Category: <span>grundig – en</span>

Grundig 5005W 5005w - en

Grundig 5005W Enhanced- en

Grundig 5005W enhanced

Also this reviews will be accompanied by a section with graphs of technical measures of the most important parameters.
There is no such thing anywhere else, as far as I know. Not even the manufacturers themselves detailed the technical features of their own devices at this level.
This new section has been developed for an objective comparison of different devices.
In order to avoid interpreting the measurements incorrectly, it is very important to read the warnings carefully the first time.

The Grundig 5005W was the progenitor of a new line of Grundig radios model. The 5005W line will be followed, with some modifications, by the 5010, the 4010 and other less and less prestigious series.
From the previous top of the range model, the Spitzen-Super UKW 495W inherits the beautiful full-range speakers, one of which is equipped with a coaxial electrostatic tweeter.
There are also many mechanical elements in common with the 495W, the chassis has a very similar setup as does the high frequency group and the variable capacitor, the keyboard and much more. The tuner section is instead more elaborate, sensitive and selective and the low frequency section has completely changed.

The FM converter stage is interesting. Unlike the usual stages composed of the classic ECC85 double triode (specially designed for this), an ECF12 pentode/triode was used on the 5005W. The pentode section is used as an antenna amplifier and is very quiet for a pentode. The triode acts as an AF oscillator. There is then a further medium frequency amplifier pentode, an EF15, before entering the grid of the ECH11 amplifier/mixer.

The low frequency stage is an excellent example of a Push-Pull amplifier, with two EL41s, the most powerful compact tubes at the time.
The phase inverter stage consists of a double triode Ecc40 in "Anode follower" configuration. Also in this case the characteristics of the tube are important. To have correct driving of the two final EL41s, which work in Push-Pull, one on the positive half-waves and one on the negative half-waves, it is advisable to check the signal present on the two grids of the final pentodes. The configuration of the inverter might make you think that the two triodes of the ECC40 work symmetrically, but this is not the case. The first triode works as a preamplifier while the second has only the purpose of inverting the signal, indeed, it has a slightly negative amplification. The advantages of this type of inverter are the high voltage available at the output to effectively drive the finals and the high rate of internal feedback which guarantees a high linearity of response compared to other types of cheaper inverters.

The counter-reaction is moderate, and affects the response curve. The resulting sound is very open, with great presence in the mid and high tones and sufficiently damped bass.
The cabinet is very robust and free of vibrations and resonances.

The speakers:
There are three speakers, all on the front.
These are two full-range cones of 25 cm each and a coaxial electrostatic tweeter which is inserted when the TA button or the UKW/FST button is pressed.
The advantage of having two separate full-range speakers is that for the same amount of air moved, the cones and the voice coil support are much lighter to move, so each speaker is much faster and more responsive. All this translates into more responsive and muffled bass and without serious resonances.
The die-cast baskets ensure the mechanical rigidity of the speaker itself, therefore again reduction of resonances  and greater efficiency of the transducer (no force is dissipated in the vibration of the basket).
The entire frequency range is sent to the full-range speakers and the high part is cut mechanically.

The front canvas covering the speakers is never completely transparent from an acoustic point of view.
For this reason the only way to obtain maximum performance from the appliance is to eliminate it.
We can build a false frame in which the original canvas has been installed. This frame attaches to the speaker panel with magnets.
In this way it is possible to detach it when you want to listen to music with maximum transparency and put it back in its place when the radio is at rest to protect the speakers from dust and to restore the original aesthetic appearance of the device.

All this translates into exciting dynamics, brilliance of sound, lack of canvas oscillations in the presence of low frequencies, making listening to this beautiful device very realistic and pleasant.

 

Grundig 5005W

Grundig 5005W

The first song is the famous Moanin' written and arranged by Charles Mingus. There are actually two different jazz classics called "Moanin'." Both are blues-based songs with gospel music influences. Both evoke, in different ways, a sense of pain but also a sense of exuberant life.
The song was recorded in 1959, the group members included four sax players, John Handy, Jackie McLean, Booker Ervin and Pepper Adams, two trombones, Jimmy Knepper and Willie Dennis, Horace Parlan on piano, Dannie Richmond on drums and Mingus on bass .
The original lyrics of Moanin', by Jon Hendricks and known on the popular album by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, begin like this:

Every Mornin' finds me moanin'I'm alone and crying the bluesI'm so tired of paying the duesEverybody knows I'm moanin'
Every evening I am moanin''Cause of all I the trouble I seeLife's a loosing gamble to meEverybody knows I moanin'
Lord, I spend many a days and nights alone with my griefAnd I pray, really and truly praySomebody will come and bring me relief

The second song is "Smooth Operator" published by Sade in 1984. It was the song that made Sade famous in the USA. The song appears on her debut album, Diamond Life. "Smooth Operator" is about a charming con man who seduces high society women into getting money from them and breaking their hearts.
Despite the cold-hearted lyrics, this song is also often used in cinema in scenes of a romantic encounter.
An interesting curiosity: the music producer Robert Millar recorded the song for a demo to present to the record company to obtain a contract. Epic Records liked it so much that he released it exactly like that, without having it recorded again in the studio.

The third song is Walk On The Wild Side by Lou Reed. The song is very well known. From a musical point of view it is rather simple, supported by a bass line with repetitive "Du du du" choruses and an interesting baritone saxophone solo. The text, however, is the most provocative one could have imagined at the time. It talks about the gender world and male prostitution. Each verse introduces a new character, Holly (Holly Woodlawn), Candy (Candy Darling), Little Joe (Joe Dallesandero), Sugar Plum Fairy (Joe Campbell), and Jackie (Jackie Curtis). All cronies of the Andy Warhol Factory, as well as Lou. A cross-section of the Big Apple's underground.

The fourth song is Yakety Sax written by saxophonist Boots Randolph and guitarist James Q. "Spider" Rich. The song became famous as the closing song on The Benny Hill Show. It is a piece of "instrumental novelty song", a light piece of music which is usually, but not in this case (instrumental), accompanied by a fun and topical text. The song is inspired by Yakety Yak recorded in 1958 by the Coasters from which it took its title. Yakety Yak is a slang expression that means to talk for a long time for nothing, to chat in vain.

And finally, to really put the device to the test, the final part of the drum solo from Led Zeppelin's Moby Dick. In this piece the skill of John Henry "Bonzo" Bonham is expressed at the highest levels. Artistic heir to Ginger Baker, Bonham had developed spectacular right hand/left hand/foot sequences, which were particularly exciting for him in live concerts. The piece is really difficult and requires great strength, and probably also great anger. Bonham's life was filled with fights, trashed hotel rooms, drinking, orgies, except when he was at home in his cottage in Worcestershire. Bonham died at the age of 32 after choking on his own vomit one drunken evening.

BLUETOOTH

Bluetooth receiver embed

READ MORE >

CONNESSIONE A DISPOSITIVI DIGITALI

Each radio is equipped with a cable for connection to any digital device.

READ MORE >

TUBESOUND IMPROVEMENT

Bluetooth receiver embed – The unit is equipped with a BLUETOOTH receiver powered directly by the receiver power supply. This makes it possible to control the amplifier from any external digital device as an IPAD, a Smartphone, or a sophisticated multimedia station. So you can hear your preferred web station or your lossesless file without cables on the room. Wireless Receiver can be equipped upon requests.
Multi Platform Connection – A customized adaptation cable to connect any digital device as Iphone, Smartphone, Laptop, CD Player etc. will be provided with this radio. This special cable suits the different impedances between the modern equipment and the receiver. Furthermore the two stereo channels flow into one without increasing the load to the input unit.

HISTORY

1930 - At 22 years old Max Grundig begin a radio repair business.
1939 - The II world War start. Grundig works primarily for the Wehrmacht and repair of telecommunication equipment.
1945 - Immediately after the war, the demand for repair work was very great. Max Grundig built the first two Grundig appliances: the Tubatest tube tester and the Novatest testing device.
1947 - Start the sale of a kit radio, the Heinzelmann. The unit is the basis of success, sold more than 15,000 pieces.
1950 - Very high frequency (VHF) is introduced to Germany and places new demands on the industry. Grundig launches the 380 W on the market.
1952 - The first television channel starts up in Germany. After intensive research, Grundig launches the FS 080 onto the market. In the same year the first portable tape recorder Reporter 500 L is created.
1956 - After a lot of radio produced with progrssively high performances was produced the Concert Radio 5080 equipped with an equaliser, which has five controls and a visual display.
1965 - A new factory is established in Braga, Portugal. The Satellit 205 is one of many appliances in the Satellit series. This product marks the beginning of Grundig production of high-quality global receivers.
1970 - The Audiorama 7000 Hi-fi was produced, it has twelve dynamic speaker systems in one speaker.
1976 - The Reel Tape Recorder TS 1000 is equipped for semi-professional use.
1980 - The slim-line Hi-fi Tuner ST 6000 and the Monolith Hi-fi Dynamic Flat Top Antenna, which has 22 speaker systems, are two particularly popular appliances in the new hi-fi range.
1984 - After severe drop in sales Philips increased its stake in Grundig 31.6 percent and takes over the corporate management.
1997 - Philips pulls out of its involvement with Grundig.
2003 - The company files for bankruptcy.
2008 - Turkey's Koç Holding took full ownership of Grundig Multimedia B.V., the parent company of Grundig Intermedia GmbH in Nuremberg.

Courtesy of: Grundig

MAIN FEATURES

Year of production:  1951
Superheterodyne IF 468/10700
9 AM circuits
9 FM circuits

Wavebands:
Long wave: 150 - 310 KHz
Medium wave 1: 515 - 950 KHz
Medium wave 2: 950 - 1620 KHz
Short wave 1: 5,9 - 8,6 MHz
Short wave 2: 8,6 - 12,5 MHz
Short wave 3: 12,5 - 18 MHz
FM: 86,5 - 100 MHz

Loudspeakers:
2 x 24 cm Fullrange
1 x coaxial electrostatic tweeter

Dimensions (LHD): 706 x 396 x 288 mm / 27.8 x 15.6 x 11.3 inch
Net weight: 19.5 kg / 42 lb 15.2 oz

10 tubes: ECF12 EF15 ECH11 EBF15 EM71 EAA11 EF11 ECC40 2x EL41

Grundig 5005W

 

MEASURED TECHNICAL FEATURES

IMPORTANT REMARK
(to be read carefully at least the first time)

  1. The following measures have been carried out in order to compare, from an electrical point of view, the devices that will be reviewed on this site. It is not possible to make comparisons with measurements made by other laboratories on different devices. The instrumentation and measurement conditions are probably very different.
  2. The instrumentation used for the measurements is obsolete and unprofessional. We believe that more precise instrumentation is not necessary due to the tolerances of the human auditory system. Distinguishing a distortion of 1% from one of 1.1% or 1.001% only makes sense from the electrical point of view. Probably no one can hear the difference by ear. Only a child and very few lucky people can perceive the difference between a flat response curve up to 16 KHz and one up to 20 kHz.
  3. The perception of sound depends on many factors, namely the age of the listener, the listening environment, the musical genre that is being reproduced, the listener's expectations, his or her listening habits and knowledge and many other factors, besides of course the quality of the other devices. Therefore, there is no direct and unique relationship between the results of the measurements made and the pleasantness of listening to a specific device.

