I worked for Pacific Stereo from 1976 until its closing in 1986 as a service manager in 5 different stores. Here are a couple of things to add to your excellent presentation of the Concept 16.5. There was never a service manual for the 16.5, only a schematic and some service bulletins. The concept line of receivers were manufactured by Tandy Corp in Japan. Pacific Stereo was sold to Burke Mathes (brother of Curtis Mathes) in 1983 by CBS. Without the working capital and backing of CBS, Pacific Stereo went out of business just 3 years later. In that same period, much larger publically traded chains like Circuit City came into the markets that Pacific Stereo had once dominated. At one time, Pacific Stereo was the largest retailer of consumer electronics in the USA. As a teenager in the early 70s, there was no place more cool to hang out in than Paciific Stereo. As an adult, there was no place better to work.
Hello. I have finally bought a Concept 16.5 receiver will be delivered on Thursday. Wanted to thank you for doing the video on the Restoration. It will sure come in handy in the future for me. Thank you.
I had one. Its a BEAST. STRAIGHT BEAST. Dick Schram of Parasound designed this. They were built by Tandy corporation (yes radioshack). The lights in the buttons are LED LIGHTS. YEA LEDS. This receiver absolutely rocks. Dick is an awesome dude. The damping factor is north of 500. They say it's the highest damping factor of any receiver. Ever. This beast is laid out so awesomely designed its unbelievable. 5 gang tuner and all. The power ratings are severely under rated. This beats a sx 1250 anyday. The dual mono design is awesome and you can't beat it. Glad I had 4 years playing with this baby. Long live concept
Dear Sir, I Just Purchased one of these Beauties, and Your Presentation Was Stellar! Calm voice, No profanity and Very Informative! I will be recapping all the boards, and doing the updates that you suggested. Thank You for your time and Effort... PS- Would Really like to see a Vid on the RX-1603 Rotel:)
I had this receiver before, I liked the sound of the Concept 11.0 a bit more, not as harsh, smoother and more balanced. Still a good unit. I also like the 12.0D with the digital clock, they all sound good.
That’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Lots of power for a modest looking receiver. I like the understated looks, too, and that champagne finish looks nice lit up. The multi-band tone, and loudness control get a thumbs up. Best feature, though: the modular design. The “house branded” filter caps gave me a chuckle. Great presentation, Ben. Never heard of this brand before. And as always, your work is top-notch.
Great video. I grew up in SoCal in the 70s, Pacific Stereo was a regular stop, but I have no memory of the Concept line - it's been a while, memories fade I guess.
I still have a Concept 2QD Turntable I got from Pacific Stereo in the late 70s. As you know it was a state of the art and the best for the times. Still, one of the best turntables around IMHO! I have an Audio-Technica AT20SS Shibata Tip Stylus cartridge on the turntable. The cost of the stylus was 250-300 bucks even back then! It's awesome! I also bought my Kenwood KR-6565 DC receiver from Custom Hi-Fi when I worked there in the late 70s for $600.00, I was there for a couple of years. I later picked up a Sansui 9900Z Digital Quartz Synthesizer Stereo DC Receiver, it's rated at 160 watts per channel into 8 ohms at THD: 0.015% and frequency response: 5Hz to 100kHz. It also has a liquid cool heat sink for the output transistors (the output stage is ALL discrete components, all the chips are in the tuner and display logic) and it also has an automatic thermostat controlled cooling fan on the rear panel. I still have it and still use it today. I was lucky enough to buy this receiver at a pawn shop I worked at in 1986 for $100.00, it was basically in new (mint) condition and still looks and sounds that way, I'm sure it could use an upgrade/restoration like your Concept 16.5 by now. I think back in 1981 this receiver retailed for around $1300.00 and it was the last year they made the hi-power monster receivers, then they went cheap and plastic and crappy sounding. My Kenwood receiver is carefully wrapped in plastic and stored in a nice cool cabinet in my bedroom, I guess it's become my back up receiver and it's still in 100% mint condition. I take great care of my equipment, they're lasting me a lifetime. So far so good, I'm still here and so are they.
You have presented a very nice detailed Presentation. And history lesson on the Concept 16.5 stereo receiver. I am contemplating and trying to decide out of all the top quality brand name Stereo receivers out there. By Pionner, Sansui, Macintosh, Techniques, Marantz, Rotel, Radio shack, Hitachi. Pretty sure I have missed a few? Which one has the best specs? Not letting looks be a factor in making my decision. As I am pretty sure others as will as myself have been guilty of doing so lol. I don't ever recall seeing a poll takin on looks unless I missed it lol. I have owned all but four on the list. I have a price limit. I hope and pray that I am fortunate enough to find a receiver that has been takin very good care of. And after watching your video. The Concept 16.5 is in the lead. To bad I can't buy yours it fits what I am loking for lol. Thanks Novalux for the wonderful video.
