Why don't my speaker's EIA codes make sense?

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5/8/2000 6:39 PM

Dean Hazelwanter

Why don't my speaker's EIA codes make sense? Hi...     The EIA codes on a number of my speakers don't   match up with any manufacturer prefix found on the Weber VST web site. Am I reading these numbers wrong? Are the speakers labeled wrong?     A 12", stamped 'Jensen', with '19-120013-04'     A 12", with a 'Jensen Special Design' label, with 'A12W64J'     A 10", no Mfr stamp or label, with '23-10E051'     An 8", no Mfr stamp or label, with '337628-7'     Thanks in advance for any help in decyphering   these numbers.

 

5/9/2000 5:16 AM
Steve A.	Dean:         I haven't checked those numbers against the Weber VST list, but I just wanted to say that some amp mfg's have their own part numbers stamped on the speakers very prominently. If you look closely you may find numbers that fit the Weber VST list... or maybe not!     --Good luck!     Steve Ahola

 

5/9/2000 7:40 PM
Dean Hazelwanter	I'd need the 'Enigma' code machine to translate any of these numbers into anything on Ted's list!     8^)

 

5/10/2000 12:16 AM
ted	Those are OEM customer part numbers. When the competition heated up in the speaker biz, Fender and others had the supplier drop all of their numbers (including the EIA date codes) and just put on the Fender part number.     ted

 

5/9/2000 3:38 PM

Doc

Not all numbers inked on speaker frames or cones are EIA codes. Some are production date codes and some could be plain old part numbers from the device (stereo, TV) where it was removed. Also, I believe that if the manufacturer's name is clearly visible, then their EIA manufacturer's number doesn't need to appear.     Knowing that a Jensen speaker is a "special design" means that it's characteristics do not match their standard production "catalogued" speaker types (like C12Q or P12N). Something is different, such as magnet size, voice coil diameter, continuous power rating, straight cone or bell shaped cone, etc., even frame paint color. So what you can do to get a clue as to what standard speaker type that special may be closest to in characteristics, measure what you can on your sample and compare to catalog info. Also it helps to know what type of amplifier it was originally hooked up to, which will help determine the power handling capability, something you can't measure accurately without destroying the speaker.     The other speakers w/o mfr's name or label may be recognizable by the frame design or unique magnet structure. Not all frames have the same web/cutout pattern. Many CTS speakers have a square ceramic magnet.     Not knowing what brand the equipment the speaker was originally supplied in (most likely a manufacturer laid to rest long ago) adds to the mystery of trying to figure out exactly what you have. It's probably safe to assume that the 12 inchers can handle 15-20 watts of clean power (p-p 6V6, 6AQ5, or 6BQ5), the 10" about 10-12w, and the 8" maybe 5-10 watts, although light weight frames, small diameter voice coils, and tiny magnets would be a clue to low power handling capability.     I know this didn't provide you with direct answers to your speaker numbers, but I hope that it helps you make good use of your miscellaneous reclaimed speakers. Many of us have been able to get good guitar tone from junior sized amps and speakers from an old console.

 

5/9/2000 7:32 PM

Dean Hazelwanter

Thanks for the input and the insight, Doc. I was wondering about the standard usage of codes mainly because so many of mine didn't jive with what I've seen. I know where they came from, so I have some idea about suitable applications:     A 12", with a 'Jensen Special Design' label, with 'A12W64J':   - Came from single 'Argos' brand 3 way stereo cabinet that I got from the Thrift Store for $1.99.   - Sounds amazingly good with one channel of modded-for-guitar stereo amp (single-ended, 1 6BQ5/channel) removed from console stereo ($9.99), which is also where the 8" speakers came from.     A 12", stamped 'Jensen', with '19-120013-04':   - Came out of Electrohome organ ($9.99) with a 2x7189 p-p amp.   - Also 'harvested' 30 12AX7s and a Leslie-type rotating speaker unit from this organ.     A 10", no Mfr stamp or label, with '23-10E051':   - Actually, 4 of them in a 4x10 Traynor cabinet.   - Found Traynor YBA-1 (2xEL34) and 4x10 cabinet, with original covers for both, all working and in great shape, for $130 at a garage sale!

 

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