This is the fairly hard to find Concept 16.5 which was offered through the audio retailer Pacific Stereo back in the late 70’s. The 16.5 was sold from about 1977-1980 and had a retail price of around $949.99.
Basically, when a customer went into a Pacific Stereo store looking for a Pioneer or Sansui receiver the salesman would steer them toward the “house” brand which was the Concept. Normally you might think that the house brand would be some cheaply made unit designed for maximum profit to the retailer. But, in this case the Concept 16.5 was one very well built and high performing receiver. It was apparently made in Japan by Tandy and put out a whopping 165 watts per channel. Some say that it is perhaps the best receiver ever made and you’ll be hard pressed to find any negative reviews although it’s styling leaves a little to be desired. It is known for it’s fantastic bass output and window shattering power.
The Concept 16.5 is huge and weighs in at 67 pounds. The circuitry was deigned by Richard Schram, now with Parasound, and featured a dual mono design with 2 large power transformers and 10,000 uf power supply capacitors. It’s rumored that Pacific Stereo didn’t submit the 16.5 for review to the audio magazines at the time because it’s superior performance might upset the other audio manufacturers that Pacific Stereo carried such as Pioneer and Sansui. Since Pacific also provided repair and maintenance on the other manufacturers receivers they knew other models inside and out. This allowed them to design their Concept line to provide even better performance then its peers.
These receivers are pretty hard to find as Pacific Stereo was mainly a West coast operation though it did have some stores in the Mid-west. It’s a guess but somewhere between 1200 and 2000 Concept 16.5 receivers were made. How many have survived over the years is unknown but they are not that easily found.
In December 2011 a 16.5 sold for $720.00 that was in good cosmetic and working order but need some maintenance and cleaning.
Update: May 22, 2014. Prices are on the rise. A Concept 16.5 recently sold for $1580.00. It was in fantastic cosmetic and working condition.
Update: November 2019. A nice 16.5 sold for $1900.
As of 2023 Concept 16.5 receivers are selling for around $3000.
Interested in purchasing
I have one for sale in Atlanta in very good condition. If anyone is interested, please e-mail rhg.subscriptions@gmail.com
I have one of these receivers it has a short in the power switch where when it’s turned off the display light stays on and the volume nob is dirty it makes a Lil scratchy sound when turned up or down how much do you think it’s worth I live in California USA
Just a shot in the dark but do you still have the receiver for sale.
I have a concept 16.5 in Kansas City.
Is in perfect working condition.
Priced at 1850.00
I have various speakers to hook up and listen to it.
Brian do you still have the 16.5 and if so can you send me some pictures
Thank you Mark Nichols
I’m interested
Hi Brian, Any chance this 16.5 Concept receiver is still available?
Thanks,Matt
Hey Bill,
Did you ever get the 16.5 you were interested in? I have one for sale. You can contact me at ace44@usa.net.
Thanks,
Robbie
My brother told me i still had my 16.5 in the barn after many times thinking and trying to take to the dump. Weighing so much it was to big and heavy to put in trash can after it stopped working i just gave up and left it in the barn and forgot about it. Found a local tech and for two bills fixed it and just added kenwood sx7666 speakers a serviceman brought back from a px in japan during the vietnam war.They were military issued so the public could not purchase and i don’t see many around.You know i did not realize how good the sound of the 70s was.We just exspected that and took it for granted.When i turn music from the sixtes and 70s it takes me back but it only sounds good!LOUD ! Just ask a baby boomer.
Brian Did you fix the 16.5 and what speakers do you have?
I have a daily user Concept 16.5 receiver. Comparing values now.
She might be for sale.
One sold a few weeks ago for $1300.00 and it was listed as “parts or repair” because the AM/FM output didn’t work.
