german radios - en Archives – Page 6 of 8

Siemens Schatulle M57 – en

23rd April 201712th May 2017
by giovanni

The Siemens Schatulle was produced between 1955 and 1957 and it was of the best and most successful models of the entire Schatulle series. Although the number of sold items was smaller if compared to the smaller and cheaper H42 and although it was not as huge and well-sounding as the P48, this was certainly the most well-balanced model under many aspects.
Further on I will explain why.

- The power stage is as big as the P48’s, a couple of Push-Pull EL84, a sophisticated counterreaction system, physiological volume control, separated high- and bass controls
- it is equipped with 4 loudspeakers. Differently from the P48, the M57 is equipped with two bicone widebands and two tweeters with acustic drive. That makes the reproduction particularly refined and linear.
- Its dimension are midway between the H42 and the P48 making the M57 easy to place and at the same time majestic. Moreover the length/height ration makes the appearance of this device extremely pleasant although being rather big.
- Differently from other models, this device can be turned on and off and the volume can be regulated even when the small front shutters are closed.

None of the other Schatulle models is characterized by these elements. This is the reason why the Schatulle M57 belongs to the top quality Siemens production.

This device is best to be listened in on in a spacious room and played out loud.

The tuning stability allows the last station to be perfectly centered after days.

The mechanics is “simple” but robust. The electronic parts are rather complex, but completely restored.
Other features will be further described down below.

BLUETOOTH

Bluetooth receiver embed

MULTI PLATFORM CONNECTION

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

- 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.

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.

german radios - en

Siemens Schatulle M47 – en

23rd April 201725th April 2023
by giovanni

The Siemens Schatulle was produced between 1954 and 1955 and it was another of the best and most successful models of the entire Schatulle series.
Sold in a limited number of items due its high cost and dimension, it was, together with the P48, the model with the most impressive sound impact of the entire Siemens production.

- The power stage is the same as the P48's one, a pair of Push-Pull EL84, a sophisticated counterreaction system, physiological volume control, separate high and bass sound controls.
- There are three ELA series loudspeakers, all of them with double come and highly efficient. Siemens used to have these loudspeakers on its professional installation and in movie theatres.
- Despite its power, this device reproduces sounds with such a fascinating smoothness that can be had , once again, through the large band loudspeakers. These loudspeakers reproduce indeed the entire audible array with a continuity and linearity unknown to multivia systems. Extreme acutes are not so sharp as in electrostatic loudspeakers, but the maker's choice in this device aimed to create roundness and pleasentness of sounds.
- Dimensions are those of an important device. Its shape captures our attention and in every ambience the device's majesty makes it the epicenter of the room, especially when its front windows are open.

This device is best to be listened in on in a spacious room and played out loud.
The tuning stability allows the last station to be perfectly centered after days.
The mechanics is “simple” but robust. The electronic parts are rather complex, but don't worry, it's completely restored.

This one is a device only for a few lucky ones.

BLUETOOTH

Bluetooth receiver embed

MULTI PLATFORM CONNECTION

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

german radios - en

Saba Freiburg Vollautomatic 14 Stereo – en

8th April 20179th December 2022
by giovanni

I started the description of the Saba Freiburg 100 with this sentence: going beyond one’s self is the destiny of the greatest. And the story goes on. The Saba Freiburg 14 is the evolution of Freiburg 100, 125,11 and 12. The Freiburg 14 is the ultimate model. It was followed only by the Freiburg 18 (having an elliptical tweeter instead of two round tweeters and wooden band instead of canvas – this aesthetic choice was not appreciated by everyone).
Saba, following the German tradition, continued to use the name Freiburg for its top models, even though the latter did not have anything in common with the original masterwork.
I want to highlight the fact that this was the top model of the most prestigious german brand in the golden age of german technology and production.
As I have mentioned before, the first visual impact is shocking and exciting. This is a huge device successfully showing off its majesty.
The sound impact is even stronger and more exciting. But before that, I would like to present a brief description of one of the most distinguishing feature of this device: the loudspeaker system.

BLUETOOTH

Bluetooth receiver embed

MULTI PLATFORM CONNECTION

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

- 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.

SABA is the acronym for Schawarzwälder-Apparate-Bau-Anstalt meaning engineering institute of Technological appliances of the Black Forest.

