Western Electric 728
Almost nothing is documented about the Western Electric 728. No manufacturer specifications, production years or original price have survived in the usual service manuals or period directories. The model number suggests it belongs to Western Electric's professional or broadcast audio line. Its exact role - amplifier, speaker or something else - is unconfirmed.
The only period reference that may describe the 728 is in Audio-Collection's Audio Cyclopedia (p.729). It details a phonograph pickup cartridge with a plastic body, a permanent magnet, a coil and a stylus shank. Output is approximately 18 millivolts at 7 cm/s velocity, with a uniform frequency response between 10 and 20,000 Hz. The surviving OCR text doesn't make clear whether this entry describes the 728 or another Western Electric model.
Classified ads from Audio (September 1981, p.101) show collectors seeking "Western Electric products." One lists a Houston phone number, "713-728-4343." The "728" there might reference the model, but that is speculation. No further design details, circuit information or historical context have been located.
Known Specs (uncertain attribution)
- Type: Possibly a phonograph pickup cartridge (per Audio Cyclopedia)
- Output: ~18 mV at 7 cm/s velocity
- Frequency response: 10–20,000 Hz (uniform)
- Construction: Plastic body, permanent magnet, coil, stylus shank
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