[rschwarz_jr]

I have a pair of used Fried Betas Signature Series that were sitting in the basement. Just out of curiosity I looked them up and it seems like they were some pretty nice speaker in their day.


Does anyone have information on these? Models? Styles? Their website didn't help much?


Also how would they compare to modern technology? Should I use them?

 

[Ben_Tech]

Speaker technology has not changed much in the last 50 years, so these would probably sound nice for you once you have installed the replacement drivers. You could try sending an email to [email protected] to see if they have anything that might fit.

 

[youngho]



Quote:
Originally Posted by rschwarz_jr /forum/post/18189303


I have a pair of used Fried Betas Signature Series that were sitting in the basement. Just out of curiosity I looked them up and it seems like they were some pretty nice speaker in their day.


Does anyone have information on these? Models? Styles? Their website didn't help much?


Also how would they compare to modern technology? Should I use them?

The designer was Irving M. "Bud" Fried. Obit here: http://www.stereophile.com/news/03404005Irving/


There were six series. I remember because I had the series 6 back in the '90s, which had radiused edges on the sides (not the front), as well as six spaced circular holes in the back through which foam was visible (something about aperiodic loading). I always regretted selling them. I believe that I saw pictures of the series 5 having all square edges.


I believe that series 1-6 used foam surrounds on the woofers, which tend to deteriorate over time. You may be able to order new drivers from here, but I don't know if they're still in business or not: http://www.friedproducts.com/beta.html


Some historical information on Fried speakers: http://www.imf-electronics.com/Home/fried


Might as well hook them up and see how they sound!

 

[rschwarz_jr]



Quote:
Originally Posted by youngho /forum/post/18191327


The designer was Irving M. "Bud" Fried. Obit here: http://www.stereophile.com/news/03404005Irving/


There were six series. I remember because I had the series 6 back in the '90s, which had radiused edges on the sides (not the front), as well as six spaced circular holes in the back through which foam was visible (something about aperiodic loading). I always regretted selling them. I believe that I saw pictures of the series 5 having all square edges.


I believe that series 1-6 used foam surrounds on the woofers, which tend to deteriorate over time. You may be able to order new drivers from here, but I don't know if they're still in business or not: http://www.friedproducts.com/beta.html


Some historical information on Fried speakers: http://www.imf-electronics.com/Home/fried


Might as well hook them up and see how they sound!

I hooked them up and they sound great. The foam seems to be in fine shape. I've actually located a second set too.


Amazingly the location of the company is 1 mile from my house so if I need replacement drivers I can swing by.

 

[youngho]



Quote:
Originally Posted by rschwarz_jr /forum/post/18196191


I hooked them up and they sound great. The foam seems to be in fine shape. I've actually located a second set too.


Amazingly the location of the company is 1 mile from my house so if I need replacement drivers I can swing by.

Great, sounds like my information was helpful. The Fried speakers are generally described as extremely musical, with surprisingly deep bass extension. Bud Fried's philosophy to voicing the speakers was a little different from the current approaches taken by most speaker designers, but many folks have hung on to theirs for the long haul.


If the second set is the series 6 in the oak finish and you decide that you dno't need them, please let me know.