Grundig 5005W

BANDWIDTH

Normally the measurement of the bandwidth is done on a resistive load. Therefore, the deformation caused by the loudspeakers' inductive load and the effect of the mechanical resonance of the speakers themselves on the feedback circuit are not considered. The effects are by no means negligible, the measurements carried out on a purely resistive load are always very linear but they don't coincide with the real frequency response.

On the other hand, this response curve was measured on an inductive laod, that is, with its own loudspeakers.
The frequency response measurements were made with a sinusoidal generator and a 
Wandel & Goltermann WM  20 level meter.
You can see the actual frequency response on the vobulator' screen.

Grundig 5005W

RMS POWER

he lower of the RMS voltages measured at the three sample frequencies divided by the load resistence.
The measurement conditions are the following:
- sample frequencies, 100, 1000, 10,000 Hz
- 8 ohm resistive load
- distortion less than or equal to 1%.
The measuring instrument provides the RMS value directly.

The measured RMS power is 5,3 W

Grundig 5005W

 

Misura IM% a 1000 Hz

Grundig 5005W

 

INTERMODULATION DISTORTION %

The Intermodulation Distortion % was measured with the SMPTE standard and measured at 1W RMS.
The two measurements were carried out by modulating the 50 Hz sine wave with a 1080 Hz sine wave and then with a 10400 Hz sine wave, with an amplitude in a ratio of 1/4 compared to the basic sinusoid.
The output voltage was kept around 2.83V on an 8 ohm carico.

The measured Intermodulation Distortion % (IM%) is 0,11%

 

TONE CONTROL WITH LEVEL INDICATION

The tones control system is very efficient. Above the large tone control knobs there is a band that lights up gradually indicating the emphasis on the band on which it acts.

 

BASS MAX

Grundig 5005W

 

BASS FLAT

Grundig 5005W

 

BASS MIN

Grundig 5005W

 

TREBLE MIN

Grundig 5005W

 

TREBLE FLAT

Grundig 5005W

 

TREBLE MAX

Grundig 5005W

 

Grundig 5005W

TUNING INDICATOR

 

 

The magic eye has of course been replaced.

CONTROL PANEL

Grundig 5005W

1 - Volume control (with automatic loudness curve ) and ON/OFF switch
2 - Bass control
3 - Turntable
4 - Long waves
5 - Medium waves 1
6 - Medium waves 2

7 - Short Waves 1
8 - Short Waves 2
9 - Short Waves 3
10 - FM
11 - Tuning indicator
12 - Treble control knob
13 - Tuning knob

Grundig 5005W

REAR SIDE

Output for external speakers.
Turntable input (Tonabnehmer)
AM and FM aerial inputs and ground socket.

THE RESTORATION WORK

THE USUAL AMAZING LAST IMAGE
Grundig 5005W
4055 - en

Grundig 4055/56 Enhanced- en

Grundig 4055/56 enhanced

Also this reviews will be accompanied by a section with graphs of technical measures of the most important parameters.
There is no such thing anywhere else, as far as I know. Not even the manufacturers themselves detailed the technical features of their own devices at this level.
This new section has been developed for an objective comparison of different devices.
In order to avoid interpreting the measurements incorrectly, it is very important to read the warnings carefully the first time.

The Grundig 4055/56 was the most prestigious model produced by the German company in 1956.

The FM converter stage is particularly interesting. In fact, it is equipped with double amplifier and oscillator circuits that can be selected via two buttons on the front. Furthermore, in the dialglass there are two identical FM bands, FM1 and FM2. Pressing the UKWI button and rotating the tuning knob will move the UKWI scale indicator, pressing the UKWII button and rotating the tuning knob will move the UKWII scale indicator. In this way it is possible to store an FM station in the UKWI band and another FM station in the UKWII band. The Grundig 3055 and 4055 are the only radios in the entire German production of that period to have two FM bands, but the 4055 is the only one to also have a Push-Pull final stage.

Unlike the previous model, Grundig 4055W/3D, the 4055/56 model is equipped with a rear socket for the remote control. The remote control allows you to turn the device on and off, change the volume and choose one of the predefined equalizations on the remote control.

The low frequency stage is an excellent example of a Push-Pull amplifier, with two EL84s with well-known sonic characteristics.
The phase inverter stage is made up of an Ebc41 triode, the preamplifier is made up of the triode section of an EABC80. The circuit is classic and very proven. The high sound quality is given by the excellent quality of the output transformer and its considerable size, which together with the good quality of the air gap laminations and the alternate winding of the copper layers reaches saturation very late.

The feedback circuit as usual, is moderate, and affects the response curve. The resulting sound is very open, with great presence in the mid and high tones and sufficiently damped bass.
The cabinet is very robust and free of vibrations and resonances.

The speakers:
There are five speakers, three on the front and two on the sides.
These is a very bug full-range speakers and two electrostatic tweeters on front. On the sides we find two elliptical widebands.
The entire frequency range is sent to these full-range speakers with a slight cut in the upper part, in reality the actual cut in the high part occurs mechanically.

The front canvas covering the speakers is never completely transparent from an acoustic point of view.
For this reason the only way to obtain maximum performance from the appliance is to eliminate it.
We can build a false frame in which the original canvas is installed. This frame attaches to the speaker panel with magnets.
In this way it is possible to detach it when you want to listen to music with maximum transparency and put it back in its place when the radio is at rest to protect the speakers from dust and to restore the original aesthetic appearance of the device.

All this translates into exciting dynamics, brilliance of sound, lack of canvas oscillations in the presence of low frequencies, making listening to this beautiful device very realistic and pleasant.

Grundig 4055/56

Grundig 4055/56
Grundig 4055/56

The first song is by Pink Anderson, it is Baby Please Don't Go. Pinkney Anderson was born in Laurens, South Carolina on February 12, 1900. At 14 he joined Dr. Kerr of the Indian Remedy Company to sing and dance to the public in the streets while Kerr sold his elixirs which he said had medicinal properties. In 1928 she recorded for the Columbia label. In the 50s and 60s she recorded other albums and performed live. She died in 1974 of a heart attack. The song "Baby Please Don't Go" tell about the anxiety of a recluse over the departure of his lover who is about to leave him to return home to New Orleans.

The second song is by Floyd Council, it is called Looking For My Baby. Council was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on September 2, 1911. At 15 he performed on the streets of Chapel Hill with two brothers, Leo and Thomas Strowd. In the late 1920s and early 1930s he and Blind Boy Fuller busked in the Chapel Hill area. In the 1930s he recorded some songs for ARC but very few Council recordings remain. In a 1969 interview, Council stated that he had recorded 27 songs over the course of his career, seven of them as backing tracks to Blind Boy Fuller. In the late 1960s he suffered a stroke that partially paralyzed his throat muscles and slowed his motor skills. Peter B. Lowry attempted to record it in 1970 but Council was unable to sing or play. Council died in 1976 of a heart attack.

The third song is naturally by Pink Floyd and it is a rare live recording, Live at the Rainbow Theatre from 1972 . Syd Barrett created the band's name by juxtaposing the first names of the two bluesmen Pink Anderson and Floyd Council. Pink Floyd's most famous LP, "The dark side of the moon" was the product of an intense year of laboratory work, tested and perfected thanks to over a dozen live bootlegs such as this recording at the Rainbow Theatre. The arrangements of these recordings often vary greatly from the final LP. Unfortunately the recording is of very poor quality, but for enthusiasts this is certainly not a problem.

The  fourth song is O Tempo E O Lugar by Ana Caram. The song is by Sueli Correa Costa, the talented Brazilian singer-songwriter who died last year. She recorded for EMI with important partners such as Cacaso and Tite de Lamos. She sang about love like few others and left a definitive mark on our music, with songs that had the rare combination of sophistication, elaboration and beauty, fluidity and the ability to reach a wide audience. Her compositions, however, have been interpreted by artists such as Simone, Elis Regina, Fagner, Maria Bethânia, Gal Costa, Beth Carvalho among many others.

The fifth song is Litany by Arvo part. A characteristic of his style is that his songs arise from silence, grow, loading themselves with effect and then descend back towards silence. This technique originates from Part's initial twelve-tone influences, especially from Webern, although Part ideologically abandoned this current, realizing that it carried within itself the seeds of a conflict, in particular against capitalism. Coming to the firm belief that every conflict originates within oneself.
Having been commissioned by the Oregon Bach Festival, Litany Part uses the English language for the first time. The text is by Giovanni Grisostomo, a great theologian born in Antioch in Syria (currently in Turkey). The English terms being short do not allow for a structured musical elaboration, however the initial dialogue between the prayer and the immediate, or rather anticipated, response of the violin indicate the response from heaven. Before man can ask God for help, God is already close to him.

The sixth song  is Il Cielo In Una Stanza performed by Mina. Gino Paoli's most famous song had a very troubled origin. He was judged by Giulio Rapetti (aka Mogol) with phrases like "this is not a song", "it's better for you to change jobs", "it absolutely can't go" and even worse by Miranda Martino who refused to interpret it. Then Mina arrived and wanted her to sing it instead. Arranged by Tony de Vita, Mina, as soon as she finished singing it, started crying and all the musicians stood up moved.
The song talks about orgasm and is dedicated to a prostitute with whom Paoli had fallen in love. In the song the unsaid suggests sensuality with the description of the environment.

BLUETOOTH

Bluetooth receiver embed

READ MORE >

MULTI PLATFORM CONNECTION

Each radio is equipped with a cable for connection to any digital device.

READ MORE >

TUBESOUND IMPROVEMENT

Bluetooth receiver embed – The unit is equipped with a BLUETOOTH receiver powered directly by the receiver power supply. This makes it possible to control the amplifier from any external digital device as an IPAD, a Smartphone, or a sophisticated multimedia station. So you can hear your preferred web station or your lossesless file without cables on the room. Wireless Receiver can be equipped upon requests.
Multi Platform Connection – A customized adaptation cable to connect any digital device as Iphone, Smartphone, Laptop, CD Player etc. will be provided with this radio. This special cable suits the different impedances between the modern equipment and the receiver. Furthermore the two stereo channels flow into one without increasing the load to the input unit.

HISTORY

1930 - At 22 years old Max Grundig begin a radio repair business.

1939 - The II world War start. Grundig works primarily for the Wehrmacht and repair of telecommunication equipment.

1945 - Immediately after the war, the demand for repair work was very great. Max Grundig built the first two Grundig appliances: the Tubatest tube tester and the Novatest testing device.

1947 - Start the sale of a kit radio, the Heinzelmann. The unit is the basis of success, sold more than 15,000 pieces.

1950 - Very high frequency (VHF) is introduced to Germany and places new demands on the industry. Grundig launches the 380 W on the market.

1952 - The first television channel starts up in Germany. After intensive research, Grundig launches the FS 080 onto the market. In the same year the first portable tape recorder Reporter 500 L is created.

