Concept

Concept Origins

Concept was the house brand for Pacific Stereo (a subsidiary of CBS), a stereo chain with stores mostly in California, but also Illinois, Texas, Georgia, Missouri, Washington, and Wisconsin. They closed down in the early 80s. The Concept line, according to many, was better than the best offerings by Marantz, Pioneer, Sansui, etc. Their top of the line receiver, the Concept 16.5, retailed for $950 in 1978, was rated at 165 WPC into 8 ohms and 250 into 4 ohms, featured a "dual mono" design with huge twin power transformers, and has a damping factor of 450. Dick Schram, who went on to greater glory with Parasound was the Chief Designer for the Concept line.