I obsess about furniture as much as I do renovating our house. With as much thrift store stalking as I do, it's not often I make a killer score like a Lane Acclaim series credenza or a Flexsteel sofa. My recent find of this Zenith Stereo cabinet may top them all. Imagine my suprise having never known of these to find what seems at first to be a nice Danish credenza, a simple vertically layered box, splayed tapered legs. Doors open to reveal speakers and then . . .
It suddenly transforms into a vintage sound system. With my heart racing, sudden urge to pinch self to confirm reality, I immediately grabbed a thrift store employee who helped me plug it in to confirm it worked. Instantly I knew it was the newest member of our furniture collection. Its final residing place in our house is yet to be determined.
The top raises up smoothly and holds to reveal the operable turntable (needs a little work) and the stereo receiver. The original manual was still in record storage slot. 
That is a definite score! Too bad most of the great MCM items in oiur thrift stores are warped from sitting in the rain for three decades.
ReplyDeleteOh boy... I am definitely jealous. I've been on the constant hunt for a MCM speaker cabinet of some sort, for a good 2 years or so. Someday I'll find one... someday! Great find! Love your blog too! I'm located in West Lafayette, IN.
ReplyDeleteHi - Just found your site/blog today from an ad in Atomic Ranch, my bible! I have the exact same hi-fi. I bought mine from a craigslists ad in St. Louis and it came without a manual. I have been feverishly looking for a copy of the manual all over the web and facebook since April 2010. Is there any chance I could get a copy of yours? I'd be happy to pay for this prized copy. Mine works quite well but the turntable does need some work. I've been struggling to find someone/anyone to repair it for me but have had zero luck. I'm located in Chicago. Please let me know about the manual...Many thanks! Heather Z.
ReplyDeleteHeather, mine has turntable issues as well that I have yet to fix. What letter does your serial number start with? Drop me an email (see profile) and I'm sure we can work something out.
ReplyDeleteJust picked up this exact stereo cabinet in AMAZING condition for a steal at our local thrift store! How has yours held up, did you ever resolve the turntable issues?
ReplyDelete~Andie
Andie, nice find, I still have not resolved the turntable issue, ours turns, just not at the proper speed, probably a worn out belt.
ReplyDeleteThis looks to be a stunning example. I recently found one of these in an antique mall and everything is working pretty well. Mine is marked X 930 on the back, I've been told the X means 1967.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the turntable a more mechanically-inclined friend of mine showed me a work-around for mine... put your record on and manually spin the platter in the correct direction (clockwise)... somewhere between a quarter and half spin mine starts right up.
Another thing I wanted to share that I picked up on the Antique Radio Forum is that these units probably need their capacitors replaced for safe operation.
PS Does everyone know that if you turn the dial to AUX you can connect your iPod using the RCA plugs in the back? Enjoy. ;-)
I have one in great shape everything works perfect anyone interested?
ReplyDeleteI recently found one of these in perfect working order, alas no operating manual! Any chance of getting a copy of yours? Willing to pay, please let me know! Thanks
ReplyDeleteDave
I have the same unit stored in my garage. My parents bought it brand new in the 60's. (I played my albums and 45s on it.) It's still in great condition. A beautiful piece of furniture!
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