Help me find a great sounding vintage tube Clock Radio

[jojopuppyfish]

Inspired by the other Clock radio thread, I went hunting on ebay and there are tons of tube clock radios from the 50s.
Anyone want to direct me to a great sounding tube clock radio from way back when?

[XMIAudioTech]

honestly, just about any of them will sound pretty much the same- it would be the speaker and cabinet (wood vs. plastic vs. bakelite vs catalin) more than anything that would have an effect on sonic quality, as for the most part the circuitry of the radio is practically the same in almost all of them, especially the AM-only models.

If you can get them cheap enough and they work fine, then go for it! :)

-Aaron

[Kent Teffeteller]

Hi,

I would get one of the nicer Zenith AM-FM tube clock radios. They had better tone than most. They have super-sensitive AM sections and excellent FM. Spring for a wooden cabinet model as the tone quality is better. Built in Chicago to last. The quality stays in after the name falls off! Also, Telefunken, Grundig, and Saba in Germany made superb sounding multi-band wooden table radios you should consider. They were also superbly made and make nice conversation pieces.

[vanmeterannie]

The only other thing to consider is that the radio you get likely will at least need all the capacitors replaced...I think you really should look into getting that done if you buy one (assuming you don't know how to do it - you may very well know exactly what I'm talking about). Just my opinion, but many people into the hobby would likely agree.

[bluesky]

Sony Digimatic!!! I got a 1970 model, maybe 1971, and it's really fine!!
and looks sharp!! It still sounds good after all these years.

[Rolf Erickson]

Sony Digimatic!!! I got a 1970 model, maybe 1971, and it's really fine!!
and looks sharp!! It still sounds good after all these years.

I don't think these 1970 Sony's were tube models... But they did sound sorta good for a clock tableside radio. Some had the "Flipper" digit clock readouts, strangely cool.


I have an old Zenith AM 5 tuber.... check the photos! I will guess from the late 1940's or early 1950's?? Anyone know more about this unit?

[Mal]

Personally, I wouldn't sleep very soundly next to piece of 50's tube gear that was plugged into the mains all night.....

[dinchart]

This guy http://homepage.mac.com/urbanradio/urbanradio.html has some really fine restored models for sale.

Not a clock radio, but a great modern take on the classic wood radio:
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/tubetuner/r601p.html

(credit to Radio Road on Audio Asylum for the link)

[Sput]

I have a very usual one. I'll dig it out a post a pic later. Check back, okay.
It's made in Japan and has a Japaneses home look to it. I can't remember who made it but it's all wood.

[morinix]

Old tube gear should really have a recap done and a fuse installed for safe operation. Zenith was the standard in the mid 50's to early 60's for USA tabletop radios.

[jt1stcav]

I have an old Zenith AM 5 tuber.... check the photos! I will guess from the late 1940's or early 1950's?? Anyone know more about this unit?
I have this mid '50s Zenith AM clock radio at my dad's repair shop right now being recapped and any bad tubes replaced, etc. I believe it's from around 1955 and I think the model number is 6J03. Mine has 6 tubes...maybe that distinguishes the "Deluxe" model from the standard model, I dunno. The radio and clock both operate flawlessly, but I feel better having it restored, even though the seller said it didn't need it (everything's still original inside and definately needs replacing)!:agree:

[Wardsweb]

Have you thought about modern vintage?

6 Moons Review QFS table top radio (http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/tubetuner/r601p.html)

Quest for Sound Classic Radio (http://www.questforsound.com/tuners/tuners_R601p.htm)

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/tubetuner/hero_front.jpg

[vanmeterannie]

I have an early 50s Zenith table top that I recapped a couple of years ago, and it plays great. I'm always amazed at the presence of the sound when I turn it on...it's got some oomph! I have several other tube radios in the basement, waiting on my attention...one of these days.