The CANADIAN DESIGN RESOURCE - Apollo 861 Stereo

Laurie September 25th 2006

I have this at home. It was my Dad’s first stereo. The turn table still works but I’ve had to connect new speakers.

Its a great conversation piece.

The Design Exchange in Toronto has a mint condition unit.

Ted Duern October 12th 2006

Gordon Duern was my father. He died in 1998 in Godrich Ontario.

Ted Duern October 12th 2006

I forget to mention that the Canadian Museum ot Civilization has this stereo as part of its permanent collection.
Needless to say that I am very proud of my father.

Dylan Pask December 1st 2006

I saw one of these at the Design Exchange in Toronto last summer and then later on in a history of modern design class at school. Relatives of mine who were in their prime at the time assure me it was the absolute essence of cool when it was being produced. Its interesting how now a days the designs of home entertainment systems seek to integrate them more and more into the surrounding structure of the room in hopes they’ll disappear all together from the viewers sight however its quite obvious that back in the 60’s this was hardly the case.

-Dylan Pask

cat and harv February 13th 2007

One of the most beautiful looking pieces of hi-fi ever. After a couple of years of admiring from afar, we found and bought a unit on ebay yesterday – will now wait patiently as she ships from the US to Australia. If we’re lucky we will be able to work around the voltage differences between her home and ours … if not, the Apollo will still be the most striking piece of furniture in our home. Thank you to Mr Gordon Duern for a piece of design brilliance.

Mike March 1st 2007

I have this unit but mine has a builtin base so it stands about 34 inches high or so and has different speaker stands.

Dave Kwan July 3rd 2007

When I was a teenager, this was my stereo system. I thought the design was “so cool!” One day checking out the controls, I discovered an electric guitar could be plugged into the Apollo 861 Stereo making it a guitar amp. Wow!

Many years later, after graduating from Industrial Design studies, a position opened up at Percept Industrial Design, Inc. in Waterloo, Ontario. The Owner and Senior Designer was Keith McQuarrie – one of the designers of my stereo system as a teenager.

Life is interesting!

Leslie September 24th 2007

I have one that is similar. It’s dated 1971 and made by Electrohome. It stands on a single pedestal and it’s called the Saturn. I don’t have the speakers. You should be proud of your father Ted Duern.

steve September 26th 2007

i love these record players,i have been able to modify them to run in england.if anyone has any old instruction manuals or advertising literature i would love to view them.

Robbie Adamson November 15th 2007

Yes the Apollo is cool but the Saturn is cooler. A stand alone beauty. The speakers are the same I think only they are positioned with the sound traveling upward. On very special occasions I’ll give it a whirl. It sounds perfect and is perfect in every way except for one minor dish shaped dent about two cm in diameter. Sometimes I wonder what I really have here. Any ideas what it’s worth?

Rocky Bergen November 18th 2007

Yeah, I have a Saturn as well, speakers and the unit are pretty much mint condition and works well. I bought this guy at a thrift store for around $10. It’s my favorite piece of furnature! I LOVE this thing…

Janet November 23rd 2007

I have a 1971 Apollo Stereo in great condition that I would like to sell. Any takers?

Dean December 3rd 2007

I have the speakers from the Electrohome Apollo 861 in case anyone needs a pair. 905-628-8528

Gary December 18th 2007

I had one of these around 1970 and remember the surprising quality of the speakers – great sound considering their small size.

Emily December 28th 2007

i’m looking for the speakers to this stereo. Any idea how I would go about finding them?

Ben January 1st 2008

I have been trying to find the value on thee Apollo 860.And I have one that works in awesome condition.Anyone who knows a little bit more on this can kind of give me an idea.I plan on selling it and want to know what the value is on it.I’ll be selling it on E bay.

Denise January 24th 2008

I’m selling mine if anyone is interested. I’m asking 300 OBO. Email me at wilson.denise@gmail.com.

