The Story
We recently pulled these archives from 2021 to look back at one of the foundation pieces of the Steiner Audio workshop here in Memphis. This 1960s Zenith was only the second unit I ever restored, but it perfectly captured the vision of what we do today: creating art for the eyes and the ears. At the time, the original walnut finish was heavily worn, but the iconic mid-century lines of the Zenith restored console were undeniable.
The Bench Process
Restoration is a game of patience. We start by stripping back decades of wear to reveal the original walnut grain before hand-sanding and refinishing the cabinet to a glass-like luster. This isn’t just about a clean exterior; it’s about preparing the chassis for a total internal modernization that meets today’s audiophile standards.
Modernization & Tech Specs
- High-Res Streaming: Slated for WiiM integration, allowing for seamless wireless audio and multi-room connectivity.
- Television Integration: Equipped with HDMI ARC, turning this 1960s centerpiece into a high-performance sound system for your modern TV.
- Vinyl Performance: A new Audio Technica turntable installation with updated driver components for precision playback.
Current Status
While this specific unit found its forever home in 2021, it remains the blueprint for the quality you can expect from every modernized vintage audio console we produce in our Memphis workshop. You can view our current queue of available pieces on our Upcoming Restorations page.