I am glad that you enjoyed the video. Some of my personal favorites are: Pioneer SX-1250 Marantz 2270 Sansui 9090 I have videos featuring each of them on my channel. Good luck in the search!
Super video! Great combination of production and content. Your visuals support your points and your Information seems to be current, interesting and complete. Well done sir! One thing that struck me as interesting is that the layout is reversed from many Japanese designs. The selector on the left and the power and speaker options on the right. The same thing extends to the back panel with speaker inputs on the right and switched and unswitched inputs on the left. That had to be a conscious design choice.
Little can be gained listening to audio equipment recorded on a mono lapel mic then processed through TH-cam compression etc. Not to mention copyright issues. My goal with these videos is to inform on the features and build quality of select units. I will leave the subjective sonic judgements and demonstrations to creators that are better equipped to do so.
@@NovaluxStereophonic Totally understand. Wasnt knocking your video and very much appreciate your major expertise. Your very informative and I'm very impressed with your knowledge and ability to convey it. Thanks and keep your videos coming. 👍
I'm restoring a nice 5.5 and going to replace the stereo indicator with a red LED. The faceplates of these Concepts are very plain jane. I wish the meters could be backlit with their own LED. I would probably go with light blue.
I worked for Pacific Stereo from 1976 until its closing in 1986 as a service manager in 5 different stores. Here are a couple of things to add to your excellent presentation of the Concept 16.5. There was never a service manual for the 16.5, only a schematic and some service bulletins. The concept line of receivers were manufactured by Tandy Corp in Japan. Pacific Stereo was sold to Burke Mathes (brother of Curtis Mathes) in 1983 by CBS. Without the working capital and backing of CBS, Pacific Stereo went out of business just 3 years later. In that same period, much larger publically traded chains like Circuit City came into the markets that Pacific Stereo had once dominated. At one time, Pacific Stereo was the largest retailer of consumer electronics in the USA. As a teenager in the early 70s, there was no place more cool to hang out in than Paciific Stereo. As an adult, there was no place better to work.
Is there a service manual for the Concept 11.0?
Apparently there were no service manuals for any of them. That's what I keep hearing from former employees.@@bigblockelectra
Should add, though, that the original manuals all included schematics.
Finally somebody that knows. I get so tired of hearing people say these were built by pioneer😅😅😅😅😅😅
Hello. I have finally bought a Concept 16.5 receiver will be delivered on Thursday. Wanted to thank you for doing the video on the Restoration. It will sure come in handy in the future for me. Thank you.
I had one. Its a BEAST. STRAIGHT BEAST. Dick Schram of Parasound designed this. They were built by Tandy corporation (yes radioshack). The lights in the buttons are LED LIGHTS. YEA LEDS. This receiver absolutely rocks. Dick is an awesome dude. The damping factor is north of 500. They say it's the highest damping factor of any receiver. Ever. This beast is laid out so awesomely designed its unbelievable. 5 gang tuner and all. The power ratings are severely under rated. This beats a sx 1250 anyday. The dual mono design is awesome and you can't beat it. Glad I had 4 years playing with this baby. Long live concept
Not many people know that these were built by radio shack CBS Tandy.
@@danielknepper6884 Built by Fostec/Foster Electronics. Only the early 1977 2.0 and 3.5 were built by Tandy.
Dear Sir,
I Just Purchased one of these Beauties, and
Your Presentation Was Stellar! Calm voice, No profanity and Very Informative!
I will be recapping all the boards, and doing the updates that you suggested.
Thank You for your time and Effort...
PS- Would Really like to see a Vid on the RX-1603 Rotel:)
Wow I have a 16.5 works but would like it looked at. Great TH-cam... learn a lot
I had this receiver before, I liked the sound of the Concept 11.0 a bit more, not as harsh, smoother and more balanced. Still a good unit. I also like the 12.0D with the digital clock, they all sound good.
That’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Lots of power for a modest looking receiver. I like the understated looks, too, and that champagne finish looks nice lit up. The multi-band tone, and loudness control get a thumbs up. Best feature, though: the modular design. The “house branded” filter caps gave me a chuckle. Great presentation, Ben. Never heard of this brand before. And as always, your work is top-notch.
When powered up, the lights would dim in the room.
Concept 6.5 owner from a garage sale find. Thanks for this very informative video. I look forward to reviewing more of your content.
