Philco console radio, tube amp, worth buying?

nadams

I'm looking at a Philco console radio that my aunt has in her shop. It's a model 46-1209 w/ built in record player and AM/shortwave tuner. It has a single speaker (otherwise I'd be posting this in the 2ch forums...) and plays quite nicely, actually. Everything is in working order except for the presets. The amp is quite large, and consists of the following tubes (all Philco, I believe):

(2) 7H7
(2) 7AF7
(1) 7C6
(1) 5Y3GT/G
(2) 6V6GT/G

It's rated to draw 110 watts.

The cabinet is in near perfect condition, no scratches or anything, though the stain is deteriorating.

Here's an auction with some good pics of the console- http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2570114202&category=1221 (this is not the particular amp that I would be getting, it's just an example of one.)

What are your thoughts?

nadams

The real question that I have is......

Can I pull the amp out of this radio and hook it up to a pair of speakers (granted, the amp is mono). It must have an input of some kind, as the record player is hooked up to it...

HBombToo

Originally posted by nadams
The real question that I have is......

Can I pull the amp out of this radio and hook it up to a pair of speakers (granted, the amp is mono). It must have an input of some kind, as the record player is hooked up to it...

anything is possible but the question is why? Its a vintage piece that should be preserved IMO.

without a tube reference book here I can't give you many specifics now but my guess is that the 6V6 is a variant of a 6L6 which is the final output stage and the 5Y3 could be the input gain stage for the 6V6. Probably the 7 series tubes are for the AM/SW IF stages which down converts the shortwave and AM bands to audio.

If it works I'd hang on to it just to say I had it.

HBomb

phoneisbusy

Originally posted by nadams
The real question that I have is......

Can I pull the amp out of this radio and hook it up to a pair of speakers (granted, the amp is mono). It must have an input of some kind, as the record player is hooked up to it...

Possible but if it's in great shape, it could fetch a pretty penny from collectors. Are you doing this because you like the sound of the amp or you want a better speaker?

Depending on the cost of the radio, you might be better off building your own tube amp.

If you do get it, I'd love a couple of photos of it and some measurements. It's been my goal to build a replica of an
antique tube radio console.

regards

Dave

nadams

Okay, let me explain further...

This radio is in an antiques and collectibles shop owned by my aunt. The radio is there on consignment from a friend of hers. The radio has a price tag on it of $200 (is this too high, too low?), but I have a feeling that I can get the price down a little bit because of the position that I'm in.

That same position means that I can get pictures and dimensions of it, whether I buy it or not. The cabinet for this console is in excellent condition. It sounds pretty good, and around here I can get quite a few stations on it. The record player will need some work, as the platter itself doesn't spin. You can hear the motor humming, so either the motor is seized, or the belt might've fallen off of the platter.

So tell me.... honestly, what do you think this thing is worth????

gidrah

Unless you're a collector I'd pass. The amp is mono, the stain deteriorating, tubes are in unknown condition and may be hard to find replacements, it might not have any inputs or outputs, but in fact be hard wired, and stereo tube consoles are not that rare at thrift/resale stores.

You might be able to do something with it like part it out, put a stereo amp in it, or just enjoy it.

Good luck.

Frank Z

Originally posted by nadams
The radio has a price tag on it of $200 (is this too high, too low?), but I have a feeling that I can get the price down a little bit because of the position that I'm in.


So tell me.... honestly, what do you think this thing is worth????

Actually $200-$300 is about average. I've seen a lot of radios like this in various shops in that range.


Here's a pic of my wifes Philco, she got it from her grand mother. It's AM only, but still a very nice radio.

phoneisbusy

Can't tell you how much it's worth. You can probably get an idea by following some auctions on eBay.

I think it all depends on what you want out of this. If you just want a tube amp, I'm sure some of the polk regulars can point you towards something more flexible and stereo to boot!

If you're looking for a piece of furniture and a restoration project then I think you should go for it if you think you can get a good deal. One thing I can tell you though, a quicky project will quickly become a month or longer really fast. damhikt...

Good luck whichever way you choose to go.

Dave