LNB speaker - Page 2 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

audiomagpie · 5th Mar 2017, 8:49 pm

Hi Mike

Now you mention it, in the early 80's bought hifi from Derek Whittington who ran Sound Advice from the first floor at the Sound Factory. I remember him saying that there was a speaker manufacturer on the ground floor. Coincidentally, my father in law grew up in Duke St. in the 30's. Small world...

AC/HL · 6th Mar 2017, 12:29 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by LNBAudio

We started in the cellar at home, with my wife winding copper wire onto ferrite rods at the kitchen table!

No too dissimilar beginnings to Wharfedale Speakers, according to an article I read. In that case, Mrs Briggs hand wound the voice coils I believe.

LNBAudio · 7th Mar 2017, 6:43 am

Yes, my family bought amps, CD players, etc from Derek too. The housing was still on Duke Street when we were there, since rebuilt as commercial premises.

Winding coils by hand...mighty oak trees from little acorns...

Regards
Mike

LNBAudio · 7th Mar 2017, 6:48 am

Thanks for your questions, they've brought back some great memories.
If anybody has any technical questions about hi-fi, especially from that era, please ask. I've been known to home-build amps, experiment with cross-overs, cabling and speaker connectors, etc.

Regards
Mike

clksteve · 17th Mar 2017, 10:55 pm

That's all very interetsing. I'm local to mansfield and remember Sid Booths record shop fondly, although it was the sutton in ashfield branch that was local to me.
When a friend visited me recently he noticed the LNB speakers and announced " Those speakers were made for Sid Booths!" His dad was a dj back in the 70's and he remebered the speakers from visits to Sid Booths with his dad.
The guy that gave them to me was also a dj back then and lived in the Ashfield area.
It all ties in nicely and the speakers have'nt moved more than 3 miles in 40 odd years.

LNBAudio · 19th Mar 2017, 2:06 pm

@clksteve
Thanks for the PM, I didn't know that there was a Sutton-in-Ashfield branch; I only ever saw Sid at Mansfield. Every day is a school day!

The LNB Mansfield was exclusively supplied to Sid Booth, other LNB models were supplied to various dealers around the UK

Sid Booth kept stock of the Phillips unit, John North, an employee of Sid Booth, fitted the units.
We designed, made and supplied an assembled cabinet. That design didn't need either a crossover or absorbent material. That Phillips unit was a dual-concentric unit; in essence a combined HF and bass unit

Regards
Mike

Edward Huggins · 19th Mar 2017, 5:30 pm

That super Philips speaker was not really a dual concentric as such - it was a full range speaker using a whizzer/tweeter cone. Very efficient and with no dreaded crossover to worry about!

3squareaudio · 24th Apr 2017, 1:55 pm

Hello LNBAudio.
I was talking only yesterday, 23/4/17, with Philip Ashton, technical officer with the FRMS about LNB.
I'm Stuart Dunn of 3 Square Audio and I worked at AT Labs Enfield where we sold your excellent speakers.
I was 16 years old then, 1981, and your designs were as neutral sounding as the LS3/5a and Spendor BC1.
I remember you visiting the shop and that your name was Mike but thought you were from Yorkshire, for some reason.
Philip Ashton used your speakers for some years, purchased from Acoustic Arts.
Lovely to know you are still around.
I will send a link of this to Philip as well.
All the best.
Stuart.

LNBAudio · 24th Apr 2017, 6:39 pm

Hello Stuart
Thanks for your contact, I'll ring you
Regards
Mike

Vintage Engr · 24th Apr 2017, 6:46 pm

Hello Mike,
I posted a comment on this thread last year, regarding how good my Paralab Supers had been, but that they were now, (at that time), defunct, due to the suspension having deteriorated.
I'm pleased to say that I rebuilt them last month, replacing both drivers.
I have to say that they sound magnificent again. Not bad for something I bought new in 1973.

Many thanks to you & your original team, your speakers are sounding as good as new, and have stood the test of time! The tuned line is till a great design.

Dave.

Jimmyhaflinger · 26th Apr 2017, 8:03 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by roffe

Since it's marked with only the 12NC-code number(no 9710 marking),it has to be a somewhat later 9710M/01 from the 70's.
7-69 AH is an indication of an early made 9710M/01.
If it's of any great importance.

i have a 9710 with a 1964 date code

these can handle no more than 10 watts i think

qualityten · 8th Jul 2017, 6:11 pm

I also have a pair of these speakers, found years ago in a charity shop in Andover. My cabinets are just marked LNB and I knew nothing about them apart from what can be found in the Hifi Yearbooks between 1966 and 69. I attach a pic of the interior and a closeup of the Philips driver markings.

I would be interested to learn more about the folded tunnel design. Thanks to Mike of LNB Audio for posting.

