Identifying Prototype EMI equipment - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Filmscoreking · 10th Apr 2021, 7:11 pm

Hello fellow Hi-fi nuts!

This is my first post. I have in my possession a rather trendy looking piece of Hi-Fi equipment I’m trying to identify/evaluate. The system belonged to my Grandfather when he worked for EMI back in the day (he was an engineer there). I’m told that a few select employees were “gifted” some prototype equipment and the system I have is one of these “prototypes.” Now I’m not expecting or assuming anything as my hi-fi knowledge is limited...but would any kind person/people be able to tell me what I’ve got and if it has any value?

I can tell you that I’ve never heard the system in living memory and that it will need a full and thorough service. ...but in the right hands it would be wonderful for it to live and breathe again! I attach some pictures (yes it needs cleaning!)

Thanks for your time

Dan

PS I have more pictures/serial numbers but am only able to upload 5 pics at a time

G6Tanuki · 10th Apr 2021, 7:27 pm

It looks... "interesting" - but I suspect it's not entirely original.

The amplifier in the bottom part looks like a single-channel one using something like a pair of EL34 in push-pull; the top part - despite the "stereoscope" monicker and CRT, seems to have RCA phono-plugs for its interconnects (which didn't really become a common thing here in the UK until the 1960s) and the chipboard shelf it sits on is ill-at-ease with the outer case.

I'd suspect that this is a 'bitsa' - blending an early rather-lush outer case with a mid/late-50s single-channel [though potentially-fruity!] amp and a 60s upper lump.

See here: http://tubeintegratedamplifier.com/h..._amplifier.php

HMV 555 Stereoscope. Seems it has its own inbuilt amps using EL84s - so what is the big EL34-esque amp in the bottom of the cabinet doing?

Nickthedentist · 10th Apr 2021, 7:33 pm

The Stereoscope bit is apparently from 1959.

G6Tanuki · 10th Apr 2021, 7:36 pm

Also see this thread: https://vintage-radio.net/forum/showthread.php?t=111233

Seems they were actually made by Clarke&Smith.

ms660 · 10th Apr 2021, 7:38 pm

HMV Stereoscope.

PA, very similar to a STD373/DLS.

I can hear someone going ka-ching already.

Lawrence.

Nickthedentist · 10th Apr 2021, 7:39 pm

From Jonathan Hills book

buggies · 10th Apr 2021, 7:48 pm

There is a "Model No. STDx?x?x?" on the amplifier chassis but it also says 117 V.

Radio Wrangler · 10th Apr 2021, 7:57 pm

The dust pattern in the speaker fret shows the shape of the EMI 13.5 x 8 inch elliptical driver.

David

Ted Kendall · 10th Apr 2021, 8:03 pm

The presumed back of the Stereoscopelooks like a later Japanese amp - the flat pin mains outlets were unknown in the UK until the mid-60s.

G6Tanuki · 10th Apr 2021, 8:10 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ted Kendall

The presumed back of the Stereoscopelooks like a later Japanese amp - the flat pin mains outlets were unknown in the UK until the mid-60s.

Along with the US-style seemingly moulded-lead RCA Phono-plug connections that's part of what led me to suggest that it was a 1960s-retrofit into an earlier cabinet/amp-case.

Clearly some US design cross-pollination going on here!

Filmscoreking · 10th Apr 2021, 8:12 pm

Guys thanks so much for the flurry of replies, so swift! I’ll post a few more pics

Keep the info coming if you’ve got more! So I think the turntable (which I’ve not photographed as I can’t find the blasted key to the lid!) was changed to a Garrard Model 301 transcription motor. I also appear to have the instruction manual to that and even an inspection card!

Thanks so much for your assistance, it is greatly appreciated.

Dan

Nickthedentist · 10th Apr 2021, 8:15 pm

Yes, the back does indeed look 10+ years too new. Puzzling!

