Zenith KPS-80L Stereophonic Portable Phonograph with Speakers

Late 1950s Zenith Stereophonic high-fidelity portable phonograph, Model KPS-80L, manufactured by Zenith Radio Corp., Chicago, Illinois. The suitcase-style cabinet is wrapped in two-tone taupe and charcoal vinyl with brass-tone edge trim, fronted by woven gold and charcoal grille cloth bearing the enameled "Zenith Stereophonic" crown badge. The Zenith Custom-Matic four-speed automatic record changer is fitted for 16, 33⅓, 45, and 78 rpm discs in all three sizes; the Micro-Touch tone arm — Zenith's low-tracking-force stylus system — was a genuine selling point of the line. Four ivory control knobs on the angled front panel govern Balance, Treble, Bass, and Loudness. The lid interior carries the gold-printed declaration "Zenith — Stereophonic High Fidelity — 5 Speakers," confirming the full five-driver array split between the main cabinet and the two detachable wing speakers. Changer mechanism functionality unconfirmed — untested; buyer should assume servicing may be required.

Lot includes the main player unit and the matched pair of self-storing detachable wing speakers that complete the stereophonic system. Each wing speaker connects via a period plug-in cord; one speaker cord has been spliced and secured with electrical tape at the repair point.

CONDITION

Good — amplifier section tested and sounds great; changer mechanism functionality is unconfirmed and may require servicing. Cosmetic wear includes general scuffing to the vinyl wrap on all surfaces and chipped corners at the front edges of the main cabinet with small areas of substrate exposed. One detachable speaker cord has been repaired with electrical tape at a splice; grille cloth, maker badges, and brass-tone trim remain intact and presentable.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Maker: Zenith Radio Corp., Chicago, Illinois
• Model: KPS-80L
• Electrical: 117 Volts / 55 Watts A.C. / 60 Cycles / .47 Amps (UL listed)
• Record Changer: Zenith Custom-Matic — automatic, all 4 speeds (16, 33⅓, 45, 78 rpm)
• Record Sizes: Plays 10", 12", and 7" discs automatically; intermixes 10" and 12" at same speed
• Tone Arm: Zenith Micro-Touch (low-tracking-force ceramic stereo cartridge system)
• Speaker Configuration: 5-speaker stereophonic system — 3 drivers in main cabinet, 1 per detachable wing speaker
• Controls: Balance, Treble, Bass, Loudness
• Main Unit — Closed Case: 9¼" H × 24" W × 20½" D
• Detachable Wing Speakers: 2