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Nordmende Tannhauser 59 german radios - en

Nordmende Tannhauser 59 – en

NOT TRANSLATED YET

NORDMENDE TANNHÄUSER 59

Nordmende Tannhäuser 59

Tannhäuser, nato in una famiglia di cavalieri di Salisburgo, partecipò forse alla sesta crociata del 1228 e fece quindi una vita errante come poeta e cantore. Frequentò la corte di Vienna del duca Federico II.
Secondo una leggenda, nella sua vita Tannhäuser trova il Venusburg (monte di Venere), il regno sotterraneo di Venere, e vive con lei per un anno. Lascia quindi la dea pieno di rimorsi, e intraprende un viaggio fino a Roma, per chiedere perdono al Papa Urbano IV. Il papa gli ricorda che tale peccato porta alla dannazione eterna, e gli promette perdono solo in caso di miracolo: la comparsa di fiori nel suo bastone. Tre giorni dopo Tannhäuser torna a Vienna ed il bastone fiorisce.

La leggenda è stata quindi messa in musica da Richard Wagner con il suo Tannhäuser.

La Nordmende, ai tempi del suo massimo splendore e sviluppo tecnologico volle chiamare Tannhäuser il suo apparecchio più bello mai prodotto.
Un apparecchio studiato per rappresentare il massimo della perfezione tecnica del tempo e costruito con cura maniacale.
Lo stadio finale è composto da una coppia di EL84 in Push-Pull. L'inversione di fase veien effettuata con una sezione del doppio triodo ECC82 in configurazione Cathodyne. Questo tipo di invertitore ha il vantaggio di poter essere collegato direttamente allo stadio precedente.
Tale stadio è costituito dalla sezione rimanente del doppio triodo ECC82 che provvede ad amplificare il segnale dopo l'attenuazione derivante dal circuito del controllo di toni.
Il triodo contenuto nella valvola multifunzione EABC80 costituisce il preamplificatore di ingresso e riceve il segnale da un potenziometro logaritmico con 3 prese intermedie per un complesso ed accuratissimo circuito di controllo fisiologico di volume.

La sezione radio è di altrettanta elevata qualità. E' presente uno stadio di Media Frequenza supplementare allo scopo di aumentare la selettività.
Questo permette una ricezione delle trasmissioni, particolarmente in Modulazione di Frequenza, particolarmente stabile ed esente da disturbi.

Il complesso di altoparlanti è poi veramente imponente. Tutti gli altoparlanti sono di costruzione Isophon.
La riproduzione delle basse e medie frequenze è assicurata da un grande woofer ellittico P 2031/19/105  che misura 31 cm di lunghezza e 20 di altezza.
Agli acuti sono dedicati invece ben 5 altoparlanti costruiti con 3 tecnologie diverse.
Frontalmente abbiamo il medio a cono da 13 cm per una riproduzione morbida e perfettamente integrata con quella  del woofer.
Su ciascun lato è stato posto il famoso tweeter a cono HM 10/12/70 ed un tweeter elettrostatico ST HB7.

Come scrisse Baudelaire il Tannhäuser rappresenta la lotta dei due princìpi che hanno scelto il cuore umano come principale campo di battaglia, ossia la carne contro lo spirito.
La Nordmende rese onore a questa grande opera realizzando il suo prodotto migliore.

Nordmende Tannhauser 59

BLUETOOTH

Ricevitore Bluetooth integrato

CONTINUA >

PIATTAFORMA MULTICONNESSIONE

Ogni radio viene equipaggiata con uno speciale cavo che permette la connessione con qualsiasi sorgente digitale.

READ MORE >

ELABORAZIONI TUBESOUND

- Ricevitore Bluetooth integrato - Questa unità può essere equipaggiata con un ricevitore BLUETOOTH alimentato direttamente dall'apparecchio Questo rende possibile usare l'amplificatore da qualsiasi dispositivo digitale esterno, come IPAD, Smartphone, o sofisticate stazioni multimediali. Potrete ascoltare le vostre Stazioni Web o le vostre musiche preferite senza cavi in giro per la stanza. Su richiesta è possibile anche montare un Ricevitore Wireless.
- Piattaforma Multi Connessione - L'apparecchio viene fornito di un cavo di adattamento che permette di collegarlo a qualsiasi dispositivo digitale come A Iphone, Smartphone, Laptop, CD Player etc. Questo cavo speciale permette di adattare l'impedenza tra l'apparecchio ed i moderni dispositivi. Inoltre i due canali stereofonici vengono fatti confluire in un unico canale monofonico senza incrementare il carico dell'unità sorgente.