1956 - After a lot of radio produced with progrssively high performances was produced the Concert Radio 5080 equipped with an equaliser, which has five controls and a visual display.

1965 - A new factory is established in Braga, Portugal. The Satellit 205 is one of many appliances in the Satellit series. This product marks the beginning of Grundig production of high-quality global receivers.

1970 - The Audiorama 7000 Hi-fi was produced, it has twelve dynamic speaker systems in one speaker.

1976 - The Reel Tape Recorder TS 1000 is equipped for semi-professional use.

1980 - The slim-line Hi-fi Tuner ST 6000 and the Monolith Hi-fi Dynamic Flat Top Antenna, which has 22 speaker systems, are two particularly popular appliances in the new hi-fi range.

1984 - After severe drop in sales Philips increased its stake in Grundig 31.6 percent and takes over the corporate management.

1997 - Philips pulls out of its involvement with Grundig.

2003 - The company files for bankruptcy.

2008 - Turkey's Koç Holding took full ownership of Grundig Multimedia B.V., the parent company of Grundig Intermedia GmbH in Nuremberg.

Courtesy of: Grundig

MAIN FEATURES

Year of production:  1956

Superheterodyne IF 468/10700
9 AM circuits
13 FM circuits

Wavebands:
Medium wave (MW), Long wave (LW),Short wave, FM1 (UKWI), FM2 (UKWII)

Loudspeakers:
1 elliptic wideband
2 electrostatic Tweeter
2 cone Mid/Tweeter

Dimensions (LHD): 706 x 444 x 300 mm / 27.8 x 17.5 x 11.8 inch
Net weight: 17.6 kg / 38 lb 12.3 oz

9 tubes: ECC85 ECH81 EF89 EF80 EM34 EABC80 EBC41 2xEL84

Grundig 4055/56

 

MEASURED TECHNICAL FEATURES

IMPORTANT REMARK
(to be read carefully at least the first time)

  1. The following measures have been carried out in order to compare, from an electrical point of view, the devices that will be reviewed on this site. It is not possible to make comparisons with measurements made by other laboratories on different devices. The instrumentation and measurement conditions are probably very different.
  2. The instrumentation used for the measurements is obsolete and unprofessional. We believe that more precise instrumentation is not necessary due to the tolerances of the human auditory system. Distinguishing a distortion of 1% from one of 1.1% or 1.001% only makes sense from the electrical point of view. Probably no one can hear the difference by ear. Only a child and very few lucky people can perceive the difference between a flat response curve up to 16 KHz and one up to 20 kHz.
  3. The perception of sound depends on many factors, namely the age of the listener, the listening environment, the musical genre that is being reproduced, the listener's expectations, his or her listening habits and knowledge and many other factors, besides of course the quality of the other devices. Therefore, there is no direct and unique relationship between the results of the measurements made and the pleasantness of listening to a specific device.

Grundig 4055/56

Grundig 4055/56

BANDWIDTH

Normally the measurement of the bandwidth is done on a resistive load. Therefore, the deformation caused by the loudspeakers' inductive load and the effect of the mechanical resonance of the speakers themselves on the feedback circuit are not considered. The effects are by no means negligible, the measurements carried out on a purely resistive load are always very linear but they don't coincide with the real frequency response.

On the other hand, this response curve was measured on an inductive laod, that is, with its own loudspeakers.
The frequency response measurements were made with a sinusoidal generator and a 
Wandel & Goltermann WM  20 level meter.
You can see the actual frequency response on the vobulator' screen.

(Foto sotto) Bassi al minimo e acuti al massimo

Grundig 4055/56

(Foto sotto) Bassi al massimo e acuti al minimo

Grundig 4055/56

RMS POWER

he lower of the RMS voltages measured at the three sample frequencies divided by the load resistence.
The measurement conditions are the following:
- sample frequencies, 100, 1000, 10,000 Hz
- 8 ohm resistive load
- distortion less than or equal to 1%.
The measuring instrument provides the RMS value directly.

The measured RMS power is 7,2 W

Grundig 4055/56

Grundig 4055/56

 

Measure IM% at 1000 Hz

 

 

Distortion IM% at 50 Hz at maximum power

Grundig 4055/56

 

 

INTERMODULATION DISTORTION %

The Intermodulation Distortion % was measured with the SMPTE standard and measured at 1W RMS.
The two measurements were carried out by modulating the 50 Hz sine wave with a 1080 Hz sine wave and then with a 10400 Hz sine wave, with an amplitude in a ratio of 1/4 compared to the basic sinusoid.
The output voltage was kept around 2.83V on an 8 ohm carico.

The measured Intermodulation Distortion % (IM%) is 0.23%

 

 

Frequency Response

Below are the images of the linearity of the response at different frequencies. The sinusoid voltage is always the same, around 20 Vpp.

TONE CONTROL WITH LEVEL INDICATION

The tones control system is very efficient. Above the large tone control knobs there is a band that lights up gradually indicating the emphasis on the band on which it acts.

 

BASS MAX

Grundig 4055/56

 

BASS FLAT

Grundig 4055/56

 

BASS MIN

Grundig 4055/56

 

TREBLE MIN

Grundig 4055/56

 

TREBLE FLAT

Grundig 4055/56

 

TREBLE MAX

Grundig 4055/56

 

Grundig 4055/56

AERIALS

Inside the cabinet there is a dipole for FM reception and a ferrite rotating aerial for AM reception.
Ferrite aerial can be rotated from the outside to achieve a perfect tuning of the device in the AM.
In this picture you can see the rotation mechanism, and the aerial position indicator.
The reception sensitivity with internal aerials is very good. This unit was in fact produced when there were not many radio stations, and those available were far from each other.
Using an external aerial sensitivity is further increased.

TUNING INDICATOR

 

The magic eye has of course been replaced.

Grundig 4055/56

Grundig 3035 3D Klang

FERN-DIRIGENT

Connection for remote control (fern-dirigent) which allows you to control the ignition, volume and equalization.
Below, on the right, you can see the "remote control" diagram.
It is not easy to find, very few have been sold in Italy, the price of the (fern-dirigent) ranges from €350 upwards.

Grundig 3035 3D Klang

Grundig 3035 3D Klang

CONTROL PANEL

Grundig 4055/56

1 - Volume control (with built-in loudness)
2 - Ferrite antenna rotation control.
3 - The bass control knob
4 - Switching off
5 - Recorder
6 - Turntable
7 - Long Waves

8 - Medium Waves
9 - Shortwave
10 - FM 1
11 - FM 2
12 - Ferrite antenna for medium and long waves
13 - The treble control knob
14 - Tuning knob

Grundig 4055/56

REAR SIDE

Output for external speakers.
Turntable input (Tonabnehmer)
AM and FM aerial inputs and ground socket.
Remote control socket

THE USUAL AMAZING LAST IMAGE
Grundig 4055/56
Grundig 5050W 5050W - en

Grundig 5050W Enhanced- en

Grundig 5050W enhanced

Also this reviews will be accompanied by a section with graphs of technical measures of the most important parameters.
There is no such thing anywhere else, as far as I know. Not even the manufacturers themselves detailed the technical features of their own devices at this level.
This new section has been developed for an objective comparison of different devices.
In order to avoid interpreting the measurements incorrectly, it is very important to read the warnings carefully the first time.

The Grundig 5050W was the most prestigious model produced by the German company in 1953. The version we present in this review has been modified in order to maximize the performance of this device.

The FM converter stage is particularly interesting. Unlike the usual stages composed of the classic ECC85 double triode (specially designed for this) two separate tubes were used on the 5050W in order to avoid any capacitive interference between the antenna amplifier stage, consisting of a single EC92 triode and the oscillator stage /mixer, consisting of a double ECC81 triode. The stability and silence characteristics of this stage are excellent. It is only recommended to be very careful when replacing the ECC81 due to the differences in interelectrode capacitance between tubes from different manufacturers, which could cause differences in the operation of the stage.

The power output stage is an excellent example of a Push-Pull amplifier, with two EL84s with well-known sonic characteristics.
The phase inverter stage consists of a double triode Ecc81 in "Anode follower" configuration. Also in this case the characteristics of the tube are important. To have correct driving of the two final EL84s, which work in counter-phase, one on the positive half-waves and one on the negative half-waves, it is advisable to check the signal present on the two grids of the final pentodes. A possible correction can be obtained by intervening on the R8-R53 divider but the modification requires a certain amount of expertise and equipment.

The feedback is moderate, and affects the response curve. The resulting sound is very open, with great presence in the mid and high tones and sufficiently damped bass.
The cabinet is very robust and free of vibrations and resonances.

The loudspeakers.

There are four speakers, all on the front.
These are two full-range cones of 25 cm each and two coaxial electrostatic tweeters which are inserted when the TA button or the UKW/FST button is pressed.
The advantage of having two separate full-range speakers is that for the same amount of air moved, the cones and the voice coil support are much lighter to move, so each speaker is much faster and more responsive. All this translates into more responsive and muffled bass and without serious resonances.
The die-cast baskets ensure the mechanical rigidity of the speaker itself, therefore again reduction of resonances  and greater efficiency of the transducer (no force is dissipated in the vibration of the basket).
The entire frequency range is sent to these speakers and the high part is cut mechanically.

The front canvas covering the speakers is never completely acoustically transparent.
For this reason, the only way to obtain maximum performance from the appliance is to eliminate it.
We built a dummy frame into which the original canvas was installed. This frame attaches to the speaker panel with magnets.
In this way it is possible to detach it when you want to listen to music with maximum transparency and put it back in its place when the radio is at rest to protect the loudspeakers from dust and to restore the original aesthetic appearance of the unit.
As an example, we publish on the page a photo of a device previously made with detachable canvas.

All this translates into exciting dynamics, brilliance of sound, lack of oscillation of the canvas in the presence of low frequencies, making listening to this beautiful device very realistic and pleasant. With a pinch of eccentricity.

Grundig 5050W

Grundig 5050W

Grundig 5050W

The first song Elli is taken from Avishai Cohen's album Continuo. The album consists of 10 songs where Cohen's bass is always present. The entire album is inspired by traditional Middle Eastern music with great attention to classical music and with energetic solo cues that make it one of the artist's most interesting productions. Amos Hoffman contributed the characteristic sound of his instrument, an oud, to some songs on "Continuo".

The second piece is the famous "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert performed by the tenor Luciano Pavarotti. Schubert composed ''Liederzyklus vom Fräulein vom See'' (Song Cycle from the Lady of the Lake) in 1825, inspired by the poem The Lady of the Lake'' by Walter Scott. The third lieder of Schubert's work, it was composed for the female voice but is often performed by baritones or tenors.

The third song is taken from Ana Caram's album "Postcard from Rio". This is Samba Torto, a song by Antonio Carlos Brasileiro de Almeida Jobim. Tom, as Jobim called himself, knew how to blend samba and jazz, giving life to Bossa Nova. Tom then made Bossa Nova known in the USA and around the world. His most famous album, “The Man From Ipanema”, is worth listening to.

