Category: <span>american radios – en</span>

Zenith Y723 american radios - en

Zenith Y723 – en

Zenith Y723

ZENITH Y723

Produced in 1956, this small device after this restoration is really beautiful.
The original color for our taste was a little sad.So we decided to give it a new dress.
Now it is really very nice to see, balanced, simple, yet brilliant and finally happy.

As I said for other restorations of these small Americans devices designed and produced 60 years ago their line is very modern even today.
In fact, the graceful line, and its balanced and small size makes it suitable to be inserted in a modern furnishngs as you can see on the images.
This strong aesthetic personality is the main reason I restore this series of American production equipment.

The sound performance of these radios are modest compared to the German giants on this website.
No deep bass and power wich shake the stomach, but enough to sound a room.

This device is powered by 120 volts supplied by an adapter to be connected directly to the local power supply.

Zenith Y723

BLUETOOTH
Bluetooth receiver embed

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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

The company known today as Zenith was founded in Chicago in 1918 by Karl Hassel and Ralph H. G. Mathews.
The original name “Z-Nith.” derived from the call letters of the founders’ amateur radio station, 9ZN.
In 1921, was moved into a 3,000-square-foot factory in Chicago.
In 1922, the company production rise between five radios each week to 50 per week. With the money of Eugene F. McDonald, Jr., Hassel and Mathews founded the Zenith Radio Corporation in 1923.
Zenith released the first portable radio in 1924.
In 1926 it released the first radio that operated entirely on household electricity.
Zenith became a leader in other consumer electronics developments, such as the first all-electronic TV station (1939), the first FM radio station in the Midwest (1940) and the world’s first subscription TV system.
With the coming of the Depression, Zenith was forced to change its focus from high-quality radios to more affordable ones.
During World War II, Zenith made bomb fuses and other devices for the government.
In 1955 Zenith released the first wireless remotes for TV.
In 1970 competitive pressures led Zenith entered the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components and cable television products businesses.
In 1988, Zenith has been a leader in HDTV technologies.
In 1995, LG Electronics Inc. acquired a majority interest in Zenith.
In 1999, Zenith became a wholly owned subsidiary of LG.

MAIN FEATURES

Year of production: 1956
Superheterodyne IF: 455/10700

Wavebands:MW, FM

Operating voltage (CA) 117 Volts

1 Fullrange loudspeaker

Dimensions (LHD): 12.5 x 7.5 x 7.2 inch
Net weight: 7lb 8oz
7 Tubes:
12BA6 12AT7 12BA6 12BA6 12AU6 19T8 35C5

Zenith Y723
Zenith Y723

AERIALS

This device uses a loaded antenna on the rear panel.
It's sufficiently efficient but extremely directive, so the position of the radio impact on the quality of reception.
The back panel is prepared to connect an external antenna.
In this case the reception would be perfect.

CONTROL PANEL

The controls are reduced to the essentials.
The left knob controls the power switch and volume.
The central knob is the AM/FM band switch.
The right knob controls the tuning.

Zenith Y723
Zenith Y723

LOUDSPEAKER

It was used an 4 inch loudspeaker performant enough despite its size.
The audio spectrum, which can be expected for transmissions in medium wave is sufficiently reproduced.

We are not talking of course of deep bass and treble bright, but only a voice clear and intelligible without fatigue.

REAR SIDE

FM aerial inputs.

Zenith Y723

RESTORATION STEPS

THE USUAL AMAZING LAST IMAGE
Zenith Y723
Motorola B3W american radios - en

Motorola B3W – en

Motorola B3W

MOTOROLA B3W

Produced in 1960, this small device is really interesting.
The FM Band Tuning Range is 88 to 108MHz, the AFC (Automatic Tuning Control) on FM band and the push-pull output stage was unusual solutions in this size radio.
Motorola has created a small device that does not renounce interesting performances.
The volume level is strongest than all the other US radios I review.
The push-pull output stage guarantees a power capable of fill up a medium-sized environment.
The tone control allows you to adjust the sound quality to your taste.
Unknown characteristics at similar equipment of other manufacturers.
But that's just from the technical point of view.