My dad gave me a Concept 16.5 that he used with a pair of Bose 901’s back in the day. I paired it with some Klipsch floors that absolutely shook the world. I have the same issue as a gentleman above, when I turn volume up or down there is a scratching sound but then pumps through crystal clear and powerful. I am pissed I took the knobs off when I moved and put them in a ziploc for “safe keeping” and cannot find the bag any longer. I had thought about selling the unit but I remember my dad having it my whole life so it has sentimental value…although I sold my speakers and she is just sitting in a spare bedroom :/
Any ideas on who would be able to clean the unit? I debated doing it myself, but didn’t want to mess with any structural or electrical dignity.
Depends on where you are. Most audio technicians should be able to do a basic cleaning. Then again, the 16.5 is a rare beast so I wouldn’t just trust anyone. Maybe check over at AudioKarma and let them know where you’re at. someone there should know a good technician near you. Also, if you’re interested in doing it yourself there is a good thread there on using DeOxit and such. Read through at least the first page as there is good info there on what and what not to use.
I to have the rare 16.5 Concept.
To give you an idea of the cost of the unit and repairs: bought on ebay in 2011 for 1,000.00 cosmetically 9/10. It worked fine, but had a power relay issue. I had it completely re-capped and restored by a gentleman by the name of Jeff who used to manage a Pacific Audio outlet and during that time was also a head repair tech there. The restore cost $1500.00
Still have the concept 16.5 and since march found a pair ar58s and a concept 2QD direct drive turntable.Lot of people are sold on belt because direct drive has floor noise.I have a sony belt and another thorens direct drive .The concept direct drive sounds so much better than the other two and dont think i will need to change to any other table I am 60 years old and hope it lasts the rest of my life.The ar 58s are just fantastic .Back in the 80s the concept 16.5 was hooked up to concept speakers and dont remember them sounding this good.Still cant stand digital Its my age
I have one I wish to sell. Gives amazing sound thru my JBL L65’s, which are also for sale. AM band does not work, power switch needs fixing and missing the volumn knob. Anyone interested let me know. I’m unfamiliar with this site and not sure how you contact someone!
Back in1979 I worked at pacific stereo . They discounted the 16.5 down to $600.00 I used it for 30 years and it was fantastic.I played it through a Custom speaker system I built .Two 15 “ woofers , mid horns and tweeters.Not to brag but this was the best sounding system I have ever heard. Finally one of the relays went out in it and I gave it to a friend but I miss the old days when I could kick back crank it up and think that I was at at a theater enjoying the great sound of music .
Hey John , did you work on West Coast or East Coast Pacific Stereo. I was a Tech in the Atlanta Store in 1980. Only stayed about 6 months after CBS bought them and closed all of the east coast stores. Was a great place to work.
I worked in the Santa Monica store while I went to UCLA. Incredibly fun time period. Lots of gambling at the bar next door on breaks. Lots of ways to end up with people’s trade ins. It was the sale by CBS to the Curtis Mathis Furniture chain that killed Pacific Stereo.
Thank you for the info raiko! Anytime I get in a crunch in life I wonder about selling her – but I can’t bring myself to do it. Any idea on where I can find replacement knobs? I sold a Bose lifestyle system last year and I think the knobs ended up in the box I handed over. Real bummer.
Hmm..first thing I would do is figure out if the knobs from any of the other Concept models are the same as the 16.5. They probably are. Sometimes people will list a full set of knobs from a receiver they are parting out on ebay. Of course not many are going to have a full set from a 16.5 since they are so rare. But, the 4.5, 6.5 etc. aren’t as rare so a full set of knobs might show up occasionally, and, if they match the 16.5 knobs then you could use them. The Concept 2.0 knobs look similar although there are only 4 round knobs so you’d still have to find one more. You could probably even buy an entire 2.0 for $60 or $70 and just scavenge the knobs off of it. If they all match you’d only be short one knob. You can set up searches on eBay so that you are alerted via email any time a Concept receiver is listed. That way you won’t miss any knobs that are listed. Maybe set one search up for “Concept Knob” and one for “Concept Receiver”, then you would see any that pop up on auction or buy it now. It may require some patience but I think eventually something would show up. Good Luck!
