
The Heppner 78C173-2 Alnico speakers are a premium audio solution for those seeking an authentic, vintage sound for their music systems. These speakers are designed and handcrafted by Heppner, a renowned name in the audio industry, known for their dedication to creating high-quality and authentic replicas of classic speakers.
The 78C173-2 is based on the original 78 Series speakers introduced by Altec Lansing in the late 1940s. This iconic speaker design is cherished by audiophiles for its unique sound signature, characterized by its midrange clarity, smooth highs, and powerful bass response.
These speakers feature an aluminum cone woofer with a pure aluminum dust cap, coupled with an Alnico magnet. Alnico magnets are known for providing exceptional magnetic uniformity and strength, allowing for a more accurate and detailed sound reproduction. The speakers also come with a titanium dome tweeter for clear and detailed high-frequency responses.
The cabinet is made from high-quality MDF material, covered with a beautiful genuine vinyl finish. The speaker comes with a hand-rubbed lacquer or a durable textured black paint finish, giving it a vintage look and feel. The cabinet design includes a rear-firing port, contributing to the speaker's robust bass response.
The 78C173-2 Alnico speakers are wired with heavy-gauge wire for efficient transfer of power and minimized signal loss. They are also equipped with sturdy binding posts that can accommodate banana plugs or pin-type speaker connectors.
These speakers are rated for a nominal impedance of 8 ohms and a power handling capacity of 30 watts RMS. They can handle a maximum peak power of 300 watts. The frequency response is specified between 50 Hz - 20 kHz ( /- 3 dB.
The Heppner 78C173-2 Alnico speakers are a perfect match for music enthusiasts and audiophiles who appreciate vintage design, authentic sound, and superior craftsmanship. Whether you're setting up a vintage-style hi-fi system or looking to improve the sound quality of your home theater setup, these speakers are an excellent choice.
Heppner 78C173-2 Alnico speakers are a popular choice among audiophiles and musicians for their distinctive sound quality. Resnowned for their rich tone, clearmidrange, and detailed highs, these speakers have gained a strong following. However, like all audio equipment, they come with their pros and cons.
Pros:1. Authentic Alnico Sound: The 78C173-2 speakers use traditional Alnico magnets, which are known for their smooth and natural sound. Alnico magnets provide a warm, balanced tone with smooth highs and clear midrange that is favored by many audio enthusiasts.
2. Durability: Alnico magnets have a longer lifespan compared to other types of magnets. They also resist demagnetization, which means that the speakers maintain their magnetic field and sound quality even after prolonged use.
3. Frequency Response: These speakers have a wide frequency response, meaning they can reproduce a broad range of frequencies. This results in a more detailed and dynamic sound, allowing users to hear more nuances in their music.
4. Historical and Collectible Value: The 78C173-2 Alnico speakers are considered vintage, and their classic design and sound make them collectible items among audio enthusiasts.
Cons:1. High Cost: Given their historical significance, build quality, and Alnico magnets, Heppner 78C173-2 Alnico speakers come at a premium price point. These speakers are a higher investment than modern speakers.
2. Sensitivity: The 78C173-2 Alnico speakers have a relatively low sensitivity of 80dB, making them less efficient than modern speakers when it comes to converting electrical power into sound. This means that more power is required to drive these speakers, potentially increasing the cost of amplifiers or requiring the use of more power-hungry equipment.
3. Size and Weight: These speakers are larger and heavier than many modern counterparts due to their vintage design and the use of Alnico magnets, which adds to their overall weight and makes them more challenging to transport and install.
Conclusion:The Heppner 78C173-2 Alnico speakers offer a unique sound that is rich in detail, warmth, and clarity. Their traditional design and use of Alnico magnets contribute to their high-end sound quality and durability. However, they come with several cons, including their high cost, low sensitivity, and the challenges associated with their larger size and weight.
As a recommendation, those looking for an authentic Alnico sound should consider the 78C173-2 speakers as a long-term investment. These speakers offer a sonic experience that is difficult to replicate with modern equipment and can be highly rewarding for serious audiophiles and musicians. However, potential buyers must weigh the pros and cons carefully and ensure their audio system can accommodate the speakers' specific characteristics.
Details:
Mfg and date code is 575205. Here is a very nice matching pair of vintage Heppner 8 alnico speakers. 1962 vintage they are 4 ohm speakers.
specifications vintaspeaker:
- brand: Heppner
- mpn: 78c173-2
- part type: Speaker
- country/region of manufacture: United States
offer vintaspeaker:
- options: ship-to-home
- availability: in stock
- in stock #: 5
- prices: $20.95–$195.00
- item condition:
- Used
- For parts or not working
- started: january 29, 2025
- sold #: 23
payments vintaspeaker:
- credit card: visa
- wallet: google-pay
- other
shipping vintaspeaker:
- class: standard
- carrier: usps
- transit: 5-10 days
- service: usps ground advantage
- type: calculated
seller vintaspeaker:
- rating: 99.5%
- city: belleville, illinois
- # reviews: 10864
returns vintaspeaker:
- time: 30 days
- policy: returns accepted
- paid by: buyer
- method: money back
general vintaspeaker:
- category: Electronics > Audio Video > Vintage Speakers
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