Coffee table consoles?

[stbasil]

I really love my recently restored Motorola SK111 console, sounds great, hardly any plastic to be found on it! But, it occupies an off-center location in our den, listening-wise. Our space is symmetric about the fireplace, tv above the mantle, component speakers, turntable and receiver in custom bookshelves on each side. Recliners facing the fireplace, with a coffee table at the foot of the recliners. So the moto sound is severely shortchanged because of its necessary location off to the side.

I've seen some mid century consoles that were made as coffee tables, and I wondered if any of you have had any experience with such. Seems like the form factor would limit the size of the woofer(s) unless downward firing. Has anyone run across this style in a decent quality unit?

I think it would be cool to replace our coffee table with one if it would sound as good as my moto! I've even thought about putting the moto components into a homemade coffee table, but that might be a bigger project than I would want to tackle, given my lack of woodworking tools required to build it.

[hermitcrab]

I have thought about building one once before... a late Magnavox chassis from the 80's might fit the bill, because they are small and compact , seems to me that you would not want anything deeper than a record changer would take up...

[William]

I have seen, both live and on the internet, all different kinds of coffee table units. Some look to be pretty junky and some are high end. One comes to mind, it is a Motorola. I believe the cabinet was by Drexel and Motorola installed one of there upper end chassis. Here's one, it is SS though.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Mid_Century/co ... ?rdt=34449

Here's one that should be nice, it might be tube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRgRbtNblu0

And here is the one I was referring too, it is SS.

https://antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=349296

Bill

[electra225]

GE and Admiral both made coffee table stereos. There is usually at least one on ebay, but not right now....

Here is an ad for a GE stereo with a Garrard turntable.....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/267228179103?_ ... R5aYvKDNZQ

[William]

That is a nice looking piece of furniture and the electronics look deluxe too.

Bill

[ngocnhung]

Really enjoyed reading about your setup — sounds like a cozy and well-thought-out space! I’ve come across a few coffee table-style consoles in the past, mostly from the late '50s to early '60s. You're right — the low profile often means smaller woofers or down-firing speakers, and audio quality can be hit or miss depending on the design.

One unit that stood out was a Grundig I saw at a local estate sale — pretty sleek, good build quality, and surprisingly warm sound given the size. That said, finding something that sounds as full as your SK111 might be tough unless you go the DIY route. Swapping the Moto components into a custom coffee table is a neat idea, and maybe you could collaborate with a local woodworker if tools are a limitation?

[electra225]

NgocNhung, please refer to the rules to complete your registration. You need to post your location in your user profile before your registration will be complete. Failure to complete your registration may result in your inability to post. We welcome you to the forum, and hope you will enjoy it.

Just for the record, how do you pronounce your username?

[William]

Yes, welcome, and like Electra said, please finish your registration and include an Avatar so you can enjoy our little forum.

Bill