, Interfaces, MK-121-B, Medallion upgrade

Berend Alberts2004-02-23 22:21

I am writing to you from the Netherlands. Having been an audiophile music enthusiast for many years, the most faithful ”air coupling” end of the various combinations of hardware I use have always been the fine 2+2's. I bought them new after a visit to Acoustat and ”having been convinced” by Jim Strickland when visiting him in Ft Lauderdale in 1984. In truth, one just needs some time alone with them (the 2+2's I mean) and one's hooked.

I must have missed the medallion modification by a couple months only. Something I have regretted ever since reading the 1985 Absolute Sound review about the modification.

Please don't ask me why I decided to try and get the modification now. After all, the 2+2's have been a real joy for almost 19 years. And I have no plans to part with them. The interfaces are MK 121-B and have serial number 402201 and 402202 (220 - 240 volts). For your information I think they are best driven by an only slightly updated (and optimally adjusted) TNT 200 , serial number 402203.

I would like to get in touch with the firm that produced the medallion transformers for Acoustat. Obviously I would be very grateful if you would provide me with their name, address, telephone and email. If you could help me to a description of the full modification (including the last 'red', or 'C' step) I will feel really indebted to you.

Just a crazy thought. If they still have the parts, wouldn't Hafler (Rockford Fosgate) still honour my request for the medallion upgrade since I have all original documentation as well as the invoice? I understand that buying the modification from them was pretty expensive ($1900??!) but the upgrade (in case the original invoice could be provided) was done at a much more reasonable price. I wouldn't ask them to perform the upgrade. I would be content with the parts and instructions. Do you think that it would still make sense to try and contact them?

I really look forward to hearing from you. Best regards, Berend Alberts

Andy Szabo2004-02-23 22:21

I doubt that Rockford is still able to perform the Medallion Modification, or has the parts available for the do-it-yourselfer. They essentially washed their hands of Acoustat over ten years ago. However, there is always the possibility, so if you want to contact them, you can find their address in the Brand Information section of this site.

For the original manufacturer of the transformers, I have only a name: Southeastern Transformer, located near Miami, Florida, USA. I have no idea if they are still in business, or if they have any interest or capability to make these transformers. I do know that ordering only one set will be very expensive!

Another possibility is to contact Sounds Like New. (See ”Refurbishing” for contact information.) They repair Acoustat electronics and speaker interfaces, and may have the parts necessary. They do not sell parts, so you would need to send the interfaces to them for modification.

A final possibility would be to find a pair of already-modified interfaces on the used market. Such things are occasionally available.

Bottom line: attempting the Medallion Modification is likely impossible now, or at least very, very expensive. Good Luck, and don't wait so long next time!

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