The fourth song is the very famous Back to Black by Amy Winehouse. Literally Back to Black actually means returning to a state of depression after the end of a love relationship. She herself specifies that it is a state of despondency in which the pain of loneliness drowns in alcohol and drugs. The reference is to her tormented history with Blake Fielder-Civil, which led to her death after a physically and psychologically toxic marriage, where Amy, already debilitated by eating disorders, did not last long.

The fifth song is Corpus Christi Carol by Benjamin Britten performed by Jeff Beck. Corpus Christi Carol was first performed by Leslie Woodgate. The text appears to be an allegory in which the crucifix is described as a wounded knight, and the knight could be Christ who bleeds incessantly for the sins of humanity. The lyrics of Britten's re-edition were taken from the Christmas carol "In the cold/grey, midwinter" by the English poet Christina Rossetti.

BLUETOOTH

Bluetooth receiver embed

READ MORE >

MULTI PLATFORM CONNECTION

Each radio is equipped with a cable for connection to any digital device.

READ MORE >

TUBESOUND IMPROVEMENT

Bluetooth receiver embed – The unit is equipped with a BLUETOOTH receiver powered directly by the receiver power supply. This makes it possible to control the amplifier from any external digital device as an IPAD, a Smartphone, or a sophisticated multimedia station. So you can hear your preferred web station or your lossesless file without cables on the room. Wireless Receiver can be equipped upon requests.
Multi Platform Connection – A customized adaptation cable to connect any digital device as Iphone, Smartphone, Laptop, CD Player etc. will be provided with this radio. This special cable suits the different impedances between the modern equipment and the receiver. Furthermore the two stereo channels flow into one without increasing the load to the input unit.

HISTORY

1930 - At 22 years old Max Grundig begin a radio repair business.

1939 - The II world War start. Grundig works primarily for the Wehrmacht and repair of telecommunication equipment.

1945 - Immediately after the war, the demand for repair work was very great. Max Grundig built the first two Grundig appliances: the Tubatest tube tester and the Novatest testing device.

1947 - Start the sale of a kit radio, the Heinzelmann. The unit is the basis of success, sold more than 15,000 pieces.

1950 - Very high frequency (VHF) is introduced to Germany and places new demands on the industry. Grundig launches the 380 W on the market.

1952 - The first television channel starts up in Germany. After intensive research, Grundig launches the FS 080 onto the market. In the same year the first portable tape recorder Reporter 500 L is created.

1956 - After a lot of radio produced with progrssively high performances was produced the Concert Radio 5080 equipped with an equaliser, which has five controls and a visual display.

1965 - A new factory is established in Braga, Portugal. The Satellit 205 is one of many appliances in the Satellit series. This product marks the beginning of Grundig production of high-quality global receivers.

1970 - The Audiorama 7000 Hi-fi was produced, it has twelve dynamic speaker systems in one speaker.

1976 - The Reel Tape Recorder TS 1000 is equipped for semi-professional use.

1980 - The slim-line Hi-fi Tuner ST 6000 and the Monolith Hi-fi Dynamic Flat Top Antenna, which has 22 speaker systems, are two particularly popular appliances in the new hi-fi range.

1984 - After severe drop in sales Philips increased its stake in Grundig 31.6 percent and takes over the corporate management.

1997 - Philips pulls out of its involvement with Grundig.

2003 - The company files for bankruptcy.

2008 - Turkey's Koç Holding took full ownership of Grundig Multimedia B.V., the parent company of Grundig Intermedia GmbH in Nuremberg.

Courtesy of: Grundig

MAIN FEATURES

Year of production:  1953
Superheterodyne IF 468/10700
11 AM circuits
11 FM circuits

Wavebands:
Long wave: 150 - 310 KHz
Medium wave: 515 - 1620 KHz
Short wave 1: 5,9 - 8,6 MHz
Short wave 2: 8,6 - 12,5 MHz
Short wave 3: 12,5 - 18 MHz
FM: 86,5 - 100 MHz

Loudspeakers:
2 x 24 cm Fullrange
2 x coaxial electrostatic tweeters

Dimensions (LHD): 720 x 462 x 312 mm / 28.3 x 18.2 x 12.3 inch
Net weight: 21 kg / 46 lb 4.1 oz

10 tubes: EC92 ECC81 2xECH81 EM35 EAF42 EABC80 ECC81 2xEL84

Grundig 5050W

 

MEASURED TECHNICAL FEATURES

IMPORTANT REMARK
(to be read carefully at least the first time)

  1. The following measures have been carried out in order to compare, from an electrical point of view, the devices that will be reviewed on this site. It is not possible to make comparisons with measurements made by other laboratories on different devices. The instrumentation and measurement conditions are probably very different.
  2. The instrumentation used for the measurements is obsolete and unprofessional. We believe that more precise instrumentation is not necessary due to the tolerances of the human auditory system. Distinguishing a distortion of 1% from one of 1.1% or 1.001% only makes sense from the electrical point of view. Probably no one can hear the difference by ear. Only a child and very few lucky people can perceive the difference between a flat response curve up to 16 KHz and one up to 20 kHz.
  3. The perception of sound depends on many factors, namely the age of the listener, the listening environment, the musical genre that is being reproduced, the listener's expectations, his or her listening habits and knowledge and many other factors, besides of course the quality of the other devices. Therefore, there is no direct and unique relationship between the results of the measurements made and the pleasantness of listening to a specific device.

Grundig 5050W

BANDWIDTH

Normally the measurement of the bandwidth is done on a resistive load. Therefore, the deformation caused by the loudspeakers' inductive load and the effect of the mechanical resonance of the speakers themselves on the feedback circuit are not considered. The effects are by no means negligible, the measurements carried out on a purely resistive load are always very linear but they don't coincide with the real frequency response.

On the other hand, this response curve was measured on an inductive laod, that is, with its own loudspeakers.
The frequency response measurements were made with a sinusoidal generator and a 
Wandel & Goltermann WM  20 level meter.
You can see the actual frequency response on the vobulator' screen.

Grundig 5050W

RMS POWER

he lower of the RMS voltages measured at the three sample frequencies divided by the load resistence.
The measurement conditions are the following:
- sample frequencies, 100, 1000, 10,000 Hz
- 8 ohm resistive load
- distortion less than or equal to 1%.
The measuring instrument provides the RMS value directly.

The measured RMS power is 6,7 W

Grundig 5050W

Grundig 5050W

 

Misura IM% a 1000 Hz

Grundig 5050W

 

INTERMODULATION DISTORTION %

The Intermodulation Distortion % was measured with the SMPTE standard and measured at 1W RMS.
The two measurements were carried out by modulating the 50 Hz sine wave with a 1080 Hz sine wave and then with a 10400 Hz sine wave, with an amplitude in a ratio of 1/4 compared to the basic sinusoid.
The output voltage was kept around 2.83V on an 8 ohm carico.

The measured Intermodulation Distortion % (IM%) is 0.23%

 

TONE CONTROL WITH LEVEL INDICATION

The tones control system is very efficient. Above the large tone control knobs there is a band that lights up gradually indicating the emphasis on the band on which it acts.

 

BASS MAX

Grundig 5050W

 

BASS FLAT

Grundig 5050W

 

BASS MIN

Grundig 5050W

 

TREBLE MIN

Grundig 5050W

 

TREBLE FLAT

Grundig 5050W

 

TREBLE MAX

Grundig 5050W

 

Grundig 5050W

AERIALS

Inside the cabinet there is a dipole for FM reception and a ferrite rotating aerial for AM reception.
Ferrite aerial can be rotated from the outside to achieve a perfect tuning of the device in the AM.
In this picture you can see the rotation mechanism, and the aerial position indicator.
The reception sensitivity with internal aerials is very good. This unit was in fact produced when there were not many radio stations, and those available were far from each other.
Using an external aerial sensitivity is further increased.

Grundig 5050W

Grundig 5050W

TUNING INDICATOR

 

 

The magic eye has of course been replaced.

CONTROL PANEL

Grundig 5050W

1 - Comando di rotazione dell'antenna in ferrite.
2 - Comando del volume (con loudness incorporato)
3 - The bass control knob
4 - ON/OFF
5 - Aux
6 - Long waves
7 - Medium waves 1
8 - Medium waves 2

9 - Short Waves 1
10 - Short Waves 2
11 - Short Waves 3
12 - FM
13 - Ferrite antenna for MW and LW
14 - Treble control knob
15 - Tuning knob
16 - Tuning indicator

Grundig 5050W

REAR SIDE

Output for external speakers.
Socket for recorder (tonbandgerat).
Turntable input (Tonabnehmer)
AM and FM aerial inputs and ground socket.

THE RESTORATION WORK

THE USUAL AMAZING LAST IMAGE
Grundig 5050W
Grundig 5010 5010 - en

Grundig 5010 – en

Grundig 5010

Grundig 5010

The Grundig 5010 is the most powerful monaural device ever built by this brand.
Grundig used to produce different classes of devices. Those in the 1xxx series are the cheapest, those in the 2xxx and 3xxx series are middle class, those in the 4xxx and 5xxx series are high class.
Clearly, the 5010 belongs to the higher class series, and it shows.
The electronic circuit of the 5010 is the most elaborate one could imagine in a commercial device built in 1952. The output stage consists of a pair of powerful EL12 push-pulls. No other manufacturer has used of these expensive tubes in a couple.
The output transformers are two, separate, one for the bass and one for the mid-high.
The first is equipped with a double secondary winding, one for the mid-woofer and one for the feedback circuit.
The mid-high transformer is also equipped with a double secondary winding, one for the cone mid-tweeter and one for the electrostatic tweeter.
The crossover consist of capacitors and coil networks. Really remarkable.
The tone controls are applied on the feedback network, further reducing the distortion, but risking instability when the potentiometer are in their extreme positions.
The Push/Pull phase reversal is provided by a dual triode ECC40, where each section drives one of the two EL12s.
The preamplifier is composed of the triode of an EABC80.
The power supply filter consists of a Pi filter of capacitor and inductor.

The FM antenna circuit consists of an EF80 pentode and the local oscillator consists of an EC92 triode.
As it is the only one, the variable capacitor is composed of many sections, for the AM and FM bands.


The tracks chosen for the test are only two. They are quite long as they have not been cut, they have been kept in all their duration. This is because they are both tracks that develop in different ways, alternating moments of pianissimo with areas of big explosion. In the case of the Overture 1812 this last statement must be taken literally.

Binker and Moses have recently emerged in the London jazz scene in the last few years and have the great merit of having aroused in young people an authentic interest in this musical genre, often followed by a more mature audience.
The song “Fete By The River” was recorded live at the Total Refreshment Center in London on June 26th 2017. This excellent recording recreates all the freshness and warmth that are typical of the duo's performances. The video, which is very well done, is also on Youtube, and it is worth seeing.
Drummer Moses Boyd can keep two different rhythms simultaneously, as if there were two drummers playing next to each other.
Binker Golding uses the entire excursion of the saxophone alternating very low and warm notes with disruptive and impressive high-pitched sounds . Binker alternates in a very instinctive way some pianissimo that are almost whispered and explosions of very colorful notes that fill the environment and manage to draw the listeners' attention.
A sequence of syncopated rhythms that has you on the edge of your seat until the end of the track and then bursts into a liberating applause of heartfelt participation.
There is a scent of jazz of the great masters.
The Grundig 5010, with its power and dynamics manages to convey all the expressive capacity of the duo with a realism that makes it hard to believe that it comes from a 1952 radio.