The Antique White colour is absolutely perfect for this design.
The consolle design recall a cathedral. The dense slender horizontal lines soar further "the cathedral". The result is a streamlined and impressive design at the same time.
I mean that is really very very nice to see, balanced, simple, yet brilliant and seductive.
It 's really a little jewel, on the other hand the Bulova produced just that, jewelry watches. So who better than Bulova could design a device so nice and appealing?
Was proposed in different colors, but all with knobs and golden grilles.

As I said for other restorations of these small Americans devices designed and produced 60 years ago their line is very modern even today.
In fact, the graceful line, and its balanced and small size makes it suitable to be inserted in a modern furnishngs.

This strong aesthetic personality is the main reason I restore this series of American production equipment.
There are modern appliances that copy or are inspired by these designs, but owning an original is another thing!
This device is powered by 120 volts supplied by an adapter to be connected directly to the local power supply.

Motorola B3W

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.

Motorola B3W
Motorola B3W

HISTORY

In 1928 Paul V. and Joseph E. Galvin purchased Stewart Battery Company's battery eliminator plans and manufacturing equipment.
The company's first product was a device that enabled battery-powered radios to be powered by household electricity.
After the Great Depression in 1929 challenged his employees to design an inexpensive car radio that could be installed in most vehicles.
In 1940 Galvin Manufacturing Corporation engineers developed the Handie-Talkie SCR536 portable two-way radio. This handheld radio became a World War II icon.
The U.S. economy recovered quickly after World War II and U.S. consumers began to consider purchasing television sets for home entertainment.
The company, now named Motorola.
In mid-1958, the company introduced its first stereo phonographs.
When the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was created in 1958, Motorola become one of its first providers of space communications.
By the late 1960s, challenged by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to find a solution, Motorola, AT&T and others began developing systems based on small adjacent radio coverage areas called "cells."
In 1973, Motorola demonstrated a prototype of the world's first portable cellular telephone, the DynaTAC.
In 1990 a Motorola business -- then known as General Instrument Corporation -- proposed the world's first all-digital HDTV.
In 2001 Motorola introduced a metal portable cellular phone, the V60, in 2004 Motorola introduced the RAZR V3 cellular phone.
2011 - Motorola Mobility completed its spin-off from Motorola, Inc.
Courtesy of Motorola

MAIN FEATURES

Year of production: 1960
Superheterodyne IF: 455 KHz/10,7 MHz

6 AM Circuits
8 FM circuits

Wavebands:
Medium Waves (OM) 535 to 1620KHz
Frequency Modulation (FM) 88 to 108MHz

Wideband loudspeaker
Plastic case

Dimensions (LHD): 16 x 8 x 7 inch
Net weight: 7 lb 0 oz
9 Tubes:
HCC85 12BA6 12BA6 12AU6 12AL5 12BE6 12AX7 50C5 50C5

Motorola B3W
Motorola B3W

AERIAL

This device uses a loop antenna for AM on the rear panel.
It's sufficiently efficient but extremely directive, so the position of the radio impact on the quality of reception.
Uses also a line cord for FM antenna and the back panel is prepared to connect an external antenna.
In this case the reception would be good.

CONTROL PANEL

The controls consolle are whole enough.
The upper switch controls the Automatic Frequency Control (AFC)
The left knob controls the power switch and volume.
After we find the Tone control, the AM/FM switch and the Tuning knob.

Motorola B3W
Motorola B3W

LOUDSPEAKER

It was used an 6 inch loudspeaker performant enough despite its size.
The audio spectrum is sufficiently reproduced.
We are not talking of course of deep bass and treble bright, but a good and pleasant voice.

REAR SIDE

FM aerial inputs.

Motorola B3W

RESTORATION STEPS

THE USUAL AMAZING LAST IMAGE
Motorola B3W
429 - en

General Electric 429 – en

General Electric 429

GENERAL ELETRIC 429

Produced in 1955-56, this little device owes her appeal to beautiful lines and affordable cost.
It was manufactured in white, maroon, and dark red.
The years 1950-1960 were magic years for American Industrial designers.
Like many American devices designed and manufactured 60 years ago, the lines and style are still modern and undated.
In fact, the graceful lines and small size are perfectly suitable for modern settings.
This strong aesthetic personality is the main reason I restore this series of American production equipment.
There are modern appliances that copy or are inspired by these designs, but owning an original is another thing!
The sound performance of these radios are modest compared to the German giants on this website, but you can connect a digital source to this small GE radio.
This possibility will be discussed later in detail.
In addition to listening to your IPad or PC, this unit is able to receive a Medium Waves.
This device is powered by 120 volts supplied by an adapter to be connected directly to the local power supply.
It also comes with a connection cable with a 3.5 mm mini jack compatible with any modern equipment such as an IPod, PC, etc.