Edward Huggins · 8th Jul 2017, 10:22 pm

There are others who can give more insight as to the folded horn design, but I can assure the OP that the 8.5" Philips twin cone, high flux, speaker is one of superb performance and I can understand why it was chosen. Note the undampened enclosure, quite deliberate a part of the design to ensure a smooth air flow.

qualityten · 9th Jul 2017, 8:39 pm

Thanks Edward. They do sound good. When I opened up mine to take the picture, I found a small amount of damping material in the top area, but have removed it now. These speakers sound good with vintage valve amps.

LNBAudio · 11th Jul 2017, 6:44 pm

Hello

I'm Mike's son and I've asked him about the latest posts, although he hasn't seen the images.

The speakers bought by qualityten are almost certainly LNB Mansfields because they were the only type designed for the Philips unit (which isn't properly dual concentric, as pointed out above).

The cabinets were designed by Ian North (the N in LNB) who is sadly no longer with us. They are based on the exponential horn principle, and one or two other principles as well!

To "fit" an exponential horn into a cabinet is sometimes difficult due to dimensions, and Ian developed a system that he nicknamed "bagpipes", and it worked well. The open base was a weaker construction but the loudspeaker sold and they have stood the test of time

Regards
Mike

qualityten · 12th Jul 2017, 10:08 pm

Hi Mike (son). Thank you for taking the trouble to consult your father and give further information about these LNB speakers. Having the term 'exponential horn' to search takes me further than before.

It is rather special to be still able to use and enjoy the creative work of people who are no longer with us in person.

Mgmaudio · 13th Jul 2017, 11:44 am

Small concerns building Loudspeakers seem to thin on the ground these days.
I have a small business, MGM Audio, and I have built speakers based around the BBC LS3/5a.
I also built an LS3/5a Kit supplied by Falcon Acoustics in 2014.
Restoring speakers is the biggest part of my business.
I've recently refurbished a pair of prototype Dynatron speakers from the 1970s.
They use Philips bass/mid drivers with Audax tweeters.
Dynatron decided not to put them into production as the design was expensive to produce.
Up until Philips took over Dynatron, Goodman's drive units were used in virtually all Dynatron Loudspeakers.

M G Miles
Witney
Oxfordshi.

5th Mar 2017, 8:49 pm	#21
audiomagpie Heptode Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Rugby, Warwickshire, UK. Posts: 823	Re: LNB speaker Hi Mike Now you mention it, in the early 80's bought hifi from Derek Whittington who ran Sound Advice from the first floor at the Sound Factory. I remember him saying that there was a speaker manufacturer on the ground floor. Coincidentally, my father in law grew up in Duke St. in the 30's. Small world... __________________ Greg BVWS committee chairman

7th Mar 2017, 6:43 am	#23
LNBAudio Triode Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK. Posts: 36	Re: LNB speaker Yes, my family bought amps, CD players, etc from Derek too. The housing was still on Duke Street when we were there, since rebuilt as commercial premises. Winding coils by hand...mighty oak trees from little acorns... Regards Mike

7th Mar 2017, 6:48 am	#24
LNBAudio Triode Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK. Posts: 36	Re: LNB speaker Thanks for your questions, they've brought back some great memories. If anybody has any technical questions about hi-fi, especially from that era, please ask. I've been known to home-build amps, experiment with cross-overs, cabling and speaker connectors, etc. Regards Mike

17th Mar 2017, 10:55 pm	#25
clksteve Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, UK. Posts: 40	Re: LNB speaker That's all very interetsing. I'm local to mansfield and remember Sid Booths record shop fondly, although it was the sutton in ashfield branch that was local to me. When a friend visited me recently he noticed the LNB speakers and announced " Those speakers were made for Sid Booths!" His dad was a dj back in the 70's and he remebered the speakers from visits to Sid Booths with his dad. The guy that gave them to me was also a dj back then and lived in the Ashfield area. It all ties in nicely and the speakers have'nt moved more than 3 miles in 40 odd years.

19th Mar 2017, 2:06 pm	#26
LNBAudio Triode Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK. Posts: 36	Re: LNB speaker @clksteve Thanks for the PM, I didn't know that there was a Sutton-in-Ashfield branch; I only ever saw Sid at Mansfield. Every day is a school day! The LNB Mansfield was exclusively supplied to Sid Booth, other LNB models were supplied to various dealers around the UK Sid Booth kept stock of the Phillips unit, John North, an employee of Sid Booth, fitted the units. We designed, made and supplied an assembled cabinet. That design didn't need either a crossover or absorbent material. That Phillips unit was a dual-concentric unit; in essence a combined HF and bass unit Regards Mike

19th Mar 2017, 5:30 pm	#27
Edward Huggins Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Southwold, Suffolk, UK. Posts: 8,327	Re: LNB speaker That super Philips speaker was not really a dual concentric as such - it was a full range speaker using a whizzer/tweeter cone. Very efficient and with no dreaded crossover to worry about! __________________ Edward.

