Ran Across a Zenith Tube AM/FM Radio Today.

[E2theNth]

They wanted 175 but I'm still so new to this vintage audio thing (especially tubes) that it sounded a bit high to me. I couldn't see any model number anywhere so I have no idea where to begin. I can say at least that it was working, turned on and found a station. The outside appearance is immaculate. It also has a phono input in the back. I'll see if I can upload some photos tonight.

So the ultimate question is: should I buy this at 175 or should I wait for something less expensive and more of a bargain?

[mhardy6647]

No and yes, respectively.

[gogofast]

are you talking about a table top radio?
if that's the case, the price is really high, and i don't know how much of quality sound you can get out of it. i haven't seen many zenith radio go for that much money on ebay. unless you were looking for that particular type of nostalgic radio, you can buy decent eico, h/k, or other entry level tube receiver or integrated amp with much better result.

[Sandy G]

If its one of the Zenith tabletop AM/FM sets, they're BAD high-by at least $100. Zenith made about 17 zillion AM/FM tabletop sets in a variety of styles from c. 1946-65. There were bakelite versions, wooden versions, some that had handles on top, etc. Once gone thru & had a recapping job, & maybe a tube replaced, they're reasonable performers-but you'll need an FM antenna to get the most out of 'em.

[Ultra-Hog]

It wasn't one of these, was it?

[E2theNth]

thanks everyone for their reply's. I may try and find out if I can get it for less but it seems to not be worth the trouble.

it was not one of those ultra-hog, but I'll really try to post the pictures tonight.

[mhardy6647]

It wasn't one of these, was it?


I've got one of those in my basement, found on the swap pile at our town dump. An OK radio, but IIRC it's transformerless ("AC/DC") and thus I'd think twice about actually using that phono input.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/mhardy6647/ZenithAMFMstereoseriesset.jpg
(the stereo pair speaker isn't shown, but it's down there someplace, too)

There was a really common Zenith (mono) AM/FM radio with a slide rule dial and two knobs on the front. Of course, I can't find a photo of one now...


EDIT: a-ha!
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=120293&highlight=zenith

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=56171

[E2theNth]

Eureka, the last one is it mhardy! Although the one I saw was in far better condition. I'll still upload the picture tonight so you can appreciate it.

EDIT: $10 is a whole lot better of a bargain. (from the link.)

[mhardy6647]

We have one in a square 'mahogany' cabinet... I think it was $20 at the Westford antique radio fleamarket several years back. $10 to 20 is probably about right for that radio.

[Tom Bavis]

I have the one in the picture (in near-perfect condition) and I think I paid $10 for it. Maybe less...

I have the stereo one too, but it set me back $30 or so.

[Sandy G]

I have a blonde version of the one above that belonged to my granmother. It also has a squared off case, but the dial is identical.

[E2theNth]

I guess that settles it. maybe I should tell the antique store the real value.

[gogofast]

i don't think 'antique' stores are good places for vintage gears since they over price most of the times and i've never seen a useful stuff. try thrift stores and craigslist.

[E2theNth]

I'm trying them all. craigslist has been last on my list because everything I've seen so far seems like junk or over priced.

[Markw]

I guess that settles it. maybe I should tell the antique store the real value.Antique atores don't care about the "real" value. They want to wring every penny out of every sucker they can.

I'd love tho have heard the speil they gave you to try to justify that price. Like, was it owned by Abraham Lincoln or something like that?

Like the other guy said, antique stores are not the place to look for realistic prices on anythng.

FWIW, I picked up one like the one on the bottom for $35 but I liked it, it was in great shape, and it worked.

If you really. really like it, make him an offer you consider realistic and see what happens.

[E2theNth]

Actually, after I looked disappointed by the 175 sticker price the store clerk asked if I wanted her to ask the seller for a better price. I turned her down because I wasn't sure what a better price would be. I'm thinking 50, but I doubt I can get 3.5 times off.

[Snade]

I just picked up the same Zenith tube radio at a thrift for 7 bucks.

AK Post about it here:

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=154359

Cheers, Snade

[E2theNth]

wow, good thing I asked before I purchased.

[E2theNth]

Bump, but I thought I'd finally post that picture.

[Fisherdude]

I don't really recognize that model. If it's tube, $30-50 is ok. Not great, ok. If it's solid state, $15.

[Old1625]

The price of $10 is more the mark than $175 :yikes:

I've had several of these pass through my hands, and still have a bakelite cased one with the obsolete FM band as well as the today-standard FM and AM bands. They're great radio sets, but I never paid a thin dime for any of them.

[Old1625]

Bump, but I thought I'd finally post that picture.

Very pretty....but $175 for a table radio....The seller is either a dreamer or an antique dealer--same by either name. I am always amazed by their sense of humor. They should be oil company execs at that.

[E2theNth]

well it's a good thing impulse didn't get the better of me.