The company was founded back in 1835 by Joseph Benedikt with the initial name of Jockele-Uhren, but only in 1923 the production of radio devices began and the company went under the name of SABA.
Toward the end of the 20s SABA became famous with the well-known S35 and in the following years it became the second German producer after Telefunken. During the war SABA produced military equipment and in 1945 the company was completely destroyed by a bombing.
In 1947 the production of radio devices began again and SABA distinguished itself immediately for ist avant-garde and high- quality production.

hey also began to produce TVs (the first PAL color TV is a SABA), house appliances and medical equipment. Many Italians used to work there. The Alnico Greencone loudspeakers became popular for their linearity, power handling, constant impendence that would be employed in each Hi-Fi devices of that time.

The radio devices with motorized tuning became popular as well and SABA became the representative German brand meaning quality, reliability and detailed precision. In the 1970s the decline began. According to specialized magazines of that time not having a Japanese device at that time meant not having Hi-Fi. In the 80s Thompson took over SABA. In the 90s the other way around, having a Japanese device of the 70s meant not having Hi-Fi. They found out that they functioned with a 96% counterreaction and that a device with 0.001 db from 1 to 100 KHz extension did not necessarily sound good.

We do not trust our ears and we do trust what other people say not necessarily with a good purpose.
2007: due to insolvency SABA disappeared from the TLC (Chinese) and Thompson (French) joint venture, and SABA ceased to exist.

The tuning system is a masterwork.
It is a motor with windings supplied in a phase shifted by some capacitors. It permit to change the motor rotation direction of according to whether the search is in one sense or another.
The tuning is centered by drawing part of the signal from the CAC circuit and by using a relais controlled by a tube.
As already mentioned, calibration is rather complex and it cannot be put into practice without referring to SABA’s original manuals.
Below a detail of the engine and the scheme section to control the automatism.

The first small window that can be seen on the left side indicates whether the ferrite curve is inserted and its position.
On the left side you can also find the volume control (with incorporated loudness) and the ferrite curve rotation control.
Right above the volume control there is a magic eye indicating the perfect tuning of each station.
Below you can see the Mono/Stereo indicator and further below the bass control knob.
The AM bands with Short, Medium and Long Waves and the FM displays.
Starting from the lefthand corner you can see the Musik/Sprache, Stereo/Mono, AUX input buttons, the band switch buttons, the Long, medium, short waves and FM switch buttons and the motorized tuning system (Automatik) button.

Lastly the ON button.
Next to it the acutes control knob is to be found.
The Musik/Sprache equalizer indicator.
On the right, the tuning knob, which is supported by a big fly-wheel that renders its movement really pleasant.
The automatic tuning functioning indicator is to be found on the right as well.
Above the stereo modulation indicator and below two buttons for the automatic tuning functioning. Each button activates the automatic tuning mechanism in one or the other direction. By pushing one of those buttons the engine constantly activates the tuning indicator for a fast reposition.

german radios - en

Saba Stereo I SRI-16 – SRI 18 – en

8th April 20178th April 2017
by giovanni

The translation for Steuergerät is Control Electronic Unity. It encloses the tuner and the speaker, both stereophonic and you can connect a record player as well as a CD/DVD player along with any other kind of acoustic source. What interested me of this device was the great SABA experience on Steuergerat. Before getting to the SRI-16 SABA produces the Freiburg Studio in 1962, the Freiburg Studio A in 1963 and the Stereo Studio 1 in 1964 to finally produce this new and wonderful device in 1965.
SABA quality is really visible and audible.
Its line is different from any other device of that time. a big single serigraphed glass screen with a big stylized indicator of the ferrite curve’s position on the right. Small knobs, all looking the same with different serigraphies according to their function, a single keyboard gathering all functions.
A design that puts functionality first. Elegant and not tiring.
Its musical features deserve a detailed description, which will be given further on.
I coupled this device with a pair of wonderful Celestion 120, the popular boxes built in the Ditton factory. The following boxes will be sold as Celestion Ditton. They represent the utmost expression of English musicality of that time among affordable devices.
These boxes’efficiency is enough to make the SABA sound out loud. Even in this case I tried to couple it with another pair of boxes among my favorites, some 600 Grundig boxes, but the result was not satisfactory. A bass sound excess was immediately noticeable. Acute sounds were precise but the Celestions give a clearer sound image.

BLUETOOTH

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MULTI PLATFORM CONNECTION

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

SABA is the acronym for Schawarzwälder-Apparate-Bau-Anstalt meaning engineering institute of Technological appliances of the Black Forest.

