Early 1950's Zenith Console Radio

This radio received all new capacitors plus a power line fuse. It is a "hot chassis" set which uses an autotransformer for boosted AC voltage into the rectifier. As I remember, it uses a 25L6 output tube and 25Z6 rectifier with the rest of the tubes being miniatures. It also has a Cobra-matic record player which has some problems with the drive wheel.
This video demonstrates the FM and AM band performance. For more vintage radio information please visit http://www.retroaudiolab.com

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• 1950's
• Zenith
• console
• radio
• phono
• tube
• type

[TundraWalk3r]

Very nice radio! I have a Victrola radio cabinet out in my barn that looks similar to this. I was wondering how you put the videos from your tape camera on to your computer?

I have a camera that uses 8mm tapes and I would like to put the videos on my computer.

[retrochad]

@TundraWalk3r I used a device called "ADS DVDXpressDX2" it connects to the USB port and allows you to record analog audio/video.

[Randreash]

Is there a turntable?

[retrochad]

Yes there is inside the drawer but it isn't working right...still need to get around to fixing it.

[TundraWalk3r]

@retrochad Thank you! I will look into one of those!

[dixiewife47]

Nice radio ! thanks for sharing

[OlegKostoglatov]

I've heard that a lot of those autotransformers in those sets tend to go up in smoke, they also used them in some of their early TVs. It was really a stupid idea just to save money on a proper transformer, they should have just use the 25Z6 tube as a voltage doubler as Philco did with the 50X6 and 50Y6 in the 46-1201 sets.

[BronxRapper]

Even modern music sounds old on this

[chagall56]

Retrochad, I love your videos because you're not afraid to show radios that other don't collect much. I'm right now thinking of purchasing a deluxe Philco 1950 console that looks similar to your Zenith. The Philco has something called "scratch eliminator".

[djlobb]

man, it's pretty cool hearing new music on such an old radio unit

[HD7100]

I have one with a giant circle tv in it. I rebuilt the radio and it plays well. The turntable has flutter at 33. The TV is awaiting to be restored. Gary

[VaderNES]

I recieved the tube a month ago, and the radio now works. Unfotunately, the stupid string for the radio snapped upon contact, so I need to replace that. Luckily, I can still use the phonograph, which works nearly perfectly (LPs take a while to get up to speed. 78s, though, take little time to get up to speed). When I replace the string, it will work 100%.