P.I.Tchaikovsky - 1812 Overture: one of the most controversial tracks, but certainly one of the most loved by the public was written to commemorate the Russian success in the battle of Borodinó on September 7th 1812, fought during Napoleon's campaign in Russia.
It was commissioned for the inauguration of the huge Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow, built by the will of Tsar Alexander I as a memorial for the Russian victory of 1812 over the Napoleonic army.
The overture begins with the orthodox song “Spasi, Gospodi, Lyudi Tvoya” (“God, preserve your people”). It then continues with the popular melody, “U vorot” (“At the gates”). This first part is meant to convey the joy of popular and religious life before the arrival of the Napoleonic troops, represented by the Marseillaise (which however was not used as a national anthem at Napoleon's time).
The decreasing that follows represents the withdrawal of the French troops from Moscow and the arrival of cannon shots marks the military advance of the victorious Russian army. The tolling of bells marks the end of the conflict and the Russian imperial anthem “Bóže, Carjá chraní!” (“God save the Tsar”) is heard in the background (this hymn was not in use at the time either, just like the Marseillaise!).
Even in this very difficult track, the muscles of the 5010 and its excellent speakers have allowed an exciting and distortion-free listening, even at rather high volumes. The engraving is the famous one by Telarc, and you can hear it.

BLUETOOTH

Bluetooth receiver embed

READ MORE >

MULTI PLATFORM CONNECTION

Each radio is equipped with a cable for connection to any digital device.

READ MORE >

TUBESOUND IMPROVEMENT

- Bluetooth receiver embed - The unit is equipped with a BLUETOOTH receiver powered directly by the receiver power supply. This makes it possible to control the amplifier from any external digital device as an IPAD, a Smartphone, or a sophisticated multimedia station. So you can hear your preferred web station or your lossesless file without cables on the room. Wireless Receiver can be equipped upon requests.

- Multi Platform Connection - A customized adaptation cable to connect any digital device as Iphone, Smartphone, Laptop, CD Player etc. will be provided with this radio. This special cable suits the different impedances between the modern equipment and the receiver. Furthermore the two stereo channels flow into one without increasing the load to the input unit.

HISTORY

1930 - At 22 years old Max Grundig begin a radio repair business.

1939 - The II world War start. Grundig works primarily for the Wehrmacht and repair of telecommunication equipment.

1945 - Immediately after the war, the demand for repair work was very great. Max Grundig built the first two Grundig appliances: the Tubatest tube tester and the Novatest testing device.

1947 - Start the sale of a kit radio, the Heinzelmann. The unit is the basis of success, sold more than 15,000 pieces.

1950 - Very high frequency (VHF) is introduced to Germany and places new demands on the industry. Grundig launches the 380 W on the market.

1952 - The first television channel starts up in Germany. After intensive research, Grundig launches the FS 080 onto the market. In the same year the first portable tape recorder Reporter 500 L is created.

1956 - After a lot of radio produced with progrssively high performances was produced the Concert Radio 5080 equipped with an equaliser, which has five controls and a visual display.

1965 - A new factory is established in Braga, Portugal. The Satellit 205 is one of many appliances in the Satellit series. This product marks the beginning of Grundig production of high-quality global receivers.

1970 - The Audiorama 7000 Hi-fi was produced, it has twelve dynamic speaker systems in one speaker.

1976 - The Reel Tape Recorder TS 1000 is equipped for semi-professional use.

1980 - The slim-line Hi-fi Tuner ST 6000 and the Monolith Hi-fi Dynamic Flat Top Antenna, which has 22 speaker systems, are two particularly popular appliances in the new hi-fi range.

1984 - After severe drop in sales Philips increased its stake in Grundig 31.6 percent and takes over the corporate management.

1997 - Philips pulls out of its involvement with Grundig.

2003 - The company files for bankruptcy.

2008 - Turkey's Koç Holding took full ownership of Grundig Multimedia B.V., the parent company of Grundig Intermedia GmbH in Nuremberg.

Courtesy of: Grundig

MAIN FEATURES

Year of production:  1952/53
Superheterodyne IF 468/10700
9 AM circuits
10 FM circuits

Wavebands:
Long wave: 150 - 310 KHz
Medium wave 1: 515 - 945 KHz
Medium wave 2: 935 - 1620 KHz
Short wave 1: 5,9 - 8,6 MHz
Short wave 2: 8,6 - 12,5 MHz
Short wave 3: 12,5 - 18 MHz
FM: 86,5 - 100 MHz

Loudspeakers:
1 elliptical wideband
1 electrostatic tweeter
1 elliptical Mid/Tweeter

Dimensions (LHD): 706 x 414 x 305 mm / 27.8 x 16.3 x 12 inch
Net weight: 20 kg / 44 lb 0.8 oz

10 tubes:
EF80 EC92 EF85 ECH81 EM34 EAF42 EABC80 ECC40 2xEL12

Grundig 5010

TONE CONTROL WITH LEVEL INDICATION

The tones control system is very efficient. Above the large tone control knobs there is a band that lights up gradually indicating the emphasis on the band on which it acts.
Interesting the high-tone control knob linked to two thin ropes. One of them is for the position indicator of the control itself, whereas the other changes the position of the ferrite in the MF transformers modifying the inclination of the transformer’s curve.
By doing so high tones were attenuated/accentuated even before getting to the BF stage. Tone control was usually put into effect with the potentiometer on the voltage amplifier stage

AERIAL

Inside the cabinet there is a dipole for FM reception.
One arm of the dipole is also used for receiving AM bands.
Listening FM band the reception sensitivity with internal aerials is very good.
For AM bands using an external antenna the sensitivity is good.
The picture shows the dipole fixed internally to the cabinet.

Grundig 5010

Grundig 5010

TUNING CONTROL

For both AM and FM bands the tuning system is unique.
The single variable capacitor is divided into 4 sections, two for AM and two for FM.
Each section is used respectively for the RF amplifier and the oscillator.
The mechanism is very simple and robust. It has the disadvantage of being a unique command for all bands.

TUNING INDICATOR

The magic eye has of course been replaced.

Grundig 5010

LOUDSPEAKERS

There are three loudspeakers, all produced by Grundig.

The main wide band measures 13.8 in of width for 7.9 in of height. It covers a part of the radio’s width ..... that is so big.
A very interesting feature is that they are equipped with an adjustable basket.
This allows me to centre the cone movement with respect to the magnetic system.

The electrostatic tweeter is mounted in front of the main wideband. This gives a considerable presence effect to the musical reproduction.
The coaxial lodspeakers allow to locate the position, the depth with respect to the listener, of the various instruments or of the voice with significant precision.
It is a solution that I have always appreciated and that is found in the best radio devices.

The mid-tweeter has an oversized magnet. It has to tolerate considerable power peaks because it is cut very low.
The acute are unexpectedly crystalline whilst remaining very sweet.

The cones are cellulose treated and they are to this day in perfect condition, without any deformation or structural failure.
Objects built when they had to last “at least” the life time of the owner.

CONTROL PANEL

On the left you can find the volume control (with incorporated loudness).
Going to the right we find the tuning indicator, it reveal the perfect tuning of each station.
Below there are the bass knob.
By standing on the dialglass we see the Long Waves, the Two Mid Waves, the three Short Waves and the FM band.
The AM scale for Short, Medium, Long waves, and FM.
Finally, you see the treble indicator.
The tuning knob still remains to the extreme right side.

Below the dialglass we find the Bass control:
Then we see the keyboard whose keys have the following purpose respectively:
Power On / Off
Aux, LW, MW1, MW2
SW1, SW2, SW3, FM, MW (stored station)
Finally there is the knob of Treble control.

REAR SIDE

Output for external speakers.
Socket for recorder (tonbandgerat).
Turntable input (Tonabnehmer)
AM and FM aerial inputs and ground socket.

RESTORING WORKS

5010 AT THE SUNSET IN VENICE - A PHOTO EDITING OF COURSE
Grundig 5010
Grundig 5080 5080 - en

Grundig 5080 – en

Grundig Konzertgerät 5080 Hi-Fi Zauberklang

Grundig 5080

 

 

Grundig 5080

Grundig 5080 Hi-Fi Zauberklang

The Grundig 5080 Hi-Fi Zauberklang is one of the most powerful devices produced by this brand.
Grundig used to produce different classes of equipment. Those of the 1xxx series are the cheapest, those of the 2xxx and 3xxx series are middle class, those of the 4xxx and 5xxx series are high class.
Of course, the 5080 Hi-Fi Zauberklang belongs to the best series, and it shows.

It is the most gifted of the Grundigs. Only the 4055 can compare, as for the power stage and the loudspeakers set, but without having the 5 bands equalizer, but having two FM dials.
All about the 5080 is designed for the best performance. The power stage with two EL84s in push-pull.
The 5 bands equalizer, even in this case no radio device has ever had more. (highlighted in yellow in the diagram).

Loudness circuit (highlighted in green in the diagram) on the feedback circuit (highlighted in red in the diagram), for an effective emphasis and contemporary distortion reduction.
An extra preamplifier stage to make the most of the actual capabilities of the push-pull to receive double the input signal.
A Medium Frequency stage more for a perfect tuning even in the most difficult situations.
The radio section is clearly at the highest level for the time, but listening to liquid or vinyl music is impressive.

Everyone remembers the famous Bose 901 box with 9 mini-woofers of 10 cm. With that many speakers they stimulated the imagination of us all when they were launched on the market.
Well, the Bose 901 had a radiant surface of 700 cm2. The sum of the surface of all the speakers together covered an area of 700 cm2.
The speakers of this Grundig cover an area of about 1100 cm2 ... excluding the two tweeters from the calculation!!!
The radiant surface is not everything, of course, but this extreme simplification can already give an idea of the performance this machine is capable of.

Grundig 5080 Hi-Fi Zauberklang

BLUETOOTH

Embed Bluetooth Receiver upon requests

READ MORE >

MULTI PLATFORM CONNECTION

Each radio can be equipped with a cable for connection to any digital device.

READ MORE >

TUBESOUND IMPROVEMENTS

- Bluetooth receiver embedded - The unit can be equipped with a BLUETOOTH receiver powered directly by the receiver power supply. This makes it possible to control the amplifier from any external digital device as an IPAD, a Smartphone, or a sophisticated multimedia station. So you can hear your preferred web station or your lossesless file without cables on the room. Wireless Receiver can be equipped upon requests.

- Multi Platform Connection - A customized adaptation cable to connect any digital device as Iphone, Smartphone, Laptop, CD Player etc. can be provided with this radio. This special cable suits the different impedances between the modern equipment and the receiver. Furthermore the two stereo channels flow into one without increasing the load to the input unit.