Thank you for showing this rare and very interesting receiver.
Great video. I grew up in SoCal in the 70s, Pacific Stereo was a regular stop, but I have no memory of the Concept line - it's been a while, memories fade I guess.
The have had mine since it was new in 1978 had it rebuilt still looks like new.
That thing is a beast! would love to work on one some day. Thanks for making this video!
I still have a Concept 2QD Turntable I got from Pacific Stereo in the late 70s. As you know it was a state of the art and the best for the times. Still, one of the best turntables around IMHO! I have an Audio-Technica AT20SS Shibata Tip Stylus cartridge on the turntable. The cost of the stylus was 250-300 bucks even back then! It's awesome! I also bought my Kenwood KR-6565 DC receiver from Custom Hi-Fi when I worked there in the late 70s for $600.00, I was there for a couple of years. I later picked up a Sansui 9900Z Digital Quartz Synthesizer Stereo DC Receiver, it's rated at 160 watts per channel into 8 ohms at THD: 0.015% and frequency response: 5Hz to 100kHz. It also has a liquid cool heat sink for the output transistors (the output stage is ALL discrete components, all the chips are in the tuner and display logic) and it also has an automatic thermostat controlled cooling fan on the rear panel. I still have it and still use it today. I was lucky enough to buy this receiver at a pawn shop I worked at in 1986 for $100.00, it was basically in new (mint) condition and still looks and sounds that way, I'm sure it could use an upgrade/restoration like your Concept 16.5 by now. I think back in 1981 this receiver retailed for around $1300.00 and it was the last year they made the hi-power monster receivers, then they went cheap and plastic and crappy sounding. My Kenwood receiver is carefully wrapped in plastic and stored in a nice cool cabinet in my bedroom, I guess it's become my back up receiver and it's still in 100% mint condition. I take great care of my equipment, they're lasting me a lifetime. So far so good, I'm still here and so are they.
You have presented a very nice detailed Presentation. And history lesson on the Concept 16.5 stereo receiver. I am contemplating and trying to decide out of all the top quality brand name Stereo receivers out there. By Pionner, Sansui, Macintosh, Techniques, Marantz, Rotel, Radio shack, Hitachi. Pretty sure I have missed a few? Which one has the best specs? Not letting looks be a factor in making my decision. As I am pretty sure others as will as myself have been guilty of doing so lol. I don't ever recall seeing a poll takin on looks unless I missed it lol. I have owned all but four on the list. I have a price limit. I hope and pray that I am fortunate enough to find a receiver that has been takin very good care of. And after watching your video. The Concept 16.5 is in the lead. To bad I can't buy yours it fits what I am loking for lol. Thanks Novalux for the wonderful video.
I am glad that you enjoyed the video. Some of my personal favorites are:
Pioneer SX-1250
Marantz 2270
Sansui 9090
I have videos featuring each of them on my channel. Good luck in the search!
I really liked Pacific Stereo. Bought a Sony DD turntable, Stanton cartridge and house brand speakers.
That unit is really nice! And it fetches the same money as its Pioneer equivalent! :)
Super video! Great combination of production and content. Your visuals support your points and your Information seems to be current, interesting and complete. Well done sir! One thing that struck me as interesting is that the layout is reversed from many Japanese designs. The selector on the left and the power and speaker options on the right. The same thing extends to the back panel with speaker inputs on the right and switched and unswitched inputs on the left. That had to be a conscious design choice.
Thank you for the positive feedback. Much appreciated.
Greetings! I have one of these, too! I would love to have mine restored to almost new condition. What is your price and where are you located? Thanks!
You can contact me via my Facebook business page.
Ampli concept giá bao nhiêu vậy anh?
Good talk but wished you would have demonstrated the receiver playing which is what we all hoped for.
Little can be gained listening to audio equipment recorded on a mono lapel mic then processed through TH-cam compression etc. Not to mention copyright issues. My goal with these videos is to inform on the features and build quality of select units. I will leave the subjective sonic judgements and demonstrations to creators that are better equipped to do so.
@@NovaluxStereophonic Totally understand. Wasnt knocking your video and very much appreciate your major expertise. Your very informative and I'm very impressed with your knowledge and ability to convey it. Thanks and keep your videos coming. 👍
I'm restoring a nice 5.5 and going to replace the stereo indicator with a red LED. The faceplates of these Concepts are very plain jane. I wish the meters could be backlit with their own LED. I would probably go with light blue.
SUPER 😘 !!!
VOLODA... UKRAINE.
My 16.5 needs repair and I can’t find a qualified repair guy to do the job.
Please reach out to me via my Facebook business page.
Машина нерядовая...