At the top on the left we find the magic eye divided in two sections, the first indicated whether the station is in stereo, the second indicates the perfect tuning of each station. Next to it we find the Short, Medium and Long Wave AM bands scale.
The lower scale is the FM bands scale.
The buttons starting from the left:
On/Off- Long Wave – Medium Wave – Short Wave – FM – Phono – Mono/Stereo
The first knob on the left is the acute sounds control. Then the bass sounds control and the volume control (with incorporated loudness) knob.

On the same axis we find the knob of the balancing between the right and left channel.
There are then two separate knobs for the tuning control in the AM and FM bands. On the same axis of the tuning knob there is the rotating switch inserting the AFC (frequency automatic control- preventing the tuning slipping once the station is centered)
Note that on the tuning knobs there is a point of the same color of the index where the knob operates.
The last knob on the right is the one that allows the rotation of the ferrite curve for the AM bands. Above this one we find a big stylized indicator of the curve’s position with the automatic switch in the zero position.

Important disclaimer: I am not an expert audiophile and my impressions have the value of mere personal impressions.
The radio section is perfect, stable and with a perfect selectivity still today and with an easy tuning thanks to a long scale.
Other competitor devices (as far as the Graetz Stereo Unit 250 or the Grundig Stereomeister 3000 are concerned) had 5/6 pre-selectable and memorizable stations, but on this one, the Stereomeister, this gem became the source of many problems.
My testbeds have been Hosianna Mantra, the masterpiece of Popol Vuh and The 6 Unaccompanied Cello Suites by Bach played, or better, interpreted by Yo-Yo Ma.The CD player is a Grundig CD35, the best machine I ever had the pleasure to work with. Even on this device the roundness, the smoothness and the richness of bass sounds and the never worn out high sounds are its main features.
The listening struggle with the couple Saba/Celestion never comes.
Compared to other machines using the same counterphase you have the feeling to have more power, but this is only a feeling: power is around 9 W RMS per channel. Too loud and efficient loudspeakers could modify the features of the final stage.
I am trying to figure out whether I should include Allevilive by Giovanni Allevi among the reference CDs that I use to test the devices.
With the Saba/Celestion couple Allevi’s piano is always very lively and rich of harmonicas. It requires the volume to be high, the piano is a very difficult instrument to reproduce. I do not have the listening reference with other devices.

german radios - en

Nordmende Othello 55 (88 – 108 MHz) 2D and…

8th April 201726th August 2018
by giovanni

The decision to restore this unit has been carefully considered before taking any action. The key elements examined are two.

First: in the 2D model the entire set of loudspeakers is located on the front.
The models produced in subsequent years were equipped with a 3D system for sound diffusion; the medium/high frequencies were spread also from the sides of the unit in order to provide an optimal listening while offering the great advantage to enable people performing other activities moving free within the area.
Unfortunately, most of the times the radios were placed on a shelf or on a piece of furniture closed at the sides, making the lateral diffusion totally useless, if not a disadvantage. In fact, a big frontal broadband and one or more electrostatic supertweeters were typically installed on units with 3D, while mid/tweeters were on the sides. So, if the side speakers were occluded by books or other barriers, the sound was consequently compromised, resulting not as bright as it could have been.
On the contrary, in this device the entire set of speakers is installed in front, making spreading the sound easy and with great naturalness and transparency.

Second: the great visual impact of the cabinet.
The careful choice of woods and the fine workmanship reveal the beauty of this piece at first glance.
The professional restoration further enhances it, giving new life to such a fine handmade object like we have not seen in decades.
There is no trace of plastic, the whole cabinet develops in contrast with metals and woods, arranged to enliven the entire piece.
However, as already mentioned, from the point of view of the style, Nordmende has always been considered rather austere. Large appliances such as Othello remain impressive and rigorous, especially suited to classic furnishing or brave and refined contrast combinations, which further improve the visual impact preserving an unrivaled acoustic at the same time: pleasant, sophisticated and deep.
Tone controls with separate linear indicators, final A Class stage with EL84 and triode preamp, effective system of feedback that linearizes the response; all these elements make listening to this unit extremely pleasant and fulfilling.

Of course there is also the 3D model, so you can choice the preferred model depending on the location.

In conclusion, a great Normende unit.

FM FREQUENCY RANGE

FM frequency range widened from 88 up to 108 MHz

BLUETOOTH

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MULTI PLATFORM CONNECTION

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

- FM frequency range winded from 88 up to 108 MHz - The tube radios produced in Germany in the years 50/60 are famous worldwide for their excellent sound quality, the beauty of their furniture, their strength and for their construction standards without compromise. Unfortunately the FM band extending from 87.5 to 100 MHz for which are scarcely usable in most cases.
After careful study and a lot of tests we were able to obtain a frequency range by this unit from 88 to 108 MHz.We have also reconstructed a display exactly identical to the original, made with the same materials and the same techniques, but with the new frequency span.The result is perfect. An original device, but with the ability to listen all stations in any country.
- 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.