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

Founded in 1890 by Thomas Alva Edison the Edison General Electric Company invented and produced almost everything that has to do with electricity, lighting, household appliances, industrial products, medical equipment and more.
Here is a brief list of the major inventions of the company.

1895 World's largest electric locomotives
1896 X-ray machine
1902 The electric fan
1910 The first Hotpoint
1914 World's largest electrical installation The Panama Canal
1918 Generator for Niagra Falls - Enormous power of one of the great natural wonders of the world
1922 Radio station WGY
1927 Brings TV into the home
1930 First Electric washing machine
1932 GE scientist Irving Langmuir win the Nobel Prize for his pioneering research in the field of surface chemistry
1938 GE invents the fluorescent lamp.
1942 The first U.S. jet engine the I-A.
1943 Auto pilot
1947 A two-door refrigerator
1953 GE chemist Daniel W. Fox makes discoveries leading to the development of Lexan polycarbonate resin
1955 first reproducible process for making diamonds
1957 the J93, the first engine to operate at three times the speed of sound
1957 the world's first licensed nuclear power plant
1959 The first halogen lamp
1961 GE opens space center at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
1962 superconducting magnet over 100,000 gauss
1969 GE supplies overall quality control, systems engineering support, for th Apollo 11 mission
1981 GE Lighting produces 3 ft. long fused quartz ingots that can be drawn into fiber optic strands 25 miles in length.

Following results of the researchs are less made public.
This company had no difficulty producing radio equipments!

Courtesy of General Electric

But I confess that the real reason why when I saw this particular device was impressed and decided to restore it was this unmistakable resemblance.
I doubt that there is an Italian (over 50) who do not understand what I'm talking about.
Without using euphemisms ... for me it was a sinking heart!

MAIN FEATURES

Year of production: 1955
Superheterodyne IF: 455 KHz

6 AM Circuits

Wavebands:
Medium Waves (OM) 535 to 1620KHz

Wideband loudspeaker
Plastic case

Dimensions (LHD): 13" x 6" x 5 1/2
Net weight: 112 oz
5 Tubes:
12BE6, 12BA6, 12AV6, 50C5, 35W4

TONE CONTROL WITH LEVEL INDICATION

Several American radios of this era used this solution aesthetically very attractive , rather than illuminating the entire scale is illuminated only the tuning indicator.
Besides being very pretty this solution lets you know at a glance, even from a distance, on which station you are tuned; In fact, after a while it is natural to store the different position of the light in the scale.
Beautiful.

AERIAL

This device uses a loaded antenna on the rear panel.
It's sufficiently efficient but extremely directive, so the position of the radio impact on the quality of reception.
The back panel is prepared to connect an external antenna.
In this case the reception would be perfect.

TUNING LIGHT

In this picture you see the mechanism that controls the movement of the light bulb.

I modified the original support, old and cracked at risk of a short circuit with a new and better support.

LOUDSPEAKERS

It was used an 4 inch loudspeaker performant enough despite its size.
The audio spectrum, which can be expected for transmissions in medium wave is sufficiently reproduced.

We are not talking of course of deep bass and treble bright, but only a voice clear and intelligible without fatigue.

CONTROL PANEL

Dictated by a healthy American pragmatism controls are really reduced to the essentials.
Two knobs, one on the left controls the volume, the right knob controls the tuning.
The volume control should be used in this way:
- With a central setting of the radio is off
- Turning it to the right the device turns on and acts on the volume of the radio section
- Rotating it left the device turns on and acts on the volume Phono Input
Wanting to use the phono input you have to take care to tune to a frequency where there are no stations to avoid background noise.

REAR SIDE

Phono Input

Aerial AM - FM inputs, ground.

