I picked up a CM labs model CC1 amplifier. Anyone have any info on this model? Internet searches are coming up empty. Thanks.
CM Laboratories CC-1 Stereo Preamplifier
CM Laboratories CC-1 Stereo Preamplifier (07/27/2009)
waynechou 08-10-2010, 11:09 PM
C/M Laboratories, Inc. had offices in Norwak, CT from the years approx 1963 through 1967. It was founded by Wayne Chou and Nick Morris, and was sold after that period to investors who bought the name and produced some audio products under that name. I did all the electrical and product designs of the time which included the 35D, 911, CC-50S, professional 35 MRM, and the pre-amps CC-1, and CC-2, as well as an OEM version of the CC-2 for Phililips. And finally, an FM tuner only, model 801, (that never made into production) that had a digital selection with digital display (Nixie tubes, no tuning) - common today, but the first consumer tuner of its type then, which was designed to outrank the Marantz 10B, which was the king of the time. It was the "golden years" then, and all bets were off. Performance as reviewed was extroadinary, but in the end was physically too big to fit in a reasonably sized box. After struggling, having taken orders for 25 units at a show at a retail price of $1095 each (and included the walnut built Bozak cabinet), C/M could not deliver. At this price it even exceeded Marantz 10B's price of over $600 (I think) and then some. Big money in those days.
In addition, C/M Labs collaborated with Rudy Bozak to design and suppliy the first Bozak DJ mixers and amplifiers such as the CM 10 mixers and the CMA amplifiers. The CM in this case did not refer to C/M Labs, but Rudy's designation as to Commercial Mixer, or Commercial Mixer Amplifier, in which he was totally committed to having a market in that field, other than his totally speaker business, for which he was already very well known for. During that period, I had the great opportunity to supply some of the greatest names like the NY Philharmonic, Altlantic Recording studios, and using the mixers designed for Rudy, personally mixed for Benny Goodman, Pete Fountain, Charlie Byrd and the like. Was a great time in my life. Just a note - Rudy's choice, when I first met him, had always been a McIntosh, but after some sessions of listening and experimenting, a C/M labs 35D became his personal choice at home, and was at use at many of the audio shows he attended to demonostrate his speakers.
After the sale of C/M Labs, of course the association terminiated, and Bozak had to find another way to continue his commercial line of electronics. I will always remember his words to me, as it carried me through the good and the bad - "Wayne, you will never know what it's like unless you jump in with both feet". And I did. I will always miss and remember him as my dear friend and mentor. The brand of C/M labs proliferated in many ways afterards, all of which may or may not retain some of the original designs.
Hope that helps.
Wayne Chou
CM Laboratories CC-1 Stereo Preamplifier (07/27/2009)
waynechou 08-10-2010, 11:09 PM
C/M Laboratories, Inc. had offices in Norwak, CT from the years approx 1963 through 1967. It was founded by Wayne Chou and Nick Morris, and was sold after that period to investors who bought the name and produced some audio products under that name. I did all the electrical and product designs of the time which included the 35D, 911, CC-50S, professional 35 MRM, and the pre-amps CC-1, and CC-2, as well as an OEM version of the CC-2 for Phililips. And finally, an FM tuner only, model 801, (that never made into production) that had a digital selection with digital display (Nixie tubes, no tuning) - common today, but the first consumer tuner of its type then, which was designed to outrank the Marantz 10B, which was the king of the time. It was the "golden years" then, and all bets were off. Performance as reviewed was extroadinary, but in the end was physically too big to fit in a reasonably sized box. After struggling, having taken orders for 25 units at a show at a retail price of $1095 each (and included the walnut built Bozak cabinet), C/M could not deliver. At this price it even exceeded Marantz 10B's price of over $600 (I think) and then some. Big money in those days.
In addition, C/M Labs collaborated with Rudy Bozak to design and suppliy the first Bozak DJ mixers and amplifiers such as the CM 10 mixers and the CMA amplifiers. The CM in this case did not refer to C/M Labs, but Rudy's designation as to Commercial Mixer, or Commercial Mixer Amplifier, in which he was totally committed to having a market in that field, other than his totally speaker business, for which he was already very well known for. During that period, I had the great opportunity to supply some of the greatest names like the NY Philharmonic, Altlantic Recording studios, and using the mixers designed for Rudy, personally mixed for Benny Goodman, Pete Fountain, Charlie Byrd and the like. Was a great time in my life. Just a note - Rudy's choice, when I first met him, had always been a McIntosh, but after some sessions of listening and experimenting, a C/M labs 35D became his personal choice at home, and was at use at many of the audio shows he attended to demonostrate his speakers.
After the sale of C/M Labs, of course the association terminiated, and Bozak had to find another way to continue his commercial line of electronics. I will always remember his words to me, as it carried me through the good and the bad - "Wayne, you will never know what it's like unless you jump in with both feet". And I did. I will always miss and remember him as my dear friend and mentor. The brand of C/M labs proliferated in many ways afterards, all of which may or may not retain some of the original designs.
Hope that helps.
Wayne Chou
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