In 1923 Otto Hermann Mende founded Radio H. Mende & Co. in Dresden. After the bombing of the factory in 1945, Martin Mende (son of the founder) created a new company in Bremen, the "North German Mende Broadcast GmbH" whose name was later changed into NORDMENDE.

In the 50s and 60s it became one of the most prestigious German TV and radios manufacturer.

In the 70s the televisions by NORDMENDE became famous for their frames, cards and for the rigorous testing and quality controls carried out on their finished products. Unfortunately, the high cost involved in such detailed quality determined a competitive disadvantage when the price of color television began to fall.

In 1977 the majority of the shares was sold to the French Thomson. The following year, the family sold the remaining shares. In 1980, the factories of Bremen was closed, NORDMENDE becoming purely a trademark of Thomson.

Inside the cabinet there is a dipole for FM reception and a ferrite rotating aerial for AM reception.

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

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.

In Othello and Tannhauser (the two top models) was expected to double tune for medium wave with two separate mechanisms.
Pressing the MW button with the usual tuning dial is made in the normal search on Medium Wave bands and the indication is that the main tuning display.
Pressing the Ortssender button and moving the white knob on the bottom left you will search in medium wave with an decreased sensitivity and the indication is secondary on the little vertical display.
You receive thereby better the local stations.

carmen 58 - en

Nordmende Carmen 58 – en

26th March 20178th April 2017
by giovanni

Produced in 1958, the Carmen belongs to the Nordmende middle class tube radios.
But what makes this Carmen 58 stick out from the other middle class radios is its elegance.
Nordmende was carefully naming its radios and even in this case the name Carmen suits this product perfectly.
With Carmen 58 Nordmende designers began a line of products with clean and elegant shape. As the older models the quality of the materials represent Nordmende at its top. High quality wood, metals and plastics.
The cabinet is mirror painted. And its infinite reflections catch the eye.
And so the Carmen become the queen of the house. It could not be otherwise with that personality.

Our professional restoration process further enhanced this feature, giving new life to a classical handmade object that is now ready to work for many more decades.
We have been trying to place this radio in different locations: in the end we realized that this Carmen fits perfectly with a classical and refined ambience.

As older Carmen the Model 58 sound deep and refined. The separate tone controls, the A Class final stage, the triode preamp, the efficient feedback system that linearizes the response are all elements that make the sound of this radio a very warm and pleasant listening experience.

A cheerful and bright sound, aggressive silhouette.
If it were a shoe would be a Size 12 Womens Heels

BLUETOOTH

Bluetooth receiver embed

MULTI PLATFORM CONNECTION

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

In the 50s and 60s it became one of the most prestigious German TV and radios manufacturer.

The frequency response correction system is made of 6 keys that insert preset equalization curves operating on the feedback circuit (they are not passive filters).
This solution was adopted only on the upper class models.
The Bass key emphasizes the bass.
The Sprache key emphasizes the mids for a cleaner listening to broadcasts spoken.
The Horspiel key leaves the control to the tone knobs.
The Orchester key puts in the flat passband.
The Solo key slightly accentuates the mids to encourage listening to individual instruments.
The Jazz key emphasizes the very low and high tones to encourage listening to this kind of music.

carmen 56/3D - en

Nordmende Carmen 56/3D – en

26th March 201727th March 2017
by giovanni

Produced in 1956, the Carmen belongs to the Nordmende middle class tube radios. But what makes this Carmen 56 stick out from the other middle class radios is its beauty.

Nordmende was carefully naming its radios and even in this case the name Carmen suits this product perfectly.
This Carmen 56 model is flashier than the general Nordmende production, typically much more austere. No doubt though that the balance of the forms and the quality of the materials represent Nordmende at its top. A massive use of high quality wood and brass inserts, a wise balance of dark and bright colours and the special touch given by the transparent and bright insert around the knobs of the equalizer: here stands the secret of such a beauty.

Carmen 56 sound is nice, deep and refined. The separate tone controls, the A Class final stage, the triode preamp, the efficient feedback system that linearizes the response are all elements that make the sound of this radio a very warm and pleasant listening experience.

In fact, accordingly to its name, this Carmen is really a delicious crush.

BLUETOOTH

Bluetooth receiver embed

MULTI PLATFORM CONNECTION

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

In the 50s and 60s it became one of the most prestigious German TV and radios manufacturer.

The frequency response correction system is made of 5 keys that insert preset equalization curves operating on the feedback circuit (they are not passive filters).

This solution was adopted only on the upper class models.
The Bass key emphasizes the bass.
The Sprache key emphasizes the mids for a cleaner listening to broadcasts spoken.
The Orchester key puts in the flat passband.
The Solo key slightly accentuates the mids to encourage listening to individual instruments.
The Jazz key emphasizes the very low and high tones to encourage listening to this kind of music.

german radios - en

Grundig 4085 – en

25th March 2017
by giovanni

As for the Grundig 4095 I would like to tell a brief history this cabinet design.
Manufactured in 1956, the 4085 radio set was a Grundig mid-high grade equipment. What distinguished it from other high class Grundig radios was its special design shaped like a stylized Lyre.

To Greek mythology, the inventor of the lyre was Hermes, who built it with a tortoise shell and a sheep gut to donate it to Apollo, who then gave it as a gift to his son Orpheus. In classical era, the lyre was linked to Dionysus and represented ecstasy and celebration. The lyre probably originates from northeastern Africa.
The design was used in some rare devices previous very daring.
An interesting example is the Tonfunk (in fact subsequently absorbed by Grundig) Violetta Lyra 1955, visible in the image on the right.

In my opinion the 4085 and 4095 are the big capacity of synthesis of Grundig designers.
They design evoke the sinuous forms of Lira while maintaining clean lines, which they did at the time, growing old hit most other radios on the market.

Some stylistic solutions typical of this model were then adopted also by many other manufacturers for a long time.
For instance, the wooden frontal fillets designed to protect the speakers will be used in appliances and speakers until the '70s.
Even the golden color of the cabinet along with the four-sided and sharp lines will denote the most of the forthcoming production as a leitmotif.

Produced in 1956/57, the Grundig 4085 was the upper-mid range device with the most innovative look ever created by this brand.
In that same period, Grundig produced another line, the 4095, which was slightly larger and had a push-pull output stage.
The two devices, however similar, had unique defining characteristics and uses. One is not better than the other as each device has it's own key feature.
The 4095 was privileged with greater power and is better adapted to filling larger environments with sound.
The 4085 was given a Class A output stage, it has a more refined and warmer sound even if it is less powerful.
The EL84 is considered to be one of the best musical tubes ever produced. In fact, it is still used today in high-end amplifiers.
The tone controls are inserted into the feedback circuit so that distortions are further reduced.
Alnico wide-band loudspeakers are very efficient, requiring little power to reach elevated levels of sound pressure.
Furthermore, the warmth of this sound is that typical of very fast wide-band loudspeakers
Today, this type of wide-band loudspeaker is increasingly used in the production of high efficiency horn loudspeakers.
Another musical device with an incredibly modern look.

BLUETOOTH

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MULTI PLATFORM CONNECTION

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

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

german radios - en

Grundig Stereomeister 300 – en

19th March 201725th March 2017
by giovanni

The following model, the Stereomeister 300 has a transistor FM converter, whereas in the immediately following models the FM valve converter stage has been reinserted.
This device is therefore remarkable both for its wonderful aesthetics designed by Grundig in those years and for the extremely modern features only to be found in later models.

The final stage is a class AB Push-Pull with a feedback circuit for response linearization and distortion decrease.
The response is indeed generally balanced and with a powerful push on bass regardless its small output transformers.
By employing efficient diffusers the power is more than appropriate even if you want to play the in big spaces.

I personally recommed to play this device at 3/5 of its maximum volume.
The response curve changes according to the position of the potentiometer that controls and corrects the volume.
The shift from the section with volume correction to the one with no correction is fairly audible, that is the reason why it is preferable to maintain the volume under the said limit.
No need to say that if you want to take full advantage of the power of this device ... you can turn the volume knob as much as you want.

Following Grundig’s tradition, the radio section is extremely stable, sensitive and free from ground noises.
Even the final stage is silent and buzzless.

Sound high quality, the stereo decoder and the absence of inner loudspeaker (giving the device a rather modern shape) make of this device a great collector’s piece.

After the Stereomeister series Grundig as well as other big german brands started to save on and “optimize” their projects and unfortunately their quality began to decrease and “more modern” quality criteria started to take over.