Calling old school audiophiles...

[SpeedSpeak2me]

So, was at a house this past weekend that was built in 1971, and is a time capsule from that time. Meaning, NOTHING has been updated or changed since it was built. While doing a tour I noticed a radio/intercom system that was throughout the house, even in the bathrooms. That room I entered had the main control unit. Has anyone ever seen something like this? It is made by NuTone, and no shitting ya, it still works like new. The switch contacts are dirty, but the receiver still tunes and the speakers are crisp and clear. Originally I was just impressed, until I opened the upper and lower panels. Then I was genuinely hooked. See photos below to see what I’m referring to.

The new home owners were going to remove it. I suggested they have it serviced and keep it, since it is so fucking cool. Or, if they are removed to have cases/frames made for the units so they can still be used. After just hearing the quality of the AM/FM radio they decided to leave it, and try to get it serviced. I can't wait to go back and test it out.

Main controls:

Main Controls powered up

Bottom panel, a friggin record player, 33/45/78 speed. Didn't test it yet, need to check the needle and see if the turntable works.

Top panel, an 8 TRACK PLAYER! I need to see if my mom has some old 8 Tracks I can test on it.

Full unit:

Click to read more...

 

[Turbocharged400sbc]

I've seen the tuner portion in a house when we lived in San Diego but I have never seen that full boogie Set up.
Far out man

 

[radioguy6]

1970s audio tech was so awesome, pure unmolested analog goodness. Is their access from behind that? Any pics of the rear/connections?

 

[SpeedSpeak2me]

I didn't get a chance to look behind into the next room. When you tilt the 8-Track player up you can see the RCA cable going down towards the main control. There is also the 110v non-polarized/non-grounded plug as well.

I was in the basement, most of which was exposed, and didn't see a whole bunch of wiring either. So I'm curious to see how they did it. Can't imagine you'd have to break out drywall to get to the cables. I didn't know anything about the setup so didn't want to start pulling on things to see what moved around.

 

[Chet Donnelly]

That had to be some expensive gear in 1971!!

 

[SpeedSpeak2me]

The house it was in was a custom home, on a custom estate/aero estates. It even had its own courtyard and combination 2-car garage and fixed wing single engine hangar.

I damn near needed a map to find my way around. Was definitely a cool house.

 

[radioguy6]

I didn't get a chance to look behind into the next room. When you tilt the 8-Track player up you can see the RCA cable going down towards the main control. There is also the 110v non-polarized/non-grounded plug as well.

I was in the basement, most of which was exposed, and didn't see a whole bunch of wiring either. So I'm curious to see how they did it. Can't imagine you'd have to break out drywall to get to the cables. I didn't know anything about the setup so didn't want to start pulling on things to see what moved around.

def a custom setup, but they could have drywalled it in . I'm kinda curious how they home ran everything. I have a late 60s/70's era JVC receiver with that same style non-polarized power plug, along with a non-polarized outlet on the rear (forget what the max wattage is) but can power more equipment. You could have 1 incoming power line and daisy chain power for all equipment.

 

[Z28Camaro]

I’m surprised it didn’t have a reel-to-reel as well.

 

[SpeedSpeak2me]

I’m surprised it didn’t have a reel-to-reel as well.

The original owners might have had one for all we know. That would have been neat to see built in though.

I have to dig around, I might have one or two reel-to-reel players somewhere.

 

[IceCreamAssassin]

I have one at home, not that fancy though. I’ll post pics once I get home.

 

[Aircal]

I’m surprised it didn’t have a reel-to-reel as well.

I have one....lol

 

[CMNTMXR57]

I've seen them. Can't say whether they were NuTone or not, but...

I know you can find many of the intercom systems in homes, are commonly NuTone from that era.

 

[Turbocharged400sbc]

I love the Vintage stuff including the silver stuff it's all an ugly only a mother could love but it's also what makes it so awesome

I kind of miss my silver Magnavox boombox. That poor beat up old cassette player helped me survive the 80s by letting me listen to Beach Boys instead of some of the garbage playing all over Southern California at the time

 

[SpeedSpeak2me]

I love the Vintage stuff including the silver stuff it's all an ugly only a mother could love but it's also what makes it so awesome

I kind of miss my silver Magnavox boombox. That poor beat up old cassette player helped me survive the 80s by letting me listen to Beach Boys instead of some of the garbage playing all over Southern California at the time

 

[sickmint79]

I love the Vintage stuff including the silver stuff it's all an ugly only a mother could love but it's also what makes it so awesome

I kind of miss my silver Magnavox boombox. That poor beat up old cassette player helped me survive the 80s by letting me listen to Beach Boys instead of some of the garbage playing all over Southern California at the time

check out the market for boomboxes and such on ebay. my bro's gf had one in her basement and was just like lol this is old as shit, guess i'll chuck it - my bro ended up selling it on ebay for over $300.

 

[Turbocharged400sbc]

Look at me getting all misty-eyed with nostalgia