Celestion Ditton 15 XR Stand Mount Speakers 1978 - Custom Two-Tone "Tuxedo" Finish

Restored Celestion Ditton 15 XR SpeakersFully serviced, future-proofed, and cosmetically updated by Upstate Vintage Speaker Lab.

The Restoration Includes:

• Crossover Network Upgrade: The factory crossover networks were pulled and tested. The original 4.7µF ELCAP bipolar electrolytic capacitors were found to have drifted significantly out of spec, measuring high at 6.49µF and 7.90µF. These degraded units were removed and replaced with high-tolerance 4.7µF MPT film capacitors rated at 250V. This correction restores the factory 2,400 Hz crossover point, ensuring precise signal routing to the HD-1000 tweeters and protecting the high-frequency response for decades to come.
• Terminal & Hardware Service: The original rear terminal posts were removed and processed in a heated ultrasonic bath to clear 50 years of oxidation and build-up. The original driver mounting screws were restored using a multi-stage rotary tumbling process: first, a wet tumble in a polymer pyramid media to completely strip rust and deep oxidation, followed by a 48-hour dry tumble in walnut shell media to achieve a mirror-like finish.
• Cabinet Structural & Veneer Repair: A crushed and fractured section along the top edge of one cabinet was structurally stabilized. The compromised wood fibers and loose veneer sections were injected with premium wood adhesive, aligned flush under mechanical clamping pressure to eliminate the impact seam, and then block-sanded to integrate cleanly with the surrounding panels prior to staining.
• Cabinet "Tuxedo" Refinishing: A failing protective polymer factory coating on the top, bottom, and side panels was completely removed using heat and manual scraping. The front face polymer coating was fully intact and left in factory original condition. The stripped panels were hand-sanded, stained with Minwax Dark Walnut, and sealed with Watco Danish Oil and Howard Feed-N-Wax to produce a durable, clean two-tone finish.
• Rear Panel Refinishing: The textured rear panels were prepped, taped off, and refinished in flat black to eliminate surface residue and provide a uniform factory look.
• 80-Hour Lab Soak Test: Every speaker undergoes a strict "burn-in" to ensure new film capacitors are fully settled and the system is mechanically and electronically stable before being offered for sale.

The Result: My 40 years of component-level experience ensures you are receiving a "bullet-proofed" pair of speakers that sound—and look—better than the day they left the factory. This pair provides the highly-regarded warmth and airy treble presentation that classic British Celestion systems are famous for.

The Audition: I encourage you to test them in the Lab. I can demo them on my reference system with instant A/B switching so you can compare them to other restored pairs.Investment & Value: The price reflects a professional restoration that generic marketplace listings cannot offer.

• Performance: Premium components and finishes matching or exceeding original factory tolerances.
• Peace of Mind: Professional bench time and a 30-day limited warranty.
• Provenance: 80-hour lab certification and documentation of the work performed. As a retired enthusiast, my focus is on the preservation of audio equipment. I absorb the testing and acquisition costs to extend the operational lifespan of these systems.

*Shipping available but needs to be quoted based on your location. Local pickup preferred in Webster, NY.

About the Lab: To learn more about my restoration process and 40-year technical background, please visit my Marketplace profile page.

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