HISTORY

1930 - At 22 years old Max Grundig begin a radio repair business.
1939 - The II world War start. Grundig works primarily for the Wehrmacht and repair of telecommunication equipment.
1945 - Immediately after the war, the demand for repair work was very great. Max Grundig built the first two Grundig appliances: the Tubatest tube tester and the Novatest testing device.
1947 - Start the sale of a kit radio, the Heinzelmann. The unit is the basis of success, sold more than 15,000 pieces.
1950 - Very high frequency (VHF) is introduced to Germany and places new demands on the industry. Grundig launches the 380 W on the market.
1952 - The first television channel starts up in Germany. After intensive research, Grundig launches the FS 080 onto the market. In the same year the first portable tape recorder Reporter 500 L is created.
1956 - After a lot of radio produced with progrssively high performances was produced the Concert Radio 5080 equipped with an equaliser, which has five controls and a visual display.
1965 - A new factory is established in Braga, Portugal. The Satellit 205 is one of many appliances in the Satellit series. This product marks the beginning of Grundig production of high-quality global receivers.
1970 - The Audiorama 7000 Hi-fi was produced, it has twelve dynamic speaker systems in one speaker.
1976 - The Reel Tape Recorder TS 1000 is equipped for semi-professional use.
1980 - The slim-line Hi-fi Tuner ST 6000 and the Monolith Hi-fi Dynamic Flat Top Antenna, which has 22 speaker systems, are two particularly popular appliances in the new hi-fi range.
1984 - After severe drop in sales Philips increased its stake in Grundig 31.6 percent and takes over the corporate management.
1997 - Philips pulls out of its involvement with Grundig.
2003 - The company files for bankruptcy.
2008 - Turkey's Koç Holding took full ownership of Grundig Multimedia B.V., the parent company of Grundig Intermedia GmbH in Nuremberg.

Courtesy of: Grundig

MAIN FEATURES

Year of production: 1956/57

Superheterodyne IF 468/10700
9 AM circuits
15 FM circuits

Wavebands: Long Waves, Medium Waves, Short Waves , FM

Loudspeakers:
1 elliptic wideband
2 electrostatic Tweeter
2 cone Mid/Tweeter

Dimensions (LHD): 700 x 430 x 290 mm / 27.6 x 16.9 x 11.4 inch
Net weight: 17.4 kg / 38 lb 5.2 oz

10 Tubes:
ECC85 ECH81 EF89 EF80 EM34 or EM35 EAA91 ECC81 EBC41 EL84 EL84

Grundig 5080

EQUALIZER WITH LEVEL INDICATION

The tones control system is a jewel. The device is equipped with a 5-band equalizer.
A red thread mark the position of the potentiometers and draws the chosen equalization curve.
Each knob is nicely associated with the musical instruments on which it acts.

Bass - Kettledrum, Tuba
Middle-Bass - Bassoon, Horn
Mid- Clarinet, Saxophone
Mid-High - Cornet, Violin
High - Trumpet, Flute

The visual effect is pleasant and easy to understand.

AERIALS

Inside the cabinet there is a dipole for FM reception and a ferrite rotating aerial for AM reception.
Ferrite aerial can be rotated from the outside to achieve a perfect tuning of the device in the AM.
In this picture see the rotation mechanism and the position indicator of the aerial.
The reception sensitivity with internal aerials is very good. This unit was in fact produced in a period when there were not many radio stations and those available fairly apart from each others.
Using an external aerial sensitivity is further increased.

Grundig 5080

Grundig 5080

SEPARATE CONTROL TUNING BETWEEN AM AND FM

The unit is equipped with mechanisms for keeping separate the AM and FM bands.
The tuning knob is single but a selector switch commutes into cable systems (all in steel) and pulleys separated depending on the band.
The movement is transferred to both mechanisms with a system of pulleys and separated gears.

On sides the tuning system

Grundig 5080

TUNING INDICATOR

The tuning indicator has of course been replaced.

Grundig 5080

LOUDSPEAKERS

As indicated in the initial description, there are five speakers. They are placed on the three sides of the device.

The main cone is a huge elliptical broad-band measuring 31 x 19 cm. It is made of sturdy alloy and has an Alnico magnet.
The dimensions of the magnet are considerable and also the weight of the speaker reveals its sturdiness.
In fact, it has to support the energy given by two EL84s.
The curve of the cone is of the exponential type, as befits a  very high quality broad-band.

The two electrostatic tweeters in front cover the highest audible frequency range.
On both sides there are two 25 x 17 cm broad-bands of Grundig production, also very efficient.

The final result is clearly a powerful sound, with very deep and fast bass.
The mid is also very clear and the voices are credible and highlighted, never mixed up.
The treble are bright but sweet, not strident.

An important musicality to be a radio.

CONTROL PANEL

Grundig 5080

The first knob on the left is the volume with physiological control
On the same axis the knob to rotate Ferrite antenna for OM and OL.
The position of the ferrite antenna can be seen in it own indicator, which lights up when the ferrite antenna is on.
AM dial for Short, Mid and Long waves.
FM dialglass.
Below from the left we find the following keys in order:
AUS - Off
TB - Tape recorder
TA - Turntable
FA - Ferrite antenna

Then we find the five equalizer knobs.
LW - Long waves
MW - Medium waves
KW - Short waves
UKW - FM
On the top we see the magic eye that indicates the perfect tuning.
Last the tuning control knob.

Grundig 5080

REAR SIDE

Output for external speakers.
Socket for recorder (tonbandgerat).
Turntable input (Tonabnehmer)
AM and FM aerial inputs and ground socket.
Remote control socket.

RESTORATION WORKS

THE USUAL AMAZING LAST IMAGE
Grundig 5080
Grundig 5040W/3D 5040w3d - en

Grundig 5040W/3D Motorized – en

Grundig 5040W/3D Motorized

Grundig 5040W/3D Motorized

The Grundig 5040W/3D is one of the best products made by this brand.Grundig used to produce different classes of devices. Those of series 1xxx are the cheapest, those of series 2xxx and 3xxx are medium-class and those of 4xxx and 5xxx are high-class.
Clearly, 5040W/3D belongs to the best class, and this is visible.

The radio section is very interesting from a technical point of view, as it is provided with an automatic search feature of the stored stations. The audio section, moreover, is totally satisfying from the acoustic point of view.
Let us focus on them separately.

Audio Section

The output stage is formed by a Telefunken EF804 tube as a pre-amplifier and a EL12 as a power section.
EF804 is a pentode appositely studied to have low noise and high gain. The pinout, different from any other pentodes, is designed in order to minimize the buzzing of strings.
The cathode is built in a peculiar material appositely imported from American International Nickel Corporation, which minimizes the microphonicity of the valve.
This valve was used in devices designed for professional studios... and in Grundig 5040W/3D
The EL12 is a pentode with 18W of anode dissipation, with a maximum output delivery of 8 Watts.
A tube with such features allows to have a class A output stage of noticeable power.
The efficiency of the four loudspeakers (three of which in alnico) is very high, so that the acoustic pressure delivered by this device is also really high.

In the photos and videos published on the website, two of these stereo configuration machines were used, one for each channel, during a Grundig device exposition.
The result is difficult to describe. The most common reaction was surprise. The audience didn't expect a couple of machines from 60 years ago to sound like that.
I hope to replicate this exhibition in some other public demonstration.

Radio section

The radio section in even more interesting technically.
The different receivable AM frequency bands are divided into several ranges, in order to increase noticeably the tuning precision of each station.
The subdivisions are the following:

KW1 - 50,8 to 35 mt (5,9 - 8,6 MHz)
KW2 - 35 to 24 mt (8,6 - 12,5 MHz)
KW3 - 24 to 16,7 mt (12,5 - 18 MHz)
MW1 - 585 to 318 mt (515 - 945 kHz)
MW2 - 321 to 185 mt (935 - 1620 kHz)

Bands LW, KW1, KW2, MW1, MW2, UK1, UK2 are provided with motorised memory.
The automatic memorisation is activated with the lever under the tuning knob. Then, the tuning knob is turned to the station that is to be memorised.
Now another band button can be pushed to memorise another station in the same way.
When the button of the previous band is pushed, a motor takes the index exactly to the station previously memorised on that button.
Beautiful to see and very useful.
The station research mechanism is complex and delicate to calibrate. Later on in the description, it will be further analysed.

Only Grundig 5040W/3D and 4040W/3D are provided with the automatic research system of the memorised stations.
Saba Freiburg is provided with automatic research of the stations, but it is a very different system, with different results.

BLUETOOTH

Embed Bluetooth Receiver upon requests

READ MORE >

MULTI PLATFORM CONNECTION

Each radio can be equipped with a cable for connection to any digital device.

READ MORE >

TUBESOUND IMPROVEMENTS

- Bluetooth receiver embedded - The unit can be equipped with a BLUETOOTH receiver powered directly by the receiver power supply. This makes it possible to control the amplifier from any external digital device as an IPAD, a Smartphone, or a sophisticated multimedia station. So you can hear your preferred web station or your lossesless file without cables on the room. Wireless Receiver can be equipped upon requests.

- Multi Platform Connection - A customized adaptation cable to connect any digital device as Iphone, Smartphone, Laptop, CD Player etc. can be provided with this radio. This special cable suits the different impedances between the modern equipment and the receiver. Furthermore the two stereo channels flow into one without increasing the load to the input unit.

HISTORY

1930 - At 22 years old Max Grundig begin a radio repair business.

1939 - The II world War start. Grundig works primarily for the Wehrmacht and repair of telecommunication equipment.

1945 - Immediately after the war, the demand for repair work was very great. Max Grundig built the first two Grundig appliances: the Tubatest tube tester and the Novatest testing device.

1947 - Start the sale of a kit radio, the Heinzelmann. The unit is the basis of success, sold more than 15,000 pieces.

1950 - Very high frequency (VHF) is introduced to Germany and places new demands on the industry. Grundig launches the 380 W on the market.

1952 - The first television channel starts up in Germany. After intensive research, Grundig launches the FS 080 onto the market. In the same year the first portable tape recorder Reporter 500 L is created.

1956 - After a lot of radio produced with progrssively high performances was produced the Concert Radio 5080 equipped with an equaliser, which has five controls and a visual display.

1965 - A new factory is established in Braga, Portugal. The Satellit 205 is one of many appliances in the Satellit series. This product marks the beginning of Grundig production of high-quality global receivers.

1970 - The Audiorama 7000 Hi-fi was produced, it has twelve dynamic speaker systems in one speaker.

1976 - The Reel Tape Recorder TS 1000 is equipped for semi-professional use.

1980 - The slim-line Hi-fi Tuner ST 6000 and the Monolith Hi-fi Dynamic Flat Top Antenna, which has 22 speaker systems, are two particularly popular appliances in the new hi-fi range.

1984 - After severe drop in sales Philips increased its stake in Grundig 31.6 percent and takes over the corporate management.

1997 - Philips pulls out of its involvement with Grundig.

2003 - The company files for bankruptcy.

2008 - Turkey's Koç Holding took full ownership of Grundig Multimedia B.V., the parent company of Grundig Intermedia GmbH in Nuremberg.

