This retro review dives into the world of vintage audio with a look at the Peterson Laboratory BR11 speakers. Manufactured sometime between the late 1970s and early 1980s by a Melbourne Hi-Fi shop owner, these speakers represent a fascinating snapshot of audio technology at the cusp of the digital age. Featuring a unique design with 8-inch woofers (one active, one passive), a 3-inch midrange, and a 2-inch tweeter, the BR11s defy expectations with their surprisingly good sound quality. Built using simple, cost-effective materials like chipboard, these speakers offer a glimpse into the manufacturing practices of the era.Despite their age and minimalist construction, including the absence of a traditional crossover, the BR11s deliver a surprisingly pleasant listening experience. This review will explore their sonic characteristics, construction, and the intriguing "Digital Program Series" sticker hinting at their connection to the early adoption of PCM technology. Join us as we uncover the strengths and limitations of these vintage gems and appreciate their place in the history of audio reproduction.
Pros And Cons
- Surprisingly good sound quality
- Ported design
- Small tears around the perimeter of the speakers
- No power rating
- Low power handling (estimated 30-60W)
- Bottom out around 50Hz, almost nothing at 40Hz
- Super cheap build quality (12-15 mil chipboard)
- No crossover
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Unboxing and Initial Impressions
My usual videos focus on fixing things, but today's a bit different. I've acquired a pair of vintage Peterson Laboratory BR11 speakers, made sometime between the late 70s and early 80s.
These speakers, crafted by a Melbourne Hi-Fi shop owner, feature 8-inch woofers (one active, one passive), a 3-inch midrange, and a 2-inch tweeter. The cabinets are constructed from chipboard.
While not in perfect condition (minor tears around the perimeter), the sound quality is surprisingly good, even before any repairs. The speakers are also ported, featuring a 2-inch port running through the cabinet.
Sound Quality and Performance
Even at medium-to-high listening levels, these speakers produce a remarkably pleasant sound. I estimate their power handling capacity at 30-60 watts, possibly a bit more peak power, but definitely not 100-watt monsters.
Testing with a frequency sweep revealed a good response, although some cone flutter occurred around 50Hz, suggesting bottoming out at lower frequencies. Increasing the volume helped compensate for this issue.
I used a Harmon Kardon HK 610 amplifier (30W per channel) for the test, demonstrating that these speakers can produce decent sound with moderate power.
Internal Construction and Design
Disconnecting one speaker revealed a surprisingly simple crossover – essentially, there is none. The components are densely packed within the cabinet, but there are no discernible crossover components.
The use of a simple, cost-effective design likely explains the use of inexpensive 12 or 15 mil chipboard. This approach shows the cost-cutting strategies used in the speakers' manufacture.
Background and Technology
A sticker on the speaker reveals these are part of a 'Digital Program Series', highlighting the integration of early digital audio technologies.
The back panel mentions PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) technology, hinting at a production date closer to the early 1980s, coinciding with the emergence of PCM in consumer audio devices like CD players and DAT.
This suggests the BR11 speakers weren’t a 70s design, but instead incorporated newer technology from around 1982 or 1983. The marketing material reflects the excitement surrounding emerging digital audio.
Conclusion
The Peterson Laboratory BR11 speakers, despite their age and simple construction, deliver surprisingly good sound quality for their size and power handling. They offer a glimpse into the early days of digital audio technology.
While their low-frequency response could be improved, and the lack of a complex crossover is notable, they are an interesting piece of audio history and demonstrate a surprisingly effective approach to speaker design for their time.
The absence of a true crossover is both a limitation and a testament to the design philosophy of the time, providing a unique listening experience. Their vintage charm makes them worth considering for enthusiasts of retro audio.