Jim February 16th 2008

I have the speakers. I replaced the original drivers (the speakers in side) with fair quality, standard 4″ 80 Watt Pioneer car speakers — no modification was required – very happy with the result — I call them my ‘eyeball’ speakers —–

Lyndsey March 16th 2008

I own this stereo. My father purchased it for my grandparents. It still works like a charm! I love the style, it’s a beauty.

chris gucci March 16th 2008

Hey, my name is Chris and I am very interested in purchasing one of these Apollo units. I was wondering if yours was still available? If not, would you know where I may be able to come across one, there are not many links to them on the internet. Thanks

Henry April 14th 2008

I found one at our local dump yesterday. Have yet to test it, but it appears to be nearly prefect including the paper sheet on the turntable, the pedestal stand, speakers and bases. It says electrohome apollo circa 860 on the unit.

Franck May 1st 2008

I have the same kind of record player at home, the difference being that it featires an aluminium “stand”. It is from 1970 and reads “Circa 711” on the back of the stand.

Unfortunately I broke the plastic dome and I’ve been desperalty seeking for a replacement. If you can help, please don’t hesitate:
Franckdeweare at yahoo dot com
Thanx.
Franck

Carla May 21st 2008

I just bought one of these off Kiiji for $300, with the ‘eyeball’ speakers. Looks to be in great shape, still figuring out the quirks. The dome has a hole it as well, so I’m also looking for a new one if possible! Any idea if one could have one specially made? carla.hills at gmail

Eric May 30th 2008

I own one in mint condition. I am selling it for 400$. ayotte_eric@hotmail.com

lenard June 3rd 2008

have one too we cal it george because it reminds me of the jetsons
only have one speaker. have hooked up other speakers works good have collection of about 350 records listen to it all the time.

Dan July 17th 2008

Just bought one at an auction; speakers and all. Needed a new needle to make her work like a charm. A beautiful piece in exceptional condition. Not bad for $55, plus the cost of a needle. The only thing missing are the original stainless steel speaker stands/ rings. If anyone has them and wants to sell them, please let me know.

KC Guthrie July 18th 2008

Hi I am looking for the speakers to the Surturn 711 eyeball speakers in the gold colour(1971) Mine are pretty rough, had this since I was a kid and can remember how thrilled I was one Christmas morning.
Let me know if anyone has or know where I can find theses. Thanks

Aaron July 21st 2008

I just puchased a Saturn 861 and i was wondering if any one knows the specifics for the ball speakers. No where on the speakers have i found the amount of ohms or other specifications. When i hooked them up to my receiver it made them significantly louder than the rest of my speakers, i thought it might require a larger current than other speakers but i don’t know enough about speakers so if someone has an idea of what type they are please email me at:
arappman@yahoo.com
also if some one know how to polish the dome please let me know.

Dan July 26th 2008

Hello Aaron.

I polished my dome and it turned out like brand new. NOVUS has a line of plastic/ plexi glass care and restoration products available. I started with a course polish and worked through several less course polishes until I got to the final result. The dome looks like brand spanking new. All it takes is a little elbow grease and some polish. I went course polish, medium polish, fine polish, and then a shine product (wow).

I am still looking for the circular stainless steel speaker stands (about 1 inch tall and 5 inches in diameter) if anyone has them for sale. Please email me at brontesparents@aol.com

Dan.

Geri July 27th 2008

I am a little off topic – I have a round wooden Electrohome stereo console on a single base with a black top and a rolling closing section, in beautiful condition. It is circa late 60’s early 70’s with round black speakers and everything works – including the turntable and tuner. My dad bought it new – all my friends thought I was pretty lucky to have such a cool dad. I have been hauling it around with me for years – I do not use it but it does hold some sentimental value. Would anyone have an idea regarding the value?

John Gruchy September 7th 2008

Yes,

I have the original item from the 60’s,

it is yours for $325.00.

contact me atmadmacs21@rocketmail.com.