The phono leads look newer still, perhaps mid 70s, not that that affects the amps, of course.

ms660 · 10th Apr 2021, 8:21 pm

The rear has Type No 55 something on it so far as I can make out.

Lawrence.

Cobaltblue · 10th Apr 2021, 8:36 pm

It looks like type 556

Cheers

Mike T

ms660 · 10th Apr 2021, 8:47 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobaltblue

It looks like type 556

That would tally up.

Lawrence.

Ted Kendall · 10th Apr 2021, 9:11 pm

The EPU 100 enjoys cult status these days, as does the 301, but it isn't a very capable pickup by modern standards, and servicing could be tricky - you could try the Expert Stylus Co.

PJL · 10th Apr 2021, 9:18 pm

The spade mains connectors and phono sockets were in widespread use on hi-fi amps of the period such as Leak, Beam Echo and so on. The phono sockets are a pest as the modern molded types do not fit in adjacent sockets as the original leads were metal plugs with no cover.

Boulevardier · 10th Apr 2021, 9:36 pm

I have seen one of these before, same Stereoscope pre-amp, cabinet, etc, and curiously that was also in Cheltenham. It belonged to a friend, who had inherited it from his father (who had worked for EMI, I think). I wonder if it's the same one...?

Mike

unitaudio · 13th Apr 2021, 12:50 am

I think the DLS designations on the speakers suggests they're intended for the U.S. market.

Regards,
Paul

10th Apr 2021, 7:11 pm	#1
Filmscoreking Diode Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK. Posts: 2	Identifying Prototype EMI equipment Hello fellow Hi-fi nuts! This is my first post. I have in my possession a rather trendy looking piece of Hi-Fi equipment I’m trying to identify/evaluate. The system belonged to my Grandfather when he worked for EMI back in the day (he was an engineer there). I’m told that a few select employees were “gifted” some prototype equipment and the system I have is one of these “prototypes.” Now I’m not expecting or assuming anything as my hi-fi knowledge is limited...but would any kind person/people be able to tell me what I’ve got and if it has any value? I can tell you that I’ve never heard the system in living memory and that it will need a full and thorough service. ...but in the right hands it would be wonderful for it to live and breathe again! I attach some pictures (yes it needs cleaning!) Thanks for your time Dan PS I have more pictures/serial numbers but am only able to upload 5 pics at a time Attached Thumbnails

10th Apr 2021, 7:27 pm	#2
G6Tanuki Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 14,007	Re: Identifying Prototype EMI equipment It looks... "interesting" - but I suspect it's not entirely original. The amplifier in the bottom part looks like a single-channel one using something like a pair of EL34 in push-pull; the top part - despite the "stereoscope" monicker and CRT, seems to have RCA phono-plugs for its interconnects (which didn't really become a common thing here in the UK until the 1960s) and the chipboard shelf it sits on is ill-at-ease with the outer case. I'd suspect that this is a 'bitsa' - blending an early rather-lush outer case with a mid/late-50s single-channel [though potentially-fruity!] amp and a 60s upper lump. See here: http://tubeintegratedamplifier.com/h..._amplifier.php HMV 555 Stereoscope. Seems it has its own inbuilt amps using EL84s - so what is the big EL34-esque amp in the bottom of the cabinet doing? Last edited by G6Tanuki; 10th Apr 2021 at 7:33 pm.

10th Apr 2021, 7:33 pm	#3
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,861	Re: Identifying Prototype EMI equipment The Stereoscope bit is apparently from 1959.

10th Apr 2021, 7:36 pm	#4
G6Tanuki Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 14,007	Re: Identifying Prototype EMI equipment Also see this thread: https://vintage-radio.net/forum/showthread.php?t=111233 Seems they were actually made by Clarke&Smith.

10th Apr 2021, 7:38 pm	#5
ms660 Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Cornwall, UK. Posts: 13,454	Re: Identifying Prototype EMI equipment HMV Stereoscope. PA, very similar to a STD373/DLS. I can hear someone going ka-ching already. Lawrence.

10th Apr 2021, 7:39 pm	#6
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,861	Re: Identifying Prototype EMI equipment From Jonathan Hills book Attached Thumbnails

10th Apr 2021, 7:48 pm	#7
buggies Heptode Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: West Lothian, UK. Posts: 762	Re: Identifying Prototype EMI equipment There is a "Model No. STDx?x?x?" on the amplifier chassis but it also says 117 V. __________________ George

10th Apr 2021, 7:57 pm	#8
Radio Wrangler Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Fife, Scotland, UK. Posts: 22,901	Re: Identifying Prototype EMI equipment The dust pattern in the speaker fret shows the shape of the EMI 13.5 x 8 inch elliptical driver. David __________________ Can't afford the volcanic island yet, but the plans for my monorail and the goons' uniforms are done

10th Apr 2021, 8:03 pm	#9
Ted Kendall Dekatron Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kington, Herefordshire, UK. Posts: 3,675	Re: Identifying Prototype EMI equipment The presumed back of the Stereoscopelooks like a later Japanese amp - the flat pin mains outlets were unknown in the UK until the mid-60s.

10th Apr 2021, 8:12 pm	#11
Filmscoreking Diode Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK. Posts: 2	Re: Identifying Prototype EMI equipment Guys thanks so much for the flurry of replies, so swift! I’ll post a few more pics Keep the info coming if you’ve got more! So I think the turntable (which I’ve not photographed as I can’t find the blasted key to the lid!) was changed to a Garrard Model 301 transcription motor. I also appear to have the instruction manual to that and even an inspection card! Thanks so much for your assistance, it is greatly appreciated. Dan Attached Thumbnails

10th Apr 2021, 8:15 pm	#12
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,861	Re: Identifying Prototype EMI equipment Yes, the back does indeed look 10+ years too new. Puzzling! The phono leads look newer still, perhaps mid 70s, not that that affects the amps, of course.

10th Apr 2021, 8:21 pm	#13
ms660 Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Cornwall, UK. Posts: 13,454	Re: Identifying Prototype EMI equipment The rear has Type No 55 something on it so far as I can make out. Lawrence.

10th Apr 2021, 8:36 pm	#14
Cobaltblue Moderator Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Exeter, Devon and Poole, Dorset UK. Posts: 6,876	Re: Identifying Prototype EMI equipment It looks like type 556 Cheers Mike T __________________ Invisible airwaves crackle with life or at least they used to Mike T BVWS member. www.cossor.co.uk

10th Apr 2021, 9:11 pm	#16
Ted Kendall Dekatron Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kington, Herefordshire, UK. Posts: 3,675	Re: Identifying Prototype EMI equipment The EPU 100 enjoys cult status these days, as does the 301, but it isn't a very capable pickup by modern standards, and servicing could be tricky - you could try the Expert Stylus Co.

10th Apr 2021, 9:18 pm	#17
PJL Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Seaford, East Sussex, UK. Posts: 5,997	Re: Identifying Prototype EMI equipment The spade mains connectors and phono sockets were in widespread use on hi-fi amps of the period such as Leak, Beam Echo and so on. The phono sockets are a pest as the modern molded types do not fit in adjacent sockets as the original leads were metal plugs with no cover.

10th Apr 2021, 9:36 pm	#18
Boulevardier Octode Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Bristol, UK. Posts: 1,658	Re: Identifying Prototype EMI equipment I have seen one of these before, same Stereoscope pre-amp, cabinet, etc, and curiously that was also in Cheltenham. It belonged to a friend, who had inherited it from his father (who had worked for EMI, I think). I wonder if it's the same one...? Mike

13th Apr 2021, 12:50 am	#19
unitaudio Heptode Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Manchester, UK. Posts: 862	Re: Identifying Prototype EMI equipment I think the DLS designations on the speakers suggests they're intended for the U.S. market. Regards, Paul __________________ ...No, it's not supposed to pick up the World Service, it's not a radio!