Electrohome's "Perception Modules"

 

Clairtone wasn't the only ultra-mod Canadian audio design in the 1960's.

In 1961, a Kitchener, Ontario-based company called Electrohome devised a modular high-end stereo system they named Perception Modules.

Designed by the John B. Parkin architectual firm, 7 standard size modules in 5 colors were available, offering literally hundreds of versatile (and re-arrangeable) configurations to suit any mod mood or groovy décor.

Quality craftsmanship and high-end electronics meant that Perception Modules sounded as good as they looked.

 

The Perception Module series:

1. Speaker Cabinet
2. Turntable Cabinet
3. 23" Television
4. Cellarette (i.e.: a bar supply cabinet!)
5. AM/FM Tuner
6. Stereo Amplifier
7. Intercom or Utility Cabinet

A tape recorder cabinet the same size as the Cellarette was also available, as were 3 sizes of metal bases (on legs) and 3 sizes of clip-on, room divider backs...

 

There were 5 fab finishes to choose from: Swedish Walnut, Sunburst Gold, Burnt Orange, Peacock Blue or off-white... I would have mixed both yellow and orange!

From the original catalog:

Perception Modules fit music into the scheme of modern living. Here we have presented only four ideas... Vertical for lodge or private club. Free standing as a room divider. Horizontal for the executive office. Built-in for the music room. But patterns and permutations are limited only by imagination.

Despite its forward thinking design and quality construction, Electrohome's Perception Modules were very expensive and sold poorly. Most of the modules were sent back to Electrohome to have their electronics recycled into more conventional home entertainment systems...

Special thanks to DC Hillier for images and info.

The Clairtone Sound Corporation

The Clairtone Sound Corporation was founded in 1958 by Canadian electronics engineer and businessman Peter Munk with furniture designer David Gilmour. Based in Toronto, Ontario, the company established an international reputation for stereo and cabinetry design in the 1960's.

Clairtone's logo (left) was as sleek as their product design.

The most famous Clairtone design was the Project G series which featured groovy black globe speakers, with a wood cabinet. This series also introduced the now-standard modular approach to consumer audio.

The 7002 G2 from the Project G series.

Clairtone's reputation was built on its use of futuristic designs, combined with quality materials as well as good marketing. A Project G system could be seen in the 1967 film The Graduate (an early example of product placement), and Frank Sinatra was a Clairtone pitchman.

An ad for the G-TV at Expo 67, courtesy of DC Hillier.

Clairtone also manufactured television sets. Their G-TV model was featured in the Chatelaine House at Expo 67.

Click to see a Clairtone catalog and instruction manual from the late 60's.

images: (1 & 3) flickr.com/photos/cote/
(2 & 5) clairtone.ca
(4) FOS Productions