Nordmende Tannhauser 58

LA STORIA

Nel 1923 Otto Hermann Mende fonda a Dresda la Radio H. Mende & Co. Dopo i bombardamenti della fabbrica nel 1945, Martin Mende (figlio del fondatore) crea una nuova società a Brema la North German Mende Broadcast GmbH . Il cui nome viene successivamente cambiato in NORDMENDE.
Negli anni 50 e 60 diventata uno dei produttori tedeschi di radio e TV di maggior prestigio della radio.

Negli anni 70 i televisioni NORDMENDE diventano famosi per i loro telai a schede e per il test rigorosi e controllo di qualità dei prodotti finiti. Ma i costi elevati di tanta qualità si rivelano uno svantaggio competitivo quando il prezzo di televisori a colori ha cominciato a scendere.

Nel 1977 una partecipazione di maggioranza viene venduta ai francesi di Thomson. L'anno seguente, la famiglia vende le azioni rimanenti. Nel 1980, le fabbriche di Brema viene chiusa, NORDMENDE diventando puramente un marchio di proprietà Thomson.

Fonte - Wikipedia

 

 

Grazie a Dan Ludington per la foto.

CARATTERISTICHE PRINCIPALI

Anno di produzione: 1957/58

Supereterodina IF 460/10700
10 Circuiti AM
13 Circuiti FM
Gamme d'onda: Onde Medie (OM), Onde Lunghe (OL), Onde Corte (OC), FM (UKW)

Altoparlanti:
1 woofer
3 tweeter a cono
2 tweeter elettrostatici

Dimensioni (LAP): 700 x 420 x 290 mm / 27.6 x 16.5 x 11.4 inch
Peso netto: 16.3 kg / 35 lb 14.4 oz
9 Valvole: ECC85 ECH81 EF89 EF89 EM34 or EM35 EABC80 ECC82 EL84 EL84

Antenna rotante in ferrite.

Nordmende Tannhauser 59

Nordmende Tannhauser 59

BANDBREITE SCHALTBAR

L'apparecchio è stato dotato di un sistema di correzione della risposta in frequenza indipendente dai controlli di tono.
E' composto da 6 tasti che inseriscono curve di equalizzazione predefinite operanti sul circuito di controreazione (non sono filtri passivi).

Il tasto Bass enfatizza i toni bassi.
Il tasto Sprache enfatizza i toni medi per un ascolto più pulito di trasmissioni parlate.
Il tasto Expander (quello grande centrale) inserisce una curva di controreazione che favorisce leggermente i toni medio bassi aumentando il senso di spazialità.
Il tasto Solo accentua leggermente i toni medi per favorire l'ascolto di strumenti singoli.
Il tasto Jazz enfatizza molto i toni bassi ed alti per favorire l'ascolto di questo genere musicale.

CONTROLLI DI TONO CON INDICAZIONE DEL LIVELLO

Il sistema di controllo dei toni è molto efficiente. Sopra le grandi manopole dei controlli di tono, separate per alti e bassi, troviamo due finestrelle separate che si illumina progressivamente di bianco indicando l'enfasi data alla banda su cui agiscono.
La manopola del controllo degli acuti è collegata alla ferrite nei trasformatori MF e ne fa variare la pendenza della campana del trasformatore stesso. In tal modo, quando si è nelle bande AM, si accentuano ulteriormente i toni acuti già prima dell'arrivo nello stadio amplificatore BF.

Nordmende Tannhauser 58

Bassi al massimo

Nordmende Tannhauser 58

Bassi flat

Nordmende Tannhauser 58

Bassi al minimo

Nordmende Tannhauser 58

Acuti al minimo

Nordmende Tannhauser 58

Acuti flat

Nordmende Tannhauser 58

Acuti al massimo

Nordmende Tannhauser 58

ANTENNE

All'interno del mobile è presente un dipolo per la ricezione FM ed una antenna in ferrite rotante per la ricezione AM.
La sensibilità in ricezione con le antenne interne è molto buona.
Usando un'antenna esterna la sensibilità migliora ulteriormente.

