Another restoration project...

This was a fun one. Played around with the camera tonight, thought I’d share (hashtag bragpost). Pretty happy with how the winter project turned out. 😁

This cool rig came from an estate - the old fellow who built it (speakers and console) back in the early 60’s did a great job. I just cleaned it up, modified a few things and built a case for the HK TA-5000x receiver and a plinth for the Garrard Type A II. Both are veneered with mahogany and maple. The HK has all original tubes and sounds fan-frickin-tastic. I’m not much of a vinyl guy, but the Garrard came with a Pickering red cartridge and plays very well for 60 or so years old...

The speaker cabinets' grilles were nailed on but buzzed horribly. After removing them, I found unfinished plywood with the builder's handwritten notes about the components he was bringing together. I wanted a way to show off the drivers without erasing his fingerprints, so I built some melamine bezel trim plates, also veneered with mahogany and maple. Secured them with little magnets which worked out well. The original grilles are now also secured with magnets so if you’re a-hankerin' for a gander at the Jensen H222's you can. My sister in law has a Glowforge so I had her make up some little laser cut logo plates for the backs of the cabinets. Used a photo of the original pamphlets found inside of the cabinets to make up the logos. So dang cool. I want a Glowforge!

Not Polk, I know. But some here will appreciate the rig. It has been a great way to spend the winter evenings in the garage. Next up, some monitor 7’s and 10’s!

Original listing photo:


Dusty and unattended to for who knows how long...?



The HK powered up happily on the DBT, no hum, amazingly. Only found and repaired one cold solder joint that caused some intermittency. Now it powers up and works perfectly every time. I’m a wuss and don’t know if I want to tackle a re-cap. That'll be a project for the next owner.


Cleaned and polished the faceplate:



Disassembled the console, removed the top and the hinged compartment for the TT:


Built the plinth and case:




Rewired, refurbished and rebuilt the backs of the Jensens:






Built the vanity bezels:




Built a new top for the console out of birch ply and veneered over everything with maple. Finally got it all put back together and looking somewhat presentable:












Whew. Now to find it a new home! 👍🏻