RESTORATION STEPS

THE USUAL AMAZING LAST IMAGE
Bulova 300 american radios - en

Bulova 300 – en

Bulova 300

BULOVA 300

Produced in 1957, this small device is really beautiful.
I mean that is really very very nice to see, balanced, simple, yet brilliant and seductive.
It 's really a little jewel, on the other hand the Bulova produced just that, jewelry watches. So who better than Bulova could design a device so nice and appealing?
Was proposed in different colors, but all with knobs and golden grilles.

As I said for other restorations of these small Americans devices designed and produced 60 years ago their line is very modern even today.
In fact, the graceful line, and its balanced and small size makes it suitable to be inserted in a modern furnishngs.

This strong aesthetic personality is the main reason I restore this series of American production equipment.
There are modern appliances that copy or are inspired by these designs, but owning an original is another thing!

The sound performance of these radios are modest compared to the German giants on this website, however this small Bulova Model 300 sounds pretty good.
No deep bass and power wich shake the stomach, but enough to sound a room.
You can also connect a digital source, and play it wth this small Bulova.
This possibility will be discussed later in detail.
In addition to listening to your IPad or PC, this unit is able to receive a Medium Waves.
This device is powered by 120 volts supplied by an adapter to be connected directly to the local power supply.
It also comes with a connection cable with a 3.5 mm mini jack compatible with any modern equipment such as an IPod, PC, etc.

Bulova 300

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

1870 - Joseph Bulova immigrate to the USA. At the age of 19, he opened his own jewelry store in Manhattan, wich quickly distinguished himself with the quality and artistry of his work.
1912 - Joseph Bulova established his first plant committed to the production of jeweled wristwatch movements in Switzerland fabricating fine timepieces via assembly line.
1919 - Bulova debuted its first-ever complete line of men's jeweled wristwatches.
1920 - the Bulova Observatory was constructed in Midtown Manhattan.
The sidereal time refers to the stars instead of the Sun for the calculation of the time, eliminating the error resulting from the orbital rotation of the earth around the sun.
1927 - Lindemberg will be the testimonial for the Bulova watch Lone Eagle commemorating his legendary transatlantic flight.
1941 - First advertisement broadcast from the United States to the rest of the world: "America runs on Bulova time"
1945 - Opens in Queens the Bulova School of Watchmaking
1958 - Two years before Bulova unveiled Accutron to the public, the technology was used aboard NASA's Vanguard 1 satellite.
1967 - The new standard in precision timekeeping, Accutron technology was used aboard Air Force One.
2010 - The Bulova Accutron Limited Edition Spaceview 214 was released. A handmade replica of the original Accutron Calibre 214.

Courtesy of Bulova

MAIN FEATURES

Year of production: 1957

Superheterodyne IF: 455 KHz

6 AM Circuits
Wavebands:
Medium Waves(OM)

Wideband loudspeaker
Plastic case

Dimensions (LHD): 13.25 x 8.75 x 6.5 inch
Net weight: 112 Oz
Tubes 5: 12BE6 12BA6 12AV6 50C5 35W4

Bulova 300
Bulova 300

DIGITAL SOURCE INPUTS

Using the special cable that I constructed you can utilize the device for use with any digital source such mp3 player, IPAD, IPOD, cell phone, PC etc.

Listening is absolutely charming, 60 years of technology separe the devices but the practicality of modern digital sources and the charm of the old valve radio blend perfectly giving a gratification not easily explained in words.

When the special cable is insert in the rear jackthe radio section will be automatically disconnected.

Using digital source sound is clean and pleasant.

AERIAL

This device uses a loaded antenna on the rear panel.
It's sufficiently efficient but extremely directive, so the position of the radio impact on the quality of reception.
The back panel is prepared to connect an external antenna.
In this case the reception would be perfect.

Bulova 300
Bulova 300

LOUDSPEAKERS

It was used an 8 inch loudspeaker performant enough despite its size.
The audio spectrum, which can be expected for transmissions in medium wave is sufficiently reproduced.

We are not talking of course of deep bass and treble bright, but only a voice clear and intelligible without fatigue.

CONTROL PANEL

Bulova 300

The controls are really reduced to the essentials.
The left knob controls the power switch and volume, the right one controls the tuning.
Wanting to use the phono input you have to take care to tune to a frequency where there are no stations to avoid background noise.

Bulova 300

REAR SIDE

FM aerial inputs.

RESTORATION STEPS

THE USUAL AMAZING LAST IMAGE
Bulova 300