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Vintage Radio (domestic) Domestic vintage radio (wireless) receivers only. |
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2nd Dec 2010, 6:03 pm | #1 |
Retired Dormant Member
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Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ???
As warned, I have caught the bug and am now looking for my next project.
Ideally I would like: a valve radio from the 1950s - a great decade with VHF - still a few good stations to listen to a good tone - so that my wife will let me have it in the house I really would appreciate some advice as to which makes and models to look out for. TIA Ian |
2nd Dec 2010, 6:10 pm | #2 |
Dekatron
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Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ???
A Pye Fenman II, If you want British. Or one of the Grundigs.
Cheers, Steve P.
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If we've always had it, why is the Car Boot open? You're not sneaking another Old TV in are you...? Last edited by Steve_P; 2nd Dec 2010 at 6:19 pm. |
2nd Dec 2010, 6:17 pm | #3 |
Dekatron
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Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ???
Without doubt a Hacker Mayflower you won't regret it ! superb quality all round .not from the 50s but valve .
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2nd Dec 2010, 6:28 pm | #4 |
Octode
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Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ???
Bush VHF61 (or '64 if you want better sound in a bigger set).
These sets have the best build standard in the business and the major advantage of an extra IF stage. I have found that this makes all the difference to VHF listening in all but excellent reception areas. Bush also tended to design conservatively so that once restored, these sets are very "easy" on the valves and will work well for long periods. I'm always quite happy to use my Bush sets of this period for hours on end. The push button wave change system (the height of fashion at the time) has the great advantage of a separate on/off switch, saving the volume control from wear. The "gram" button is useful when the 'phone rings - although I use this input on my '64 for a CD player. A '61 (or '62 - wooden case) is not too expensive to buy - cheaper and better built than the equivalent Grundig sets, but lacking a few the German set's features. Leon. |
2nd Dec 2010, 6:31 pm | #5 |
Heptode
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Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ???
I'll put a vote in for my Cossor, not really 50's but probably a 50's design twin speakers and has a FM range of 87.5 to 104Mc/s and its used almost all day every day.
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2nd Dec 2010, 6:35 pm | #6 |
Nonode
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Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ???
Small 1950s AM/FM radio .... Philips Philetta
Medium 1950s AM/FM radio .... Bush VHF61 or VHF62 Large 1950s AM/FM radio .... Grundig 3028 Howard |
2nd Dec 2010, 6:38 pm | #7 |
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Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ???
Having just had fun with an EKCO U354, 1959 I would recommend one of those. https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=62467
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2nd Dec 2010, 6:39 pm | #8 |
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Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ???
Murphy 310 has a Fenman i believe now,not sure mark 1 or 2 PM Trevor.
David |
2nd Dec 2010, 6:44 pm | #9 |
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Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ???
I'll second howard's recommendation.
The Philetta is a pain to work on, runs hot, but succeeds in cramming a lot into a very small space, and is a decent performer. Looks good when lit up, too. I used one as a student - still have it. The Grundig radios have astoundingly good sound quality (I have a 2043-3D with 3 loudspeakers). Only thing disappointing is the cheap Paxolin valve holders used - I replaced all mine with McMurdos as they were intermittent. |
2nd Dec 2010, 7:05 pm | #10 |
Nonode
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Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ???
In my collection I have at least one, of each, of the following radios:-
Pye Fenman II Grundig 3028 Phillips Reverbeo B7X14A Hacker Mayflower mk1 Bush VHF64 and IMHO the Pye Fenman II is the best HTH David |
2nd Dec 2010, 7:10 pm | #11 |
Octode
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Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ???
Bush VHF90A? Attractive set (large round dial) and works well too.
You could go into the early 60s and consider a Bush VHF81 (or VHF80, same thing in a plastic case). Cheap, well layed out chassis and sounds very good. |
2nd Dec 2010, 7:12 pm | #12 |
Rest in Peace
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Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ???
Pye VHF2D?
Or if you've really got some space a VHF3D I'd go along with the Fenman II but it's not the easiest to work on. Alan |
2nd Dec 2010, 7:14 pm | #13 |
Hexode
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Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ???
Ekco 274 or one of its brothers , I have just given Gerry my second one having tweeked it to bring in classic FM
see https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=54098 |
2nd Dec 2010, 7:38 pm | #14 |
Retired Dormant Member
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Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ???
Phew ! what a response
Which way to go? I was starting to lean towards the Fenman II, but then I read that it was not the easiest to work on. I am a virtual novice at this, so taking my status into account, what would you now suggest? I am quite happy replacing components, but would not want to strat disassembly quite yet. TIA Ian |
2nd Dec 2010, 7:46 pm | #15 |
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Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ???
I would go for the VHF 64, I was there when they were new and nothing else sounded quite like it.
Peter |
2nd Dec 2010, 7:47 pm | #16 |
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Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ???
A Fenman II for sale in the forum at the moment. Act fast and the FCS might be able to help via Wootton Bassett.
https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=62500 |
2nd Dec 2010, 7:52 pm | #17 |
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Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ???
They are not that hard to work on. You will need to change bits on any radio you get of course.
Cheers, Steve P.
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If we've always had it, why is the Car Boot open? You're not sneaking another Old TV in are you...? |
2nd Dec 2010, 9:01 pm | #18 |
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Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ???
Thanks for all the advice.
Trevor (MurphyV310) has just offered me a Fenman I, unrestored, which will be ideal for me to hone my skills a bit more. That should keep me busy for a while and then I will probably seek out one of the other recommended models. Thanks Ian Last edited by ianrichards; 2nd Dec 2010 at 9:02 pm. Reason: Spelling error |
2nd Dec 2010, 10:34 pm | #19 |
Nonode
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Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ???
The Fenman I is a good choice. It will get you hooked and then you'll have to get a Fenman II and you'll understand how good the best of the mass produced British sets could be!
They are, as Steve points out, not difficult to work on. It least they have a proper wave change switch not "piano keys" like the continental offerings of similar vintage. You just need to have patience, and there are many years of experience among our membership to help you out. For the ultimate in late '50s style listening look out for the Fenman II RG radiogram, if you have room for one. The VHF2 is capable of good performance but suffers from a printed circuit board audio amplifier which hasn't aged well. You are embarked on a fascinating hobby. (Now is the time for me to admit to my Pye bias of course, as regulars here will expect).
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2nd Dec 2010, 11:16 pm | #20 |
Pentode
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Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ???
i agree with howard and radio dave re the grundig 3028. of all my 52 radios its my favourite, and best all round set, though slightly large on account of it having three speakers, capab le of rattling your windows and the windows nextdoor,plus vhf, maitiu.
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