Courtesy of: Grundig

MAIN FEATURES

Year of production:  1954/56

Superheterodyne IF 468/10700
11 AM circuits
11 FM circuits

Wavebands: 1 x Long Waves, 2 x Medium Waves, 3 x Short Waves , 2 x FM

Loudspeakers:
1 elliptic wideband
1 electrostatic Tweeter
2 cone Mid/Tweeter

Dimensions (LHD): 706 x 444 x 318 mm / 27.8 x 17.5 x 12.5 inch
Net weight: 20.5 kg / 45 lb 2.5 oz

9 Tubes:
ECC85 EF89 ECC82 EF89 EM85 EBF80 EAA91 EF804 EL12

Grundig 5040W/3D

TONE CONTROL WITH LEVEL INDICATION

The tones control system is very efficient. Above the large tone control knobs there is a band that lights up gradually indicating the emphasis on the band on which it acts.
Interesting the high-tone control knob linked to two thin ropes. One of them is for the position indicator of the control itself, whereas the other changes the position of the ferrite in the MF transformers modifying the inclination of the transformer’s curve.
By doing so high tones were attenuated/accentuated even before getting to the BF stage. Tone control was usually put into effect with the potentiometer on the voltage amplifier stage

AERIALS

Inside the cabinet there is a dipole for FM reception and a ferrite rotating aerial for AM reception.
Ferrite aerial can be rotated from the outside to achieve a perfect tuning of the device in the AM.
In this picture see the rotation mechanism and the position indicator of the aerial.

The reception sensitivity with internal aerials is very good. This unit was in fact produced in a period when there were not many radio stations and those available fairly apart from each others.
Using an external aerial sensitivity is further increased.

Grundig 5040W/3D

TUNING CONTROL AND MOTORISED MEMORY

The tuning can be activated manually, as in every normal device, by turning the tuning knob with the automatic tuning switch turned to the right.

When it is turned to the left, instead, the station that is being played is “mechanically” stored.
For example, I have pushed the UKW2 button and I am listening to a station in 89,90 MHz.
By pushing one of the other harmony buttons, the motor takes the index on the station that was last played.
By pushing the UKW2 button again, the motor takes the harmony exactly to 89,90 MHz.

This operation can be repeated for any station on the UKW1, UKW2, MW1, MW2, KW1, KW2 and LW bands.

The automatic memorisation is obtained with a series of clutches, springs and steel rods and levers which require an accurate calibration. Once calibrated and lubricated, the mechanic system is totally reliable and solid. There is no danger of slippage as there are sprockets, and clutches are made of high-quality flexible steel blades.
A real masterpiece of mechanical engineering.

TUNING INDICATOR

The magic eye has of course been replaced.

LOUDSPEAKERS

As indicated in the description at the beginning, there are four loudspeakers. They are placed on the three sides of the device.

The main cone is a huge elliptic broadband which measures.... it is built in solid alloy and has an alnico magnet.
The dimensions of the magnet are impressive and the weight of the whole loudspeaker reveals its robustness.
Actually, it has to sustain the weight of the big EL12.
The cone curvature is of the exponential type, as befits a super-high-quality broadband.

The frontal electrostatic tweeter covers the very-high frequencies range.
On the two sides are two Mid-Tweeter produced by Grundig, also very efficient.

The final result is, of course, a very powerful sound with very deep and fast bass.
The medium range is also very clear and the voices are credible and in evidence, never imprecise.
Trebles are brilliant but sweet, not strident.

A remarkable musicality for a radio.

CONTROL PANEL

Grundig 5040W/3D

The first knob we find is that of the Volume with integrated loudness.
Coaxial to it is the rotation knob of the ferrite aerial for MW and LW.
The position of the ferrite aerial is visible, see-through view, is the windowpane of the magical eye.
The latter indicates the perfect tuning of each station.
Going further on the display, we can see the AM and FM bands scales.
Further on the right is the tuning control knob.
Coaxial to it is the lever which turns on and off the motorized research of the preset stations.

Below the tuning-dial we find, first of all, the bass-tones control knob.
Then, we see the long "piano-keyboard", the keys of which have this purpose, respectively:
On/Off
Aux-in;
Long Waves
Medium Waves 1, Medium Waves 2
Short Waves 1, Short Waves 2, Short Waves 3
FM1, FM2
Finally, there is the treble control knob.
Above the tones knobs, the respective indicators are visible.
i

Grundig 5040W/3D

REAR SIDE

Output for external speakers.

Socket for recorder (tonbandgerat).

Turntable input (Tonabnehmer)

AM and FM aerial inputs and ground socket.

RESTORATION WORKS

THE USUAL AMAZING LAST IMAGE
Grundig 5040W/3D
Grundig 4004W 4004w - en

Grundig 4004W – en

Grundig 4004W

GRUNDIG 4004W

Three models of  Grundig 4004 have been produced.
The  Grundig 4004GW, cheaper version, without power transformer and tubes filaments powered in series, UL41 output tube 4,2 Watt and a single loudspeaker.
The 4004W (EL41), middle version, with power transformer, EL41 output tube 3,9 Watt and a single loudspeaker.
La 4004W (EL12), top version, with power transformer, EL12 final 8 Watt and two loudspeakers.

In this review I analyse, clearly, the most glamorous model, the Grundig 4004W (EL12).

I begin the description anticipating the most singular and interesting peculiarity of this machine: it is perfect for the reproduction in Short Waves.
In fact, apart from having the short waves band divided into three sections, it is one of the rare commercial radios provided with RF amplifier stage for AM bands placed before the converter/mixer stage.

This device is particularly interesting as it combines some features that in other radios we only find singularly.
1) compact dimensions for the class
2) top-quality trim of the cabinet
3) great output power and sound quality
4) good number of receivable bands

Let us analyse these features in detail:

1) compact dimensions for the class: despite being unsurpassed as for the output power, in Grundig's production of 1950/51 the dimensions are relatively compact. This facilitates the location in every space.
Moreover, the controls are particularly simple, intuitive and pleasant to operate. The device is thus presented as overall amicable and a high level of familiarity is immediately established, at first blush.
2) top-quality trim of the cabinet: the wood grain is very evident and they create a fascinating movement on the surface of the cabinet.
Another accuracy, expensive and difficult to obtain is the manufacturing of light frame that enclose the cabinet. It is not painting nor glued tapes, but authentic inlays of clear wood.
This technique was abandoned by Grundig the next year, in favour of much cheaper processes for the reproduction of frames.
3) great output power and sound quality: the output stage is formed by an excellent EL12 in A class, provided with an output transformer of great size for the avoidance of saturations on lower notes. The output power is at the highest level of Grundig's production of those years, about 6W. This remarkable power is transformed into a considerable acoustic pressure by the generous Alnico loudspeaker with cast alloy basket and by the slanting cone profile. The high-pitched tones, finally, become crystalline, never too sharp, thanks to the very big electrostatic tweeter placed beside the broadband.
4) good number of receivable bands: the section in amplitude modulation of this device is very accurately designed.
In the 1950's in Short and Medium waves a great number of broadcasters was present, thanks to the ability of this wavelengths to cover significant distances.
In Grundig 4004W the short wave band is divided into three sections, completely independent.
Short waves 1, from 50,8 to 35 mt (5,9 - 8,6 MHz)
Short waves 2, from 35 to 24 mt (8,6 - 12,5 MHz)
short waves 3, from 24 a 16,7 mt (12,5 - 18 MHz)
In this way the tuning on such bands is very precise, as each band has the entire extension of the scale.
In the devices produced in the next few years the short wave band is squeezed on a single scale.

Medium waves have been divided into two sections:

Medium waves 1, from 585 to 318 mt (515 - 945 kHz)
Medium waves 2, from 321 to 185 mt (935 - 1620 kHz)

Moreover, before the oscillator/converter stage there is an Amplifier RF stage formed by an EF11. This solution will also be abandoned in the next few years due to the progressive increase in the importance of the FM band.

The FM band goes from 87,5 to 100 MHz. The installation of the Bluetooth is thus highly recommended on this device.

All of these adjustments will make these devices last over time. Nowadays, should an engineer include such adjustments, he would probably be demoted or thrown out of the company!

Grundig 4004W

 

Grundig 4004W

 

Grundig 4004W

BLUETOOTH

Embed Bluetooth receiver

READ MORE >

MULTI PLATFORM CONNECTION

Each radio can be equipped with a cable for connection to any digital device.

READ MORE >

TUBESOUND IMPROVEMENTS

- Bluetooth receiver embedded - The unit can be equipped with a BLUETOOTH receiver powered directly by the receiver power supply. This makes it possible to control the amplifier from any external digital device as an IPAD, a Smartphone, or a sophisticated multimedia station. So you can hear your preferred web station or your lossesless file without cables on the room. Wireless Receiver can be equipped upon requests.

- Multi Platform Connection - A customized adaptation cable to connect any digital device as Iphone, Smartphone, Laptop, CD Player etc. can be provided with this radio. This special cable suits the different impedances between the modern equipment and the receiver. Furthermore the two stereo channels flow into one without increasing the load to the input unit.

HISTORY

1930 - At 22 years old Max Grundig begin a radio repair business.

1939 - The II world War start. Grundig works primarily for the Wehrmacht and repair of telecommunication equipment.

1945 - Immediately after the war, the demand for repair work was very great. Max Grundig built the first two Grundig appliances: the Tubatest tube tester and the Novatest testing device.

1947 - Start the sale of a kit radio, the Heinzelmann. The unit is the basis of success, sold more than 15,000 pieces.

1950 - Very high frequency (VHF) is introduced to Germany and places new demands on the industry. Grundig launches the 380 W on the market.

1952 - The first television channel starts up in Germany. After intensive research, Grundig launches the FS 080 onto the market. In the same year the first portable tape recorder Reporter 500 L is created.

1956 - After a lot of radio produced with progrssively high performances was produced the Concert Radio 5080 equipped with an equaliser, which has five controls and a visual display.

1965 - A new factory is established in Braga, Portugal. The Satellit 205 is one of many appliances in the Satellit series. This product marks the beginning of Grundig production of high-quality global receivers.

1970 - The Audiorama 7000 Hi-fi was produced, it has twelve dynamic speaker systems in one speaker.

1976 - The Reel Tape Recorder TS 1000 is equipped for semi-professional use.

1980 - The slim-line Hi-fi Tuner ST 6000 and the Monolith Hi-fi Dynamic Flat Top Antenna, which has 22 speaker systems, are two particularly popular appliances in the new hi-fi range.

1984 - After severe drop in sales Philips increased its stake in Grundig 31.6 percent and takes over the corporate management.

1997 - Philips pulls out of its involvement with Grundig.

2003 - The company files for bankruptcy.

2008 - Turkey's Koç Holding took full ownership of Grundig Multimedia B.V., the parent company of Grundig Intermedia GmbH in Nuremberg.