L'antenna in ferrite può essere ruotata dall'esterno per ottenere una perfetta sintonizzazione dell'apparecchio in AM.
E' visibile nella foto il meccanismo di rotazione e l'indicatore di posizione dell'antenna.

CONTROLLO SINTONIA SEPARATI TRA AM E FM

Il sistema di sintonia è un'altro gioiello.
L'apparecchio è dotato di meccanismi di sintonia separati per le bande AM e per quella di ciascuna delle due bande FM.
La manopola della sintonia è una sola ma un selettore commuta su sistemi di cavi di acciaio e pulegge separati a seconda della banda.

Il movimento è trasferito a ciuscuno dei due meccanismi con un sistema di pulegge a frizione separate.

 

INDICATORE DI SINTONIA

Nordmende Tannhauser 59

L'indicatore di sintonia è stato sostituito con uno nuovo.

Nordmende Tannhauser 59

ALTOPARLANTI

Gli altoparlanti sono 5.

Anteriormente troviamo il più grande larga banda ellittico costruito dalla Isophon  molto efficiente e lineare.
Ancora anteriormente troviamo un midrange a cono anch'esso Isophon.

Ai lati per ottenere l'effetto 3D troviamo 2 tweeter a cono e 2 SuperTweeter elettrostatici.

La resa acustica è veramente generosa.

Nessuna radio che io conosca ha la stessa dotazione di altoparlanti.

COMANDI

Nordmende Tannhauser 59

Sopra la scala, nel pannello altoparlanti troviamo la serie dei tasti del Bandbreite Schltbar illustrata in precedenza. 
Scendendo sulla scala parlante, si trova prima di tutto l'occhio magico che indica la perfetta sintonizzazione di ciascuna stazione.
Sotto si trova il comando del volume (con loudness incorporato).
Tirando la manopola del volume si inserisce il circuito che aumenta la selettività nelle bande AM.
Partendo dall'alto sono indicate poi la scala AM per le Onde Lunghe, Medie e Corte, sotto troviamo la scala FM.
Proseguendo verso destra  si vede l'indicatore della posizione dell'antenna in ferrite.
Vi è infine la manopola della sintonia, il cui movimento è molto piacevole essendo supportata da un grosso volano.
Coassiale alla manopola di sintonia c'è la manopola per ruotare l'antenna in ferrite.
Sotto da sinistra troviamo la manopola del controllo degli acuti immersa in un piacevole alloggiamento di bachelite con effetto avorio.

Nell'ordine troviamo poi i tasti:
AUS - Spegnimento
TA - Giradischi
TONBAND - Registratore
L - Onde Lunghe
Peil-Ant - Antenna in ferrite per OL e OM
M - Onde Medie
K - Onde Corte
UKW - FM
Alla destra si vede il controllo dei bassi.
Sopra i controlli di tono i rispettivi indicatori dell'enfasi dei controlli stessi.

LATO POSTERIORE

Ingressi antenna AM ed FM e presa di terra.

Presa per registratore.

Ingresso giradischi.

Uscita per altoparlanti esterni.

LA CONSUETA BELLISSIMA NOTTURNA FINALE
Nordmende Tannhauser 59

NOT TRANSLATED YET

Philips Saturn 653/4E/3D german radios - en

Philips Saturn 653/4E/3D – en

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PHILIPS SATURN 653/4E/3D

PHILIPS SATURN 653/4E/3D

The Philips Saturn 653 / 4E / 3D is the second most important model of the house in 1955, and in the intentions of the manufacturer aspires to be one of the most popular models of all German production for the innovative technology used.

As a matter of fact, they met their goal and produced a unique piece of technology, for both the German and World Wide market.
It’s peculiarities are:

  • 4 power tubes (2xEL84 and 2xUL41)
  • Dedicated amps for Hi and Low frequencies
  • An Iron-Free coupling output (OTL)
  • High Damping Factor with Negative Feedback circuit
  • 4 High impedance speakers

The Philips Saturn 653 / 4E / 3D has dimensions in line with the top models, but it’s woodwork, frames, and speaker covers contribute in giving it a much sleeker, eye-pleasing look to complete any furniture display.
The Low frequencies are particularly deep thanks to the separated OTL amplifiers and to the impressive size of the subwoofer, approximately 21cm in diameter (more or less 8.3 inches).
Exactly the same as for the Capella 753/4E/3D model I suggest making good use of the mid-tweeter, as this successfully crafted speaker (17 cm in diameter) makes the mid and Hi frequencies pleasant and true to life, especially if seated in front of the Machine.

