Category Archives: Vintage

1962 Zenith MK2670 Classic Tube Hi-Fi Console Stereo Repaired

Posted on February 15, 2014 by retrovoltage

A version of this article appears in the October 2014 issue of Nuts and Volts magazine. I recently got to work on something a little bit different – a tube hi-fi stereo console! This particular one, a 1962 Zenith MK2670, was a very high-end … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Projects, Radios and Tubes, Stereo, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 26 Comments

1977 Yamaha CR-2020 Vintage Stereo Receiver Repair

Posted on January 26, 2014 by retrovoltage

The Yamaha CR-2020 drives 120W/channel into an 8 ohm load and supports 3 pairs of speakers (but only plays 1 or 2 pairs a time), dual phono inputs supporting both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) pick-ups, tape-copy functionality … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Electronics, Hi-Fi, Music, Stereo, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 34 Comments

1948 Motorola 99-FM21 Console Radio Back to Life

Posted on December 23, 2013 by retrovoltage

I recently had the chance to work on this beautiful Motorola 99-FM21 from 1948, currently owned by the granddaughter of its original owner. It’s been in the family since its purchase new in 1948 and was lovingly cared for the … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics, Projects, Radios and Tubes, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

1936 Zenith 5-S-29 Repair with Dial Face Replacement

Posted on December 12, 2013 by retrovoltage

I recently had the privilege of working on this beautiful 1936 Zenith 5-S-29 tabletop radio. It’s a beautiful 5-tube table radio with a 6-inch speaker and the iconic black Zenith dial and lightning bolt Z pointer. This one is special, … Continue reading →

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Bose 901 Series I Active Equalizer #50911 Repaired

Posted on December 3, 2013 by retrovoltage

I recently had this Bose 901 Series I Active Equalizer, serial number 50911, in the shop for repair. These are a lot of fun to work on and very rewarding for the great sound they produce when they’re working properly. … Continue reading →

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1936 GE Model A-52 Antique Radio Repaired!

Posted on November 22, 2013 by retrovoltage

A change of pace from the Bose equalizers and hi-fi I’ve been working on a lot of lately, I had the pleasure of working on a 1936 GE Model A-52 antique radio. This is a nicely designed and straightforward table … Continue reading →

Posted in DIY, Electronics, Projects, Radios and Tubes, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

1954 Philips 778-2 Canadian Antique Radio Repair

Posted on October 24, 2013 by retrovoltage

I was lucky enough to get to work on a beautiful 1954 Philips 778-2 radio console. It had been moved around and played for a while but eventually ended up giving only buzzing instead of audio output. I’m surprised it … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics, Projects, Radios and Tubes, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

1931 Westinghouse Columaire WR-8 Grandfather Clock Radio

Posted on July 15, 2013 by retrovoltage

I’ve had the privilege of working on this 1931 Westinghouse grandfather clock radio, the Columaire WR-8. These are a very beautiful and desirable early piece of radio engineering and featured a New Haven Westinghouse electric clock in the front and … Continue reading →

Posted in Radios and Tubes, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Overloaded 1931 Transformer [Fried Electronics]

Posted on June 7, 2013 by retrovoltage

I’m working on a 1930/31 Westinghouse WR-8 Columnaire clock-radio which had a bad transformer. The filter capacitors failed and shorted the high-voltage secondary, burning it open and causing a lot of heat and melting.   The replacement is a General … Continue reading →

Posted in DIY, Electronics, Projects, Radio, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

A Most Convoluted 1934 Philco 66B Antique Radio Repair

Posted on May 31, 2013 by retrovoltage

Recently, I took in a beautiful Philco 66B for repair. Manufactured in 1934, this chassis ended up in several different models – a couple of tombstones, a cathedral, and at least two console radios. They’re all 5-tube radios with the … Continue reading →

Posted in DIY, Projects, Radios and Tubes, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments