Rectilinear Research Corporation
 | |
| Industry | Loudspeaker manufacturers |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1966 (est.) |
| Founder | Morris I. Wiener |
| Defunct | 1977-8 |
| Headquarters | Brooklyn and Bronx, New York |
Key people | Arnold Schwartz, James Bongiorno, Marty Gersten, Jon Dahlquist, Richard Shahinian |
| Products | Loudspeaker |
Rectilinear Research Corporation was established around 1966 by Morris I. Wiener from Plandome Manor, New York and specialized in loudspeaker manufacturing. The engineering team featured notable figures such as Arnold Schwartz, James Bongiorno, Marty Gersten, Jon Dahlquist, and Richard Shahinian.[1]
The company’s original office was situated at 30 Main Street in Brooklyn, before relocating approximately in 1968 to 107 Bruckner Blvd in the Bronx, where it remained operational until its closure between 1977 and 1978.[2]
Their debut product, the Rectilinear III introduced in 1966, received favorable evaluations from audio magazines including Stereo Review and Popular Electronics.[3] Advertising efforts during 1973–74 featured artwork by Rick Meyerowitz and appeared in well-known publications such as Rolling Stone and National Lampoon.[4]
Following the release of the "III Lowboy" around 1970, the original "III" model became informally known as the "Highboy" to distinguish between the two versions.[5]
By 1971, Rectilinear's range featured the following models:
- III (three-way with six drivers) - $279
- III Lowboy (three-way with six drivers) - $299
- Mini III (three-way) - $100
- VI (three-way with six drivers) - $239 (discontinued by this time)
- Xa (three-way) - $199
- XI (two-way) - $80
- XII (three-way) - $139[6]
The speakers utilized parts from manufacturers such as Jensen ("Flex-Air"), CTS, Philips, and Peerless. Designs often included ported enclosures finished in walnut with fabric or fretwork grilles; numerous models also incorporated rear-mounted tone controls. Some units were available as complete kits or partial assembly kits.[7]
Subsequent offerings from roughly 1971 through 1977 encompassed:
- Models 2, 4, 4.5, 5, 7 (including the high-output "MTH 4"), 7A, IIIa, IIIb, X, XIa, XIb[8]
Additionally, the company manufactured the "Rectilinear Dispersion Base," a specially angled speaker stand designed for the Model 5.[9]
Distribution was primarily conducted through an East Coast dealer network comprising up to approximately 400 outlets. Canadian sales were managed by H Roy Gray Ltd., located in Markham, Ontario. Overseas and military contracts were handled by Royal Sound Co. based in Freeport, New York.[10]
External links
- Comprehensive Rectilinear literature database
- Collection of photographs featuring Rectilinear loudspeakers
- Catalog of known models and specifications (currently under development)
- Compatibility list for drivers
- ↑ United States patents, 3913877, Wiener, October 21, 1975.
- ↑ Advertisement for model III.
- ↑ Review of model III Lowboy.
- ↑ Advertisement for model 5, 1973.
- ↑ Driver Parts List. 1976.
- ↑ Advertisement with 1971 line-up.
- ↑ Advertisement for model III.
- ↑ Driver parts list, 1977
- ↑ Owner's Manual for Model 5.
- ↑ Advertisement with dealers listed.
- Audio equipment manufacturers in the United States
- Loudspeaker producers
- Manufacturers headquartered in New York (state)
- Electronics firms founded in 1966
- Technology companies closed in 1978
- Manufacturing firms closed in 1978
- 1966 establishments in New York City
- 1982 closures in New York (state)
- Defunct New York (state) companies
- American firms dissolved in 1978
- American companies disestablished in 1978