One of the best sounding receivers ever made…fantastic contruction….i gave the MCS 3125 receiver ….my second best receiver behind tge 16.5
Anyone selling one for a fair price?
i have a 16.5 and if the price is rite its yours it works exlnt cond
Hi folks in looking for a Concept receiver, be it a 6.5/11/16.5 please contact me at djchadallen at gmail.com with info and price thank you!
I have a concept model 16.5 AM FM receiver works great, i was just Rockin it with some Pioneers 16 inch speakers I’m in the Riverside area Letting It Go hit me back.
Riverside, ca. I forgot that this forum may be from out of state. Ty
I would like to buy a 16.5 in nice condition. I had one back in the day. I am in cali and will drive. Thanks Joe
I have a 16.5 and brought it in Santa Maria Ca. back in the early 70’s. I also have the CE series speakers to go with (4). The receiver will not go pass the warm-up phase and the red light on the power button will not go green. Any ideas??
Hello Richard, my name is Bill Graves and I live in Nipomo 8 miles north of Santa Maria. I just came across this site and saw your posting. If you are still in this area I have a good friend who worked for Pacific Stereo as a technician and and area service trainer back in the day and is very good on the Concepts. I have a 16.5 and other models also that he has brought back to life. I would love to correspond with about the CE speakers, I have never heard them but would like to someday.
Hi folks,
Just want to drop a line saying I have one. I live in Ontario, Canada and was able to purchase one in fantastic condition from a receiver collector in Toronto. I was very surprised to see one become available in my area considering they were not sold in Canada and somehow made it’s way from the American west coast. In short I love this unit. I also have a Sansui G7500, McIntosh 4100 and Marantz 2325. This baby will go toe to toe with any of these other highly regarded units. I know some people think the appearance is somewhat plain but I think it’s beautiful. If anyone has the opportunity to get one I strongly suggest going for it. You will not be disappointed. Good luck!
Audio Karma has a great thread on the 16.5. I bought mine new around 1982. They were listing at about $1,000, but I scored mine for $650. It died after about ten years and I thought it cheaper to replace than repair. I boxed it up (original packaging and outer shipping box, manual and original receipt. Ten years in storage later I found a collector on Audio Karma who happily paid me $250, then dropped another $800 to restore it. It was visually a 10, but clearly needed some work.
I just got one of these at an estate sale. It seems to be in great working and cosmetic condition.
Anybody looking to buy? I am a little concerned about shipping. The 67 lbs is no joke! I am in Nor Cal.
Matt
Hello, if the concept 16.5 is still available, I would be interested in it. Thanks.
Hey Matt… please get back to me. I am possibly interested.
Interested in buying a concept 16.5. I’m in California.
I am also Interested in buying a concept 16.5
shopcartph at gmail dot com
If anyone is interested ….I have a Concept 16.5 in excellent condition and everything works. I am getting ready to post an ad on US Audio Mart’s website.
I am originally from So Cal but have recently moved to Idaho.
I’m interested. Email is ggilemonona at hotmail.com
I have one available, with Equa Sound set of speakers (2 seven speaker tower and 16″ woofer)and set of Klipsh Cornwalls as well –Original owner purchased in late 70’s when in California, in Phoenix area now will accept a fair offer otherwise save your time with lowball offers….
Hi Jeff , If you still have your audio gear and want to still sell .Let me know ,thanks . Hoovertrees at yahoo.com
Concept 16.5 is sitting in my house, daily user and may be for sale. This unit commands the premium price, so do your comps.
I own a this Concept model, 16.5 Receiver. It’s superb, maybe a little old beit that theirs a little scratching distortion sound in the tuning knobs, but it is by far in my opinion has better frequency response than any other Receiver that I’ve ever purchased in the 1970’s or 1980’s. That includes, Pioneer and Sansui.