High and Mid Frequencies sections
The FM group is of the variable permeability type. It has a high amplification and stability.
Being equipped with an automatic noise suppressor in the presence of signals below 1.7 V, the output is muted to avoid hearing rustling and noise when searching for stations.
The de-emphasis circuit is set to 50 uS, valid all over the world except for the USA and South Korea. In these countries, the filter should be increased to 75 uS.
The AM section is equipped with a rotating antenna for the OM and OL bands. The antenna can be controlled by a knob on the front.
The mid-frequency sections are composed of three separate filters for AM and FM. The first of these filters is adjustable. The second is the amplifier filter and the third filter further increases the selectivity of the device.

All the listed solutions translate into a very low distortion, an increase in power, and a pleasantness of use hardly ever obtained in other appliances.
This is the Philips Saturn 653/4E/3D

 

 

Philips Saturn 653/4E/3D
Philips Saturn 653/4E/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

In 1891, the brothers Gerard and Anton Philips, started to produce the first incandescent bulbs in Eindhoven.
Later, Philips specialized in the production of electro- medical equipment, and in 1918 introduced the first X-ray tube.
In the following years, Philips began specializing in the broadcasting industry. In 1932 the company succeeded in selling over one million radio equipment and became the world’s first producer.
During the Second World War, Philips transferred to the Netherlands Antilles, and returned to the Netherlands at the end of the conflict.
In 1958 Philips was the only multinational to have a pavilion dedicated to the Expo in 1958 known as Le Poème Electronique.
In the second post- war period, began the production of the first televisions, then the launch of the music cassettes in 1963 and the production of the first integrated circuit in 1965.
In 1982 Philips launched with Sony the first compact disc player.
In 1984 Philips acquired the control of the German Grundig.
In the 90's Philips faced a financial crisis.
In 1991 it inserted on the market the Video CD and it is one of the first companies in the world to develop high definition television.
In 1999 Philips established a joint venture with LG Electronics, named LG Display, which ends in 2009.
In 2006 together with Sony launched the first Blu-ray.
In 2009 Phillips launched the first full-HD LCD TV in 21:9 format.
Phillips holds 48,000 registered patents.
Currently, the production is focused on low- energy lighting products and LED systems and services for diagnostics and production of medical devices.

MAIN FEATURES

Year of production: 1955
8 AM Circuits
11 FM Circuits
Wavebands:: LW, MW, SW, FM
Loudspeakers:
1 sub-woofer
1 mid-woofer
2 mid-tweeter
Operating voltage (CA): 110; 125; 220; 240 Volts
Dimensions (LHP): 680 x 415 x 265 mm / 26.8 x 16.3 x 10.4 inch
Net weight: 13.4 kg / 29 lb 8.2 oz
11 Tubes: ECC85 ECH81 EF89 EBF80 EM80 EABC80 EC92 UL41 UL41 EL84 EL84

Rotating ferrite aerial for AM bands

Ironless output

Philips Saturn 653/4E/3D

Philips Capella 753/4E/3D
Philips Capella 753/4E/3D

AMPLIFIERS

The preamplifier consists of two stages. At the entrance, the volume potentiometer is equipped with three sockets for physiological correction (loudness). The intervention curves are visible in the first graph.
Philips considers the frequency of 800 Hz to be the center of the audible band, so the treble and bass controls are calculated to enhance the frequencies above and below that value. The choice of this frequency is very important for the musicality and the pleasantness perceived by listening to the device.
In the second graph the frequency response of the preamplifier, with the tones enhanced to the maximum. You notice the different equalization you get by listening to the AM bands (Long Waves, Medium, Short) or listening to the FM band and PHONO.

The final stages are two distinct, one for the low frequencies and one for the high frequencies. These amplifiers control separate speakers, a 26 cm woofer for the bass and three speakers for mid/high frequency, with the 17 cm front speaker disconnectable for 3D effect.
The most interesting feature of these final stages is that they are without an output transformer.