24th Apr 2017, 1:55 pm	#28
3squareaudio Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Derby, Derbyshire, UK. Posts: 1	Re: LNB speaker Hello LNBAudio. I was talking only yesterday, 23/4/17, with Philip Ashton, technical officer with the FRMS about LNB. I'm Stuart Dunn of 3 Square Audio and I worked at AT Labs Enfield where we sold your excellent speakers. I was 16 years old then, 1981, and your designs were as neutral sounding as the LS3/5a and Spendor BC1. I remember you visiting the shop and that your name was Mike but thought you were from Yorkshire, for some reason. Philip Ashton used your speakers for some years, purchased from Acoustic Arts. Lovely to know you are still around. I will send a link of this to Philip as well. All the best. Stuart.

24th Apr 2017, 6:39 pm	#29
LNBAudio Triode Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK. Posts: 36	Re: LNB speaker Hello Stuart Thanks for your contact, I'll ring you Regards Mike

24th Apr 2017, 6:46 pm	#30
Vintage Engr Heptode Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK. Posts: 838	Re: LNB Audio Loudspeakers Hello Mike, I posted a comment on this thread last year, regarding how good my Paralab Supers had been, but that they were now, (at that time), defunct, due to the suspension having deteriorated. I'm pleased to say that I rebuilt them last month, replacing both drivers. I have to say that they sound magnificent again. Not bad for something I bought new in 1973. Many thanks to you & your original team, your speakers are sounding as good as new, and have stood the test of time! The tuned line is till a great design. Dave.

8th Jul 2017, 6:11 pm	#32
qualityten Octode Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wallasey, UK. Posts: 1,310	Re: LNB speaker I also have a pair of these speakers, found years ago in a charity shop in Andover. My cabinets are just marked LNB and I knew nothing about them apart from what can be found in the Hifi Yearbooks between 1966 and 69. I attach a pic of the interior and a closeup of the Philips driver markings. I would be interested to learn more about the folded tunnel design. Thanks to Mike of LNB Audio for posting. Attached Thumbnails

8th Jul 2017, 10:22 pm	#33
Edward Huggins Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Southwold, Suffolk, UK. Posts: 8,327	Re: LNB speaker There are others who can give more insight as to the folded horn design, but I can assure the OP that the 8.5" Philips twin cone, high flux, speaker is one of superb performance and I can understand why it was chosen. Note the undampened enclosure, quite deliberate a part of the design to ensure a smooth air flow. __________________ Edward.

9th Jul 2017, 8:39 pm	#34
qualityten Octode Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wallasey, UK. Posts: 1,310	Re: LNB speaker Thanks Edward. They do sound good. When I opened up mine to take the picture, I found a small amount of damping material in the top area, but have removed it now. These speakers sound good with vintage valve amps.

11th Jul 2017, 6:44 pm	#35
LNBAudio Triode Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK. Posts: 36	Re: LNB speaker Hello I'm Mike's son and I've asked him about the latest posts, although he hasn't seen the images. The speakers bought by qualityten are almost certainly LNB Mansfields because they were the only type designed for the Philips unit (which isn't properly dual concentric, as pointed out above). The cabinets were designed by Ian North (the N in LNB) who is sadly no longer with us. They are based on the exponential horn principle, and one or two other principles as well! To "fit" an exponential horn into a cabinet is sometimes difficult due to dimensions, and Ian developed a system that he nicknamed "bagpipes", and it worked well. The open base was a weaker construction but the loudspeaker sold and they have stood the test of time Regards Mike

12th Jul 2017, 10:08 pm	#36
qualityten Octode Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wallasey, UK. Posts: 1,310	Re: LNB speaker Hi Mike (son). Thank you for taking the trouble to consult your father and give further information about these LNB speakers. Having the term 'exponential horn' to search takes me further than before. It is rather special to be still able to use and enjoy the creative work of people who are no longer with us in person.

13th Jul 2017, 11:44 am	#37
Mgmaudio Tetrode Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Witney, Oxfordshire, UK. Posts: 73	Re: LNB speaker Small concerns building Loudspeakers seem to thin on the ground these days. I have a small business, MGM Audio, and I have built speakers based around the BBC LS3/5a. I also built an LS3/5a Kit supplied by Falcon Acoustics in 2014. Restoring speakers is the biggest part of my business. I've recently refurbished a pair of prototype Dynatron speakers from the 1970s. They use Philips bass/mid drivers with Audax tweeters. Dynatron decided not to put them into production as the design was expensive to produce. Up until Philips took over Dynatron, Goodman's drive units were used in virtually all Dynatron Loudspeakers. M G Miles Witney Oxfordshi.