Stromberg Carlson Television

[firedome]

The best Vintage Tube electronics information source

from the early '90s onward was generally acknowedged to be "Vacuum Tube Valley" magazine and website: www.vacuumtube.com (the website is still there and there is a memorial to the co-founder and proprietor, Charlie Kittleson, who died a couple of years ago of a long time illness). VTV was considered THE authority on vintage tube audio electronics and high end console radios of the 30s (not little 5 tube table radios though), and I had the distinct priviledge of writing and editing for Charlie towards the end of VTV's run.

VTV covered the history of audio and interviewed such seminal figures as Avery Fisher, Paul Klipsch, David Hafler (Dynaco), Saul Marantz, Stew Hedgeman (Harman Kardon), Daniel von Recklinhausen (H.H.Scott), Dick Sequerra, and other giants of the audio industry. Charlie also published the "Vintage Hi-Fi Spotter's Guide Vol 1 and 2", which are now collector items, and he and I had begun the process of producing their replacement when he died. Sometimes issues of VTV are available on eBay, they are an invaluable resource, and also now collector's items. There are numerous other inline, and not always reliable, sources of info on the subject of vintage audio, so take them with a grain of salt!

 

[hydralique]

Tubes . . .

I'll have to check these resources out. I recently inherited an old Fisher receiver from my late uncle. I have no idea how many years since it's been turned on, but think it best to find an expert and let him look it over before trying anything. It weighs a ton, more than my semi-modern Rotel power amp and tuner-preamp combined, so I suspect a big transformer inside. While cleaning out his house I also found some extra tubes laying around which may or may not be for the Fisher, so I saved them.

 

[lordkenmore]

It weighs a ton, more than my semi-modern Rotel

Actually, if you didn't know this, there would probably be more than one transformer. One for AC power. And one per channel at the output to match the tube to the speaker load. Then Fisher probably used a lot more metal elsewhere.

The Rotel amplifier would probably be heavier than a modern, mass market stereo receiver of similar rated power. Imagine how light that mass market receiver would be compared to the Fisher!

I've heard that at least some of the Fisher equipment needs minor updating to be usable under regular use in today's world. If I recall right, it's something to do with the standard AC voltage today vs 1960s. In any case, having the thing looked over by someone who knows vintage equipment would be a good idea.

 

[Iowegian]

That's a cool looking piece.

But if it hasn't been used in years, don't just plug it in and turn it on. Electrolytic capacitors in power supplies dry out and can go boom and/or take out other components downstream. Plus, the flyback transformers on old TVs can make you dead. If you're not familiar with basic tube-type electronics, I'd highly recommend you find someone who is.

 

[rp2813]

I think my 60's Admiral AM/FM table radio has a 6BQ5 in it.  I know I have at least a couple of spares in my stash.  I guess that would explain why the radio sounds so good.

 

[armenta5050]

Friends help :3

I have an identical Stromberg Carlson, where can I get the manual? how much could that piece of art be worth? it is impeccable and it still works

 

[blackstone]

Send me an email with the model number. I might have manuals for it.

 

[countryford]

Armenta5050
Yours looks to be in very good condition. That is cool that it all works too. How long have you had it and where did you get it from?

 

[robbinsandmyers]

I have my grandparents Stromberg-Carlson " Yorkshire " TV that hasnt worked since 1961 I would love to find someone to fix