John Gruchy September 7th 2008

Actually it is an Apollo 860 Serial L,

R.D. Electohome 1970

Manufactured in Kitchener, Ontario

Electohome

john Gruchy September 12th 2008

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=260285815573

PASTE the above address in your browser, the
Item is for sale presently in Ebay, starting at $99.99
for 10 days.

Thanks

mp September 18th 2008

I”m in dire need of the speakers…..anyone???

Marie September 18th 2008

I’m in dire need of the speakers…anyone have any or know of any?
eproudfoot32@hotmail.com
much appreciated

Dave September 25th 2008

I first saw one of these honeys at my step mother’s house in the late seventies. She had the bubble model with the radio built into it.

I was impressed then with it’s full sound out of such a small speaker, although I remember it wasn’t much on the higher tones sound quality side of things.

One thing I promised myself someday was to own one just like it. Now, I no longer play records, and I don’t much like radio, but I’m almost certain I could throw an IPod onto this old classic (with the right converter) and give her new life.

These old stereo systems have proven to be rugged and enduring. There are still many around, still in excellent working order. Heck, even the dust covers are tougher than the other stereos of that era (JIL/Sony/Panasonic/Soundesign couldn’t hold a “Candle” to an Electrohome, a testament to great quality Canadian workmanship and design of that era).

I hope to someday either own the Apollo or Saturn, with the radio built into it, in decent shape, with all it’s pieces intact and included. Sounds like a pipe dream, but I’ll bide my time until one comes up for sale someplace.

Love this unit, love the memories of listening to Peter Frampton and Donna Summer records on it (the only things in her house).

Ronnie October 7th 2008

I have one of the saturns on the pedestal with the speakers..I love it and play all my old classic rock records on it….

tyler October 16th 2008

I am selling one of these on ebay RIGHT NOW!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=120317395104

Bob Evans October 30th 2008

I would like to buy one in good shape if anyone is willing to let it go!

Thanks,

Bob

Lori S. November 14th 2008

Let me know if anyone is selling theirs!! I would love to get my hands on one. My record player just went out on me!! Thanks!
Lori

Danielle Sneyd November 24th 2008

Bought one for my son, 15 yrears ago….its mint just needs a needle…anyone know where to get a needle? Thats what Sam the Record man was good for. The boy is 17 now and wants to play my old Beatles albums.
thanks

Daniel Marsolais November 28th 2008

I AM SELLING ONE OF THESE STEREO’S ON EBAY ITS IN REALY GOOD CONDITION I BELIVE ITS A 1970 OR 71 STAINLESS STEEL BODY PEDASTLE AM FM AND RECORD PLAYER MODEL 611 (Apollo).I WAS SUPRISED OF THE QUALITY OF SOUND IT HAS (like suround sound)this will make a nice collectors piece for some one to enjoy.EVERYTHING IS THERE ! DOME ,EYE BALL SPEAKERS .OUT OF 10 I WOULD GIVE IT A 9.ACCEPT FOR SMALL DISTORTION IN TH DOMES CENTER .I T STILL HAS THE CAP THAT GOES IN THE HOLE.Best regards Daniel p.s you can find it on ebay under 1970 stereo VIEW THE PICS LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK.

paul and sue June 15th 2009

we are looking for a saturn with speakers in ex condition ready for use in uk…………it to be totally mint and ready to plug in and GO.!
please e-mail us

UK ONLY

MN June 18th 2009

I recently found an Apollo 860 and I’d love to know what model(s) of cartridge/stylus might work in it

Rejean June 19th 2009

I own a Model 861, Serial D and I have to replace the two speakers and I want to keep the ball speakers. Somebody knows exactly what kind of speaker should I buy? How many Ohms, how many watts? I know it is a 4” speaker. Thanks!

Ray Bakey July 22nd 2009

Hi. I have 3 of Gordons water colours painted when he lived in PEI,late 1970’s. I am interested in getting them appraised if possible of if there are other of Gordons watercolours available. Is his wife, Ruth, I believe still alive. Please contact me.. thks Ray

Bruce October 24th 2009

Interested in an Apollo 861 if anyone has one for sale. I had one back in the day and have always regretted not keeping it.

Bruce October 25th 2009

I can be reached at bruce85@mac.com

zapa November 15th 2009

tenho gira discos apollo 860 muito interessante foi a minha namorada que me ofereceu meu aniversario é o meu ovni aonde desfruto minha musica

Rush performing 2112 Live in 1976 | Guitar Licks January 1st 2010

[…] it! Once I had it in my sweaty little palms I literally ran off to my brother Tim’s stereo a Apollo 861 by Electrohome and began my long journey in trying to reproduce this album on my […]

lita January 17th 2010

I’m very interested in buying an Apollo or Saturn, with or without speakers. Please contact me if you have one you’re willing to part with. Thanks! flgatorgrl23@yahoo.com

Rochelle June 5th 2010

Hello I am looking for Apollo speakers for my player please let me know if anyone has an extra pair. rochelle2323@hotmail.com

Paul September 20th 2010

Hi there all. I’m really desperate to get one of these but i live in the UK and they’re impossible to find over here. If anyone out there would consider selling a Saturn with speakers, please email me. I’m genuine and realise shipping will cost an arm and leg but happy to pay it. smookydj@hotmail.co.uk

Jenn September 23rd 2010

Does anyone know where to find new needles for the Apollo? Appreciate it!

Dan October 5th 2010

I’ve got one of these units that I am willing to part with. It is complete, with speakers, and works well. The dome is super clean, and the unit is original and unmolested. If you want pictures, email me and I will forward them to you. I’m located in British Columbia. Asking price of $375. brontesparents@shaw.ca

Krista October 19th 2010

I was wondering if anyone knew if the Gordon Duern who designed this stero also painted historic scenes? I am looking for information on the Gordon Duern who was part of a historic plate series produced by TUCO Products in Orangeville, ON

please email me at krista @ rempel. ca

thanks!

Diane Warriner December 13th 2010

Hi Krista and Ray Bakey,
I have 2 small water colours of watercraft in a boat yard and I have been tryingto find out more about the artist.
They are signed G. Duern and they look like they might have been painted in PEI although a G. Duern had an exhibition in Parry Sound in 1988 so they might be from that area.

So Krista, I think he was an artist too, but I have not heard about plates. Do they have a nautical theme?
Best wishes,
Diane

Jenn January 16th 2011

Does anyone know what kind of needle or cartridge the Apollo takes? We are in desperate need of one for our unit. Thanks so much!

Julie January 23rd 2011

I have a Saturn / Electrohome 711 and would like to restore it properly. Would anyone have a manual for this or know where to find one online? My research haven’t found anything yet…

maze.bella at gmail.com

Thanks!

JD June 8th 2011

I have an Electrohome Graphic. Looks like the Saturn but with a maple case around stereo section. Cannot find any info on this unit.
Anyone out there ever heard of it?

scottsasonic June 16th 2011

Most of the Saturn Units and Probably Appolo have the Schematic Taped to the Inside where the innards are. . Check first and it can help in restoration. A very clean design inside and no parts really in major risk from my looking inside my unit. I will be posting pictures of my Saturn and inside it soon on my blog. Great resource this page.

Fedora July 12th 2011

Hi, I have a copy of a signed Gordon Duern born in Ottawa and educated in Canada and the United States as an Artist and Designer, I also am trying to find out if he is still around and if this pictures of a boat yard with sail boats in their cradles and a barn near by was the done by the sam Gordon Duren who help design with Keith the electrohome turn table and speakers.