The feature that makes this device very interesting is that each final stage uses a pair of EL84 / UL41 in an ironless configuration, ie without an output transformer (the known critical point of the final stage).
The output stage uses the operating principle called Shunt Regulated Push-Pull (SRPP) used today in HIGH-END amplifiers.
The output transformer limits the bandwidth of the entire amplifier. The bass is limited by the inductance of the primary winding, the treble is limited by the parasitic capacitance resulting from the alternation of the primary and secondary windings. The alternating winding of the primary and the secondary windings is also necessary to improve the coupling and thus reduce the dispersed flow.
The reduction of the dispersed flow increases the damping. This is essential in the loudspeakers mounted inside the cabinet of the radios, which do not work in hermetically closed boxes, and which are therefore free to move almost without resistance from the surrounding air.

The two output tubes (EL84, UL41) of each channel, four final valves in total, are connected in series with DC-DC coupling. Each UL41 is configured as a triode.
The output is taken from the cathode of the UL41. The speaker has an impedance of 800 ohms, identical to the average impedance that occurs on the catode, whereby direct coupling (without transformer) is possible between the final stage and the loudspeaker.
The Philips Saturn 653 is therefore totally free of all the problems deriving from the output transformers.

The damping of the loudspeakers is kept high by the low dynamic resistance of the feedback loop.

TONE CONTROL WITH LEVEL INDICATION

The tones control system is very efficient.
Above the large tone control knobs there is two bands that lights up gradually indicating the emphasis on the band on which it acts.
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 its curve.
By doing so high tones were attenuated/accentuated even before getting to the BF stage.

Bass at max - Treble at max

Philips Capella 753/4E/3D

Bass at min - Treble at max

Philips Capella 753/4E/3D

Bass flat - Treble flat

Philips Capella 753/4E/3D

Bass at max - Treble at min

Philips Capella 753/4E/3D

Bass at min - Treble at min

Philips Capella 753/4E/3D

ANTENNE

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.
Using an external aerial sensitivity is further increased.

TUNING INDICATOR

The magic eye has of course been replaced.

Philips Capella 753/4E/3D

LOUDSPEAKERS

The 21 cm loudspeaker, with a 23 mm diameter magnetic core, is placed at the front.
A front 17 cm mid-tweeter can also be switched off if you want to increase the 3D effect.
On the two sides, there are two elliptical tweeters pointing upwards. Radiating to the ceiling of the room to take advantage of the reflections of the environment that add to the direct radiation produce an expansion of the soundstage.
There are no dangers of stationary wave due to the working frequency of these speakers.

There are several options for connecting external speakers.
It is, in fact, possible to connect an external woofer, excluding or not the internal woofer while leaving all the other speakers active.
It is possible to connect external medium-high units, excluding or not the internal mid-tweeters, while leaving the internal woofer active.
It is possible to connect woofers and external medium-high units, excluding or not all, or some, internal speakers.

CONTROL PANEL

PHILIPS SATURN 653/4E/3D

In the center of the speaker panel is the Magic Eye which indicates the perfect tuning of each station.
KLANGREGLER - Low Tone Indicator (FA Key) and High Tone Indicator (SOL Key).
Just below we find the large Volume knob, with built-in automatic loudness correction.
FERROCEPTOR - Indicator of the position of the internal ferrite antenna. This internal antenna (excludable with the HA key) is used in the OM and OL bands. The internal antenna must be rotated until the best tuning is achieved.
Just below we find the large knob of the Manual Tuning, whose movement is very pleasant being supported by a large flywheel


Under the dials, we meet series of 6 keys.
Starting from the left the keys have the following functions:
AUS - Switch off
TA - Record player
LW - Long Waves
MW - Medium Waves
KW - Short Waves
UKW - FM

PHILIPS SATURN 653/4E/3D

REAR SIDE

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

Be careful: Use ONLY 800 ohm loudspeakers

RESTORING WORKS

THE USUAL AMAZING LAST IMAGE

PHILIPS SATURN 653/4E/3D

Grundig 4010W 4010 - en

Grundig 4010W – en

Grundig 4010W

GRUNDIG 4010W

Produced in 1952 and 1953, the Grundig 4010W was one of the high quality models of the manufacturer, and, of course, of the entire German production.

VIntage Radio Cabinet

Let’s start by describing the cabinet.
The dimensions are obviously important. The device does not want to pass by unnoticed. The wood veining is deliberately pronounced.
The furniture is enriched by further refinement, to clear lines that slim down the sides and the front are not drawn. These are authentic inlays of light wood.
Today, it is inconceivable to do such a thing, both for cost and for mastery.

