Other Weird Stereos- Hutch Models

[firedome]

Per the other thread on coffee cable stereos, another alternative to the typical long console wall model was this hutch configuration... I have seen these fairly TOL RCAs in a Danish Modern style as well as this Early American model (one is in transit to us from Ohio, hoping it gets here undamaged!) These were higher than wide as a space saver, had a tilt-out control panel, and a stereo amplifier with 4 of the ever popular and sweet EL-84 output tubes, with EM-84 closing bar-type tuning tube for pinpoint station selection! Yet another early '60s console type.

 

[firedome]

Tilt-out control panel:

very 60s!

 

[retropia]

That looks just like one I saw at an estate sale in Ohio last year. The auctioneer couldn't get anyone to offer even $5 for it; I don't know what happened to it.

Here are a few photos I took with my phone.

 

[retropia]

Closeup of the turntable tone arm.

 

[retropia]

Receiver/amplifier.

 

[retropia]

The model number/serial number on the back.

 

[112561]

Hutch stereos

General Electric offered the "Larchmont" around 1962, RCA Victor also put out some armoire models, and some companies that manufactured for Montgomery Ward and J.C.Penney's made armoires. I hope yours exceeds all your expectations!

 

[danemodsandy]

Danish Modern Version:

Does anyone have a photo of the Danish Modern counterpart to the Larchmont model?

It was very widely advertised at the time ('62, just as Alan said), but I'm pretty hard-pressed to find photos now, almost as if it never existed.

 

[norgeway]

Danish Modern RCA

I had one that was very much like brand new....unfortunately, my experience with RCA electronis has never been good, I had it completely restored, and while it sounded Ok, it was nothing compared to the three channel Motorola I also had.But it was the nicest looking cabinet you could imagine.

 

[firedome]

Danish Modern RCA

one was for sale recently on CL in Ohio just W of the Pittsburgh area iirc.

These particular models are not sonically TOL, and few consoles were, except some of the Fisher, Scott, and Pilot models, those because they contained their discrete components in a console format. Even a Magnavox Concert Grand could not stand comparison with a Fisher President. Most people bought consoles for their look, and much of the cost was in the cabinets, the electronics being bean-counter engineered. The transformers are the giveaway. Serious listeners rarely bought them... we have '50s and 60s tube component systems as well, but we also love the look of consoles, particularly the hutch types, so we have to have at least one!

 

[firedome]

retropia

thanks for the additional pics - some interesting detail differences noted. Ours is also coming from Ohio!

 

[danemodsandy]

Once More, With Feeling:

I appreciate the stories and the info about a Danish Modern version selling recently, but what I am looking for is a picture.

Does anyone have one?

 

[retropia]

Found this old ad for a 1961 RCA hutch model, Danish Modern cabinet.

 

[retropia]

Found this newspaper ad from 1962 for a GE hutch-style console stereo, appears to be Danish Modern style. It's not a great drawing, but it gives you a general idea of what it looked like.

 

[112561]

I'll bet that's the one Sandy's looking for, it is attractive. As much as I love General Electric, I'd love to get a hold of the '61 RCA Victor, and for that matter, the house that it would look good in.

 

[norgeway]

If I !!!

Still had it I would have given it to you, I spent a fortune on it and it still sounded terrible compared with my 3 channel Motorola!

 

[petek]

Those are nice those Danish Modern stylings.   There were also some stereo side tables out (octoganal )  there as well weren't there, with a wired second speaker set. 

 

[danemodsandy]

Many Thanks.....

I really appreciate everyone's help - I have been looking for the RCA model's photo for a long time.

My dad worked for RCA back then, as a service tech, and I let him know at the time that I thought this was the swellestest, most bestest stereo anyone could ever have, and that we should get one.

He told me right then and there that this model was for people who drove Cadillacs and Lincolns and lived in ritzy neighborhoods. Translation: We aren't ever getting one.

And we did not.

 

[petek]

Sandy,, makes me laugh.. always wondered though what was the difference between a ritzy neighborhood and a tony one.. Is one ritzier or tonier than the other   LOL