Thanks FM

sally sppeaks July 15th 2011

i think he passed in 1998
i have a 711 for sale

Blaine October 24th 2011

I have the Electrohome Apollo (no stand with this model) from the early 1970’s…..its been in storage since the early 90’s. Took it out last week, hooked it all up and it works as great as it did when I put it in storage. Yes, the needle is still good and I do have those little silver trays the speakers set it. I see from past comments that there’s people out there still looking to own one of these. Mine can be yours for $300 plus shipping. Let me know by dropping me an email at himandi55@yahoo.ca……cheers from Winnipeg Manitoba.

Cam November 26th 2011

I have an NOS Saturn 711 Dome which I bought for my Saturn 861. It is too big. If interested email youngcg@telus.net

Julian December 24th 2011

Hello,

I am hoping to import an Apollo stereo from Canada to my home in London. Can anyone advise on the difficulties – or otherwise – of adapting the system for use in England? I notice that ‘Steve’ in comment 9 has succesfully modified the equipment to run over here. Are there any electrical details I should be asking about the stereo I intend to purchase? Is there anywhere in London that can undertake the work necessary?

I can be contacted on: julesinspace@yahoo.com

I would be very grateful for any advice…

Julian

Fred January 13th 2012

I have a drawing signed by a Gordon Duern. Does anyone know if he is the same man who designe this stereo?

John January 22nd 2012

HI,
I have the Apollo circa 860 at my place and I love it since day one :

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cza_3FXQ1Vo/Sq0TsdrR-zI/AAAAAAAAACw/7Yc4uwx0VgI/s1600/electrohome_apollo_circa860.jpg

A co-worker just gave me a Circa 711 which I think is the Saturn model but it needed some love :

http://artofmakenoize.blogspot.com/2012/01/electrohome-apollo-circa-711-restoring.html

I think the foot is missing because I never saw one like mine, it seems the base just have been screwed in the aluminium casing.

To answer Fred, this is what I found:

«Gordon Duern and Keith McQuarrie Manufacturer: Electrohome, Kitchener, ON. Date: 1966-1971»

If anyone has the owner/service manual, please share!

Have a great day.

John
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
makenoize@gmail.com

Vintage find of the month | design i like February 23rd 2012

[…] some research and found out it is a Canadian design and exists in the permanent collection at the Canadian Design Exchange in […]

Catherine April 8th 2012

WATERCOLOUR signed G. Duern
I bought this tiny watercolour at a flea market and was told it was an original. Having taken it out of its old beat up frame to reframe it, I see that it was not painted on watercolour paper but rather on what appears to be a thicker white bond paper. So now I wonder if it really is authentic. My question to the others on this stream who own watercolours by this artist (who is the designer of the Apollo), is whether or not their own w/cs were painted on similar paper. I’d love to know more about Gordon Duern in terms of his fine art but have not found much. Any info would be much appreciated.
Thank you!
email: cateuplate@yahoo.ca

Daniel April 18th 2012

j’ai un identique ici et en parfait état de marche, qui peux me dire sa valeur.
Merci
Daniel.

Jeffie Bayete June 23rd 2012

Quite exciting post. A terrific deal of info to obtain a incredibly newbi like me.

Matthew Radune June 26th 2012

I just bought an 860 without speakers. Such a beautiful item. Let me know if anyone has a set of speakers for a reasonable price. I’m in Brooklyn

Sabrina June 30th 2012

Hi.

My husband just purched a beautiful picture called Old Barn – Blyth for me and the artist is G. Duern. Does anyone have any information about this piece?

Ellen July 8th 2012

Purchased 2 lovely rural watercolours and the following was on the back: “About the artist – Gordon Duern was born in Ottawa and educated in Canada and the United States, with an extensive background in Commercial Art, Industrial Design, Architectural and Interior Design, Medical Art and Portraiture. As an author of books on Furniture Recognition, his research resulted in the creation of The Country Sketchbook Series – a nostalgic look back at the vanishing Canadian landscape. Today these watercolours have become collectors items across Canada and may be found in the United States and the British Isles. He taught Oil painting and drawing at the Doon School of Fine Arts, Kitchener, Ontario and won many awards in Canada and Europe as an Artist/Designer.”

Matthew Radune July 20th 2012

Okay, I have one in reasonably good shape with speakers and I replaced the needle.

The only thing is the motor starts slow and has to “warm up” for 10 minutes before working properly, every time its like this. Anyone who has had this happen or with any advice please get in touch, its a mystery to me. mattradune@gmail.com

Jamie Hassall November 8th 2012

Gordon Duern was my childrens’ grandfather. He was a lovely, gentle intelligent man. I wish they would have had more time with him. Love you, Ruth and Gordon. xoxox

Avril Bird November 26th 2012

I have 6 large beautifully framed water colours by G. Duern. I am wondering how much they are worth? Any others who have commented, that have purchased similar artwork by this artist, would you be so kind to let me know how much you purchased for? Thanks very much.

Frank January 21st 2013

I purchased eight framed watercolours of rural Ontario scenes from consignment shop for $10. each Canadian. The fellow at the shop said that he was known more for furniture design, and his watercolours were not as sought after.

I like them, even if they are not worth much.

Cam February 4th 2013

I have an NOS Apollo 861 dome for sale. Email youngcg@telus.net

Kristian February 14th 2013

I’m Looking for a stainless stand if anyone has one! email: kristian@miradamedia.com

j March 6th 2013

i have the Saturn 711 at home. I love this brilliant piece but am still searching for a manual. Anyone????

joan fuller May 26th 2013

Hi – I have just purchased four watercolours done by
Gordon Duern, born in Ottawa and educated in Canada and
US as an Artist and Designer. winning awards in Canada and Europe competition including Design Canada, 1967. watercolours of old barns, churches, stores, houses, etc.

would this be the same Gordon Duern? The paintings are beautiful.
there is a page about the artist on the back of each picture. I purchased them in Kamloops, BC while on a visit there. I’ve brought them back to NS with me.

Alex October 4th 2013

Hi, I have Apollo 861 with speakers (no stand) in working condition and clean dome, first $120 takes it.
Toronto, ON. g.alex@rogers.com

Ed December 23rd 2013

Looking for a good one, speakers, stand etc located in ontario

John Thomson May 13th 2014

I have a set of plates that Gordon Duern was commissioned to do from 1986 through to 1989. I worked for TUCO ( The Upjohn Company). He was living in the Goderich area at the time. It was an agricultural theme.

Marcia Coon August 15th 2014

I am looking for a working Elctrochrome Apollo 861 Stereo in good condition. If you have any info about one you can E-mail me at bumsted626@hotmail.com, Thanks

Ray Bakey November 14th 2014

hi. I have 3 paintings of Gordons and I am interested in their value and want to sell. Please contact me..thks Ray

Aidan December 1st 2014

Recently purchased a one owner Electrohome Circa 75 – 701C.
I love the looks, and the sound is incredible (my hat is off to Mr. Duern for such a timeless design) — comes fitted with a Dual 1015 TT.

I am wondering if anyone has an original manual for this thing?

Thanks in advance,

Aidan

Sandro May 20th 2016

Hi ! do you know where i can find, the plastic dome top only, everything works great but the dome is missing ! thx a a lot

Jeff May 12th 2018

Hello. I just bought an Apollo 711 with AM/FM. Pretty mint condition. Came with both round ball speakers. THe color is a candy apple burnt orange and the bubble top is near perfect as well. I am hoping a new needle will make this sound better. the radio sounds great. can the cartridge be replaced on these, or is it permanent? If it can be replaced, is there a place to find them. Anyway… very cool table.

Leslie Lyon February 3rd 2019

Hi, I am looking for a Saturn dome?

Marieka March 8th 2019

I have the Apollo with a gold stand. I’m looking for replacement speakers. If anyone has a set please contact me at marieka_rose@hotmail.com

Categories Years

Apollo 861 Stereo

93 comments — Leave a Comment