In Grundig 40101W the band of the Short Waves is divided into three autonomous sections:

SW1 -  50,8 to 35 mt (5,9 - 8,6 MHz)
SW2 - 35 to 24 mt (8,6 - 12,5 MHz)
SW3 - 24 to 16,7 mt (12,5 - 18 MHz)

In this way, the tuning on the bands is very accurate because each band has the entire extension of all the musical scale.
In the devices produced in the following years, the Band of the Short Waves were compressed into a single musical scale.
The Medium Waves are also divided into three sections:

MW1 - 585 to 318 mt (515 - 945 kHz)
MW2 - 321 to 185 mt (935 - 1620 kHz)

Moreover, the memorization of one Medium Wave station is planned. Pressing the ORT-S button, the head of a threaded plank appears, allows the button to be rotated and tune into a favourite station.
Each time that you press the ORT-S button, the radio will tune in to the memorized station.
The FM Band ranges from 87.5 to 100 MHz. The installation of Bluetooth is highly recommended on this radio.

The amplifier section consists in a classic EABC80 tube as a preamplifier. It is equipped from controls of the high and low tones.
The output stage is a powerful EL12 polarized to operate in A-Class.
It is provided with a negative feedback system, elaborated for linearize the response in the frequency of the output stage.
However, the circuit does not introduce a high feedback factor, so the sound remains very natural.
The output transformer is well dimensioned, so it is impossible to have saturation effects.

The result of all these expensive technical solutions allows a high quality of the sound.
This was another excellent realization of the Grundig engineers.

Grundig 4010W

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: Onde Medie (OM1, OM2), Onde Lunghe (OL), Onde Corte (OC1-OC2-OC3), FM (UKW), OM (Memory)
Loudspeakers:
1 elliptical wideband
1 elliptical Mid/Tweeter
Dimensions (LHD):  660 x 414 x 295 mm / 26 x 16.3 x 11.6 inch
Net weight: 16.7 kg / 36 lb 12.5 oz
8 tubes:
EF80 EC92 EF41 ECH81 EM34 EAF42 EABC80 EL12

Grundig 4010W

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 4010W

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 4010W

BAND INDICATOR

With this beautiful type of keyboard, called "piano", you cannot understand which band key is pressed and which band is being listened to.
For this reason, each button has an indicator that changes color when the relative key is selected.

LOUDSPEAKERS

There are two loudspeakers.
This couple of loudspeakers are very oversized.
In fact, it is the same couple used in the 5010 models, that assembles two EL12 by push-pull mode.
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.
Grundig produce both loudspeakers.
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 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.

Grundig 4010W

CONTROL PANEL

Grundig 4010W

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.

Grundig 4010W

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 4010W
Ducati RR3404 Paniere ducati - en

Ducati RR3404 Paniere – en

Ducati RR3404 Paniere

The Ducati Breveti Society was born in Bologna in 1926 by the Ducati family.
The business grew quickly, so much so, that Adriano Ducati decided to extend the production from condenser to complete radio equipment.
When the Borgo Panigale office was opened further expansion took place.
In 1938, the Optics centre was created and for this reason two other plants were built near Borgo Panigale (one near Bazzano and one in Crespellano).
This production intensified to the point that Bruno Ducati began to study a new project to extend the plant even further.
In 1935, the Borgo Panigale plant was established.
This was a modern and ambitious project intended to create an industrial and technological centre in Bologna.
During this time, Ducati developed abroad opening branches in London, Paris, New York, Sydney and Caracus.
In 1954, during state management Ducati’s production was divided into Ducati Electrotechnics and Ducati Mechanics.
Ducati Mechanics was located in Plant 2, while Ducati Electrotechnics (now Ducati Energia) occupied the rest of the building.
The rest is modern history.

It is not a device purchased in recent times. It was purchased from the grandfather of the current owner.
The radio remained in the family, it was the only survivor of a previous collection; it was too important to remain abandoned in a damp warehouse.
This magic talking box, deserved to see the light of day again and make its baritone tone resonate in the middle of the room.

The page dedicated to this device is different from the usual one, it illustrates the history about this excellent and fascinating restoration.

