The FM tuner has been a de rigeur music source in my audio system. Between the dwindling quality of FM broadcasts and proliferation of internet radio and music streaming apps like Pandora, Spotify, Tidal etc., I had to jump the bandwagon with my first generation iPad mini.
Many years ago, I wrote about vintage Japanese drivers. From that survey, the 8" Lafayette SK98 aka Pioneer PIM8L full range driver emerged as a favorite due to its vivid midrange, balanced by respectable high and low frequency extension. Thinking that I could easily find replacements, I eventually unloaded both pairs to friends who didn't have the budget for Altec 755As.
 |
| 16Ω Pioneer PIM8L with a Hamlin's badge |
 |
| 16Ω Hamlin's in Altec 618 clone cabinets |
Over a decade has elapsed and I am happily reunited with a pair, courtesy of my friend at Junkyard Jukebox. He believed that his treasured pair in Altec 618 clone cabinets should be in the JE Labs collection.
