Capitol FDS Mahogany Veneer Stereo Remote Speakers
[Click on Each Small Image to Enlarge]
|
|
|
This is a Capitol FDS (Full Dimensional Sound) stereo system that dates back to the early sixties. It has a 32" high cabinet that contains an "intelligent" multi-speed automatic record changer, a tube-type amplifier, a space for a tuner (not installed), and a record storage area. It has a pair of 32" high remote floor speakers, each with a 4" tweeter, 6" mid-range, and 9" woofer. In addition to being a fine stereo at the time, it is a quality piece of beautiful mahogany veneer furniture. There is a front molding on all three pieces.
This has a tube type amplifier (see second photo from bottom on right). I think this is 20 watts, 10 watts per channel. There is no brand name showing but it has the following numbers: 3985-02 in larger numbers and 173941 in smaller numbers. I'd say the former is the model number and the latter the serial number. When last powered up many years ago it was working fine - I have no idea if this is still true.
The two remote speakers are each 32" high, 18 5/8" deep, and 14 1/2" wide. The cabinet is 32" high, 18 5/8 deep, and 22 1/8" wide. The cabinet is very heavy and I cannot help you lift this due to health reasons. It is on a third floor.
I think this was made by the Capitol Record Company, probably under license. I have a query in at that company asking for further details, yet to be answered. I have not yet found any references to this on the Internet. If someone has information in this regard, I would really appreciate hearing about it. I think there is a real possibility this may be a rare item. A record company building stereos...?
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The speaker cabinets are all wood, and soundproofed. If you have audiophile tendencies, you know the old speaker enclosures give the best sound. I can't tell you much about the speakers themselves, but I will say the general sound from them was quite good, best described as "bright." I used them for many years after the turntable failed, as "B" speakers, with a modular stereo system.
The technical condition of this item is as follows. The turntable needs repair. As I recall, there were no noticeable broken parts except perhaps a drive belt. It would need replacement belts by this time anyway. The last time power was applied all the tubes in the amplifier were lit. I have no idea if this is still the case. It has been in storage for 30 years or so. I did not have the tuner (radio) for this item. I cannot find the owners manual at this time. Unfortunately, one cone has been accidentally punctured with a pencil!? The speakers probably need rebuilding. I doubt the foam suspension rings are intact after all these years. Consideration should be given to updating all the speakers.
As furniture, the condition of this item is as follows. This has a beautiful mahogany veneer over some type of manufactured wood product. There are no broken, cracked or split pieces. There are quite a few fine scratches on the top surfaces, and the top surface of the main cabinet is slightly crazed. The speakers were in use for some time after the cabinet itself, and received furniture polish on a regular basis. There are scratches and wear marks in other areas, and one small ding.
You could make this into a very nice modern component system with a vintage look. At one time this was a pice of very nice furniture, and could be again.
 |
 |
This is too heavy to reasonably ship. It must be picked up in person. The general area is Essex County, in northeastern Massachusetts.
NOTE, VERY IMPORTANT: YOU MUST PICK THESE UP YOURSELF. I will not ship these items and I cannot deliver them. For health reasons I may not be able to even help you load them into your vehicle when you get here. Items are in Essex County, in northeastern Massachusetts.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a CASH sale only - NO CHECKS. There will not be any last minute on-site negotiations. This is a regular eBay transaction, and will be treated as such. You do have the right of refusal in person should you discover I misrepresented anything. Any questions on this item or any other items I may have for sale gladly answered. Please just ask.