they are good) and clean the tube pins.
Be sure the tubes are well seated into the sockets, a loose
tube can also cause your symptoms.