Courtesy of: Grundig

MAIN FEATURES

Year of production:  1951/52
Superheterodyne IF 468/10700
9 AM circuits
9 FM circuits
Wavebands: Onde Medie (OM1, OM2), Onde Lunghe (OL), Onde Corte (OC1-OC2-OC3), FM (UKW), OM (Memory)
Loudspeakers:
1 22 cm wideband
1 electrostatic Mid/Tweeter
Dimensions (LHD):  644 x 384 x 272 mm / 25.4 x 15.1 x 10.7 inch
Net weight: 15 kg / 33 lb 0.6 oz
8 tubes:
EF80 EC92 EF41 ECH81 EM34 EAF42 EABC80 EL12

Grundig 4004W

TONE CONTROL WITH LEVEL INDICATION

The tones control system is very efficient. Above the large tone control knobs there is a band that lights up gradually indicating the emphasis on the band on which it acts.
Interesting the high-tone control knob linked to two thin ropes. One of them is for the position indicator of the control itself, whereas the other changes the position of the ferrite in the MF transformers modifying the inclination of the transformer’s curve.
By doing so high tones were attenuated/accentuated even before getting to the BF stage. Tone control was usually put into effect with the potentiometer on the voltage amplifier stage

AERIALS

Inside the cabinet there is a dipole for FM reception.
One arm of the dipole is also used for receiving AM bands.
Listening FM band the reception sensitivity with internal aerials is very good.
For AM bands using an external antenna the sensitivity is good.
The picture shows the dipole fixed internally to the cabinet.

Grundig 4004W

TUNING CONTROL

For both AM and FM bands the tuning system is unique.
The single variable capacitor is divided into 4 sections, two for AM and two for FM.
Each section is used respectively for the RF amplifier and the oscillator.
The mechanism is very simple and robust. It has the disadvantage of being a unique command for all bands.

TUNING INDICATOR

The magic eye has of course been replaced.

Grundig 4004W

LOUDSPEAKERS

As indicated in the first description, there are two loudspeakers. They are both placed on the front.

The main broadband cone has a diameter of 22 cm. It is made of strong alloy and has an Alnico magnet.
The dimensions of the magnet are considerable and the weight of the whole loudspeaker reveals its sturdiness.
Actually, it has to sustain the solidity of the big EL12.
The curving of the cone is exponential, as it is customary in a high-quality broadband.
This cone is protected from dust by a light loosely-woven cloth, enough to make also high-pitched notes pass through.

The electrostatic tweeter covers the range of very high frequencies.
The final result is, of course, a very clear and prompt sound on high frequencies, due to the very light moving mass.

Both the loudspeakers are produced by Grundig.

CONTROL PANEL

Grundig 4004W

The magical eye, which indicates the perfect tuning of each station, is placed on the loudspeakers panel.
On the left there is the volume control (with integrated loudness).
At the beginning of its running, the potentiometer snaps because of the ignition switch.
Moving right, we find the low tones indicator on the glass display.
Then, we find the scale of Long Waves, the two of Medium Waves and the three of Short Waves and the FM band.
Finally, the high-pitched tones indicator is visible behind the glass.
Further on the right is the harmony control knob.

Below the tuning-dial is, first of all, the low-tones control knob.
Then we see the long keyboard, the buttons of which serve as, respectively:
Auxiliary Input;
Long Waves;
Medium Waves 1, Medium Waves 2
Short Waves 1, Short Waves 2, Short Waves 3
FM
Finally, there is the high-pitched tones control knob

Grundig 4004W

REAR SIDE

Output for external speakers.
Socket for recorder (tonbandgerat).
Turntable input (Tonabnehmer)
AM and FM aerial inputs and ground socket.

RESTORING WORKS

THE USUAL AMAZING LAST IMAGE
Grundig 4004W
grundig 3035W/3D 3035 - en

Grundig 3035 – en

Grundig 3035 3D Klang

Grundig 3035 3D Klang

Grundig 3035 3D Klang is a device classified as medium class of Grundig.
Like some other devices of the 3xxx serie, this one is also particularly interesting.
The thing about this radio that surprised me is the extraordinary reproduction of the spoken parts.
The music is well reproduced but the transmissions where the presence of the speaker is dominant are really impressive.
The voice is present, well balanced and preponderant. All shades, including speaker faults or habits are understandable.
In my opinion, this device is appropriate to the “typical radio listener”, turning on the radio in the morning, turning it off in the evening and listening without temporal continuity to radio commentary, interviews and music.

The Output stage is a classic A-Class with an EL84 valve as final and the triode section of the EABC80 valve as a preamplifier.
The device is equipped with 4 loudspeakers, one of which is an electrostatic frontal tweeter.

At the back of the radio, there is a visible socket where it is possible to connect a remote command. It is possible to turn on the device, adjust the volume and insert some predefined equalizations.
All of this is certainly not standard equipment for middle class devices, but for far superior devices.

The cabinet is important for its size, which guarantees a split between frontal and posterior emissions of the loudspeaker.
The loudspeakers of these radios have been mounted in a particular configuration “quiet open Baffle” whereby a big separation surface is very important for an efficient reproduction of bass notes.
The sound is substantial but the strong point of the radio is the clarity of reproduction of solo instruments and of the voice.

grundig 3035W/3D

BLUETOOTH

Bluetooth receiver embed

READ MORE >

MULTI PLATFORM CONNECTION

Each radio is equipped with a cable for connection to any digital device.

READ MORE >

TUBESOUND IMPROVEMENT

- Bluetooth receiver embed - The unit is equipped with a BLUETOOTH receiver powered directly by the receiver power supply. This makes it possible to control the amplifier from any external digital device as an IPAD, a Smartphone, or a sophisticated multimedia station. So you can hear your preferred web station or your lossesless file without cables on the room. Wireless Receiver can be equipped upon requests.
- Multi Platform Connection - A customized adaptation cable to connect any digital device as Iphone, Smartphone, Laptop, CD Player etc. will be provided with this radio. This special cable suits the different impedances between the modern equipment and the receiver. Furthermore the two stereo channels flow into one without increasing the load to the input unit.

HISTORY

1930 - At 22 years old Max Grundig begin a radio repair business.

1939 - The II world War start. Grundig works primarily for the Wehrmacht and repair of telecommunication equipment.

1945 - Immediately after the war, the demand for repair work was very great. Max Grundig built the first two Grundig appliances: the Tubatest tube tester and the Novatest testing device.

1947 - Start the sale of a kit radio, the Heinzelmann. The unit is the basis of success, sold more than 15,000 pieces.

1950 - Very high frequency (VHF) is introduced to Germany and places new demands on the industry. Grundig launches the 380 W on the market.

1952 - The first television channel starts up in Germany. After intensive research, Grundig launches the FS 080 onto the market. In the same year the first portable tape recorder Reporter 500 L is created.

1956 - After a lot of radio produced with progrssively high performances was produced the Concert Radio 5080 equipped with an equaliser, which has five controls and a visual display.

1965 - A new factory is established in Braga, Portugal. The Satellit 205 is one of many appliances in the Satellit series. This product marks the beginning of Grundig production of high-quality global receivers.

1970 - The Audiorama 7000 Hi-fi was produced, it has twelve dynamic speaker systems in one speaker.

1976 - The Reel Tape Recorder TS 1000 is equipped for semi-professional use.

1980 - The slim-line Hi-fi Tuner ST 6000 and the Monolith Hi-fi Dynamic Flat Top Antenna, which has 22 speaker systems, are two particularly popular appliances in the new hi-fi range.

1984 - After severe drop in sales Philips increased its stake in Grundig 31.6 percent and takes over the corporate management.

1997 - Philips pulls out of its involvement with Grundig.

2003 - The company files for bankruptcy.

2008 - Turkey's Koç Holding took full ownership of Grundig Multimedia B.V., the parent company of Grundig Intermedia GmbH in Nuremberg.

Courtesy of: Grundig

MAIN FEATURES

Year of production: 1954/55
Superheterodyne IF 468/10700
7 AM Circuits
11 FM Circuits
Wavebands:
LW, MW, SW, FM
Operating voltage (CA) 110; 125; 160; 220 Volts
1 Woofer
2 Midrange-Tweeters
1 Electrostatic Tweeter
Dimensions (LHD): 620 x 390 x 263 mm / 24.4 x 15.4 x 10.4 inch
Net weight: 13 kg / 28 lb 10.1 oz
7 Tubes:
ECC85 ECH81 EF89 EABC80 EM85 EL84

Rotating ferrite antenna for AM

grundig 3035W/3D

TONE CONTROL WITH LEVEL INDICATION

The tones control system is very efficient. Above the large tone control knobs there is a band that lights up gradually indicating the emphasis on the band on which it acts.
A detail specific for “extreme” technical radios lovers: the high-tone control knob is linked to two thin ropes. One of them is for the position indicator of the control itself, whereas the other changes the position of the ferrite in the MF transformers modifying the inclination of the transformer’s curve.
By doing so high tones were attenuated/accentuated even before getting to the BF stage. Tone control was usually put into effect with the potentiometer on the tension amplifier stage

AERIALS

Inside the cabinet there is a dipole for FM reception and a ferrite rotating aerial for AM reception.
Ferrite aerial can be rotated from the outside to achieve a perfect tuning of the device in the AM.
In this picture see the rotation mechanism and the position indicator of the aerial.
The reception sensitivity with internal aerials is very good. This unit was in fact produced in a period when there were not many radio stations and those available fairly apart from each others.
Using an external aerial sensitivity is further increased.

Grundig 3035W/3D

TUNING CONTROL

The tuning system is another gem.
The unit is equipped with mechanisms for keeping separate the AM and FM bands.
The tuning knob is single but a selector switch commutes into cable systems (all in steel) and pulleys separated depending on the band.
The movement is transferred to both mechanisms with a system of pulleys and separated gears.

Grundig 3035W/3D

TUNING INDICATOR

The magic eye has of course been replaced.

grundig 3035W/3D

LOUDSPEAKERS

There are four loudspeakers. In front there is a fixed big wideband loudspeaker and an electrostatic tweeter.
On the sides are placed two elliptical mid- tweeters.
In this way, it is possible to listen to a clean sound from whatever position you listen.
Of course, this radio should not be placed in a bookcase or in furniture that covers the side surfaces.

Grundig 3035 3D Klang

FERN-DIRIGENT

Remote control connection “fern – dirigent” allows control of the start, volume and equalization.
Below on the right, you can see the diagram “remote control”. It is not easy to find.
The price of the fern – dirigent starts from a minimum of 350 euros and very few are sold in Italy.

Grundig 3035 3D Klang

Grundig 3035 3D Klang

CONTROL PANEL

grundig 3035W/3D

To the left is the volume control (with built-in loudness).
Axially on the volume is the ferrite antenna rotation command.
You see the antenna position indicator.
The AM scale for Court Waves, Medium and Long.
The FM scale.
The magic eye indicating the perfect tuning of each station.

Below to the left we find the off key, turntables key.
The key to tuning on Long, Medium, Short Waves, FM, FA (Ferrite Antennas).
Below each key is indicated the frequency band concerned.
There is finally the knob of the tuning, whose movement is very pleasant being supported by a large flywheel.
Below we find the two big knobs for controlling bass and treble.

 

LATO POSTERIORE

Remote Connection (fern-dirigent)

Output for external speakers.

Socket for recorder (tonbandgerat).

Turntable input (Tonabnehmer)

AM and FM aerial inputs and ground socket.

RESTORING WORKS

THE USUAL AMAZING LAST IMAGE
grundig 3035W/3D