I have the concept 16.5 and it is quite a performer it almost sounds as good as my Marantz 2600 and my Sansui G 33000 the concept is no slouch it will run circles around my Sansui g9000 it’s because the concept has a very high dampening factor it really wakes up the bass
Purchased a 16.5 out of NY that had a 6 year old Pacific Stereo level 3 restorstion. Excellent cosmetics, only one flaw in top edges of faceplate. Paid $2k. The restoration costs were $2k, so very well bought. Followed these on eBay for the last three years. Seeing $2k average asking price for working units. Mint services/restores units in the $3,500 to $4k range. Most out of the west. Fewer in Texas which is kind of surprising given Pacific Stereo’s presence here in the late 70’s early 80’s. Very few in the East, this unit came from a collector
Swapping it out with a Pioneer SX-1250 running HPM-150’s. Will post back with impressions between the two.
Still have the 16.5 from early 2016.Found a concept 11.0 last year and just found another 11.0 last week.Speakers are rsl 3600 s.ess amt 1a Ar 58s. Sansui spx 8000.I have equalizers on each receiver .The reviews on the concept receivers are all true.I will say the 16.5 at 400 dbs will test your speakers and also hurt your ears if played loud.The 11.0 is more eaiser on the ears.I would put these two models up against any other vintage analog receiver.
I’d love a Concept 16.5. Currently I have Concept’s 4.5D and a 6.5 in my vintage
receiver “collection”. Both work great without issues. IMO, Concept receivers are one of the best in terms of sound quality, minimal problems, ease of use, and performance. Heavy receivers. Only complaint is the lack of a AUX input.
The Concept line of receivers signature clean sound seem to have more ‘balls’ compared to most receivers, vintage or not.
TransAudio also is great sounding lower priced PS house brand.
If anyone has a concept 16.5 please contact me
Forcefultrainer@yahoo.com
I’m in Wisconsin
I’ve got one for sale on Craigslist Seattle
I’ve got one for sale on Craigslist and Offerup Los Angeles, CA
I’ve got one for sale on Craigslist Seattle concept 16.5
I have 2 Concept 16.5s, my dad and uncle bought them at the seme time around 1977. My dad also purchased a Concept 11.0 which i also have. Been thinking of taking them in to have them cleaned and given a once over. Thank you for this artical.
I have a Concept 16.5 that my father in-law had in his office. I brought it home and it took me a little over 6 months to google it and find out what type of receiver I have. Am I surprised!! I would like to know what brand of speakers are best to use and if anyone has the Concept turntable that they would like to sell. Get @me. Twelvestreamsinc at hotmail.com
Hi all, I have the concept 16.5,11, and 6.5 . The 16.5 and 11 are 2 of my best sounding vintage receivers. I do have the turntable also, but put away. Use the marantz 6300. I consider myself lucky to have been introduced to concept. Had the 12.0 digital one also. Great sound also, should have kept it.
I have had a 11 since the early 80’s.
It’s been at a club house and we are selling looking to bring home to set up.
My question to all is speakers what would be a good match?
Hay again I just asked about the speakers for the concept 11.0
Also want to know about adding the blue ice led lights? Where to buy them?
And is that something easy to do or do I need to get a tech to do?
I have a daily use Concept 16.5 in my house, listen to it every day. Possibly fo’ sale.
Still have the 16.5 and recently acquired a set of AR 90s speakers.Had ess amt 1a jennings research ar 58s jbl 56s .The 90s do it for me .I am threw trying to match up speakers that give decent bass mids and tweeters that me listen fatigue. The 4 side throwing 10 bass knocks it out of the park.The sound stage is great .This is reciever will not sound good unless it is taxed .I have two concept 11.0 are nice .
Concept 16.5 possibly for sale in Houston, Texas. This will be local pick up only, shipping would be exorbitant and risky for the unit. Needs a fuse replaced, is a daily user and comes from a pet/smoke free home.
$3,001.00 obo
I have a Concept 16.5 for sale. It’s been repainted, cleaned-up, recapped had various components replaced and it sounds great. If anyone is interested please just check it out on my ebay and drop send me message. Should be around $3,000, including all the work into restoring it.
Hello,
Where to order the replacement fuses for this Beast. They are UL bel 3 AG 7A 250 V and 125 VOLT BUSS GLH7 respectively.