Ducati 350 Mark 3
Ducati 350 Mark 3 - My first motorcycle, purchased with my personal savings, aged 18.
Ducati capacitor
The first Ducati capacitor, the “Manens”.

THE DAY IT WAS DELIVERED TO ME

THE LOUDSPEAKER

THE CABINET

THE FRAME

REASSEMBLY

Braun RCS9 braun - en

Braun RCS9 – en

Braun RCS9

Braun RCS9

The best Tube receiver built by BRAUN.
Same receiver you find on model with turntable Atelier 2 and 3.

This receiver section represents the utmost of Braun tube production. It belongs to the class of biggest German receivers such as Telefunken Opus 2550, Nordmende 3004, Graetz Stereo Unit 250, the Saba Studio I etc.

Main feauture of this device is the simplification of electric circuits (today is pretty self-explanatory, but in 1961 it was considered a remarkable feature). Differently from other devices the Braun’s Negative Feedback is reduced to a single resistance (highlighted in red) aiming at a low distorsion and an excellent musical transparency.

The sounds control circuit is canonical: a very efficient and balanced Baxandall circuit (highlighted in yellow). It allows the sound control without changing the signal’s phase according to potentiometers.

The Loudness circuit (highlighted in green) is extremely simple and studies for a correct emphasis of low frequencies. Sound quality is as good as Telefunken’s, Nordmende’s, grundig's and Graetz’s of the same level, more refinement maybe.. You will definitely need high-efficiency loudspeakers. This enhanced device is valuable for its breathtaking design and for its performance both.

Braun Atelier 3 Enhanced

-FM frequency range widened from to 88 up to 104 MHz.
- Ultra noiseless MPX decoder embed.
- Output stages with noiseless resistors.
- Bluetooth receiver embed.
In no other place is there so much

 

FM FREQUENCY RANGE
FM frequency range widened from 88 up to 108 MHz

READ MORE >

IMPROVED AMPLIFIERS
Amplifiers with new noiseless capacitors and resistors

READ MORE >

STEREO DECODER
Ultra noiseless MPX decoder embed

READ MORE >

BLUETOOTH
Bluetooth receiver embed

READ MORE >

TUBESOUND IMPROVEMENT

- FM frequency range widened from to 88 up to 104 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 some units from 88 to 104 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 range. The result is perfect. An original device, but with the ability to listen most stations in any country.

- Improved amplifier - New high quality Metal Film resistors take a place of the noisy old carbon composite resistors. The old capacitors are completely renewed with very low parasitic losses (ESR). Great attention in the direction of assembly of the components has been used. All the improvements are substantial.

- Ultra noiseless MPX decoder - A MPX decoder was introduced between RF and BF stages. Usually it lack. It's a decoder developed specifically for this unit by a German engineer I work with. The noise level introduced is very low. Crosstalk is perfectly calibrated. With correct receiving conditions the result is an accurate reconstruction of the sound stage.

- 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.

Rams-London

Dieter Rams installing the 'The New Electronics' pavilion for the show "Designing Modern Life" held within the Design Museum in London.

London Design Museum Rams

Design Museum of London

Short bibliograpy

- Walter Gropius, The new architecture and the Bauhaus, Cambridge, M.I.T. Press, 1968, ©1965.
- Gropius - Marston Fitch, Walter Gropius, New York, G. Braziller, (The masters of world architecture series), 1960.
- Magdalena Droste; Angelika Taschen, Bauhaus 1919 - 1933, Ko?ln Taschen 2002,
- Reissinger; Robinson; Siebenbrodt, Bauhaus Weimar - designs for the future, Ostfildern-Ruit : Hatje Cantz Publishers, 2000.
- Jaeggi-Schwaiger, Fagus: industrial culture from Werkbund to Bauhaus, New York , Princeton Architectural Press, 2000.
- Hans-Joachim Braun, The German economy in the twentieth century (The German Reich and the Federal Republic), Routledge, New York 1990.
- Jonathan M Woodham, Twentieth century design, Oxford University Press, Oxford 1997.
- Nigel Whiteley, Design for society, London, Reaktion Books, 1998.

Web:
- http://www.bauhaus.de/
- http://designmuseum.org/design/dieter-rams
- http://gizmodo.com/5411868/dieter-rams-gallery/gallery/10
- http://www.formguide.de/en/designers/overview/peter-keler/

BAUHAUS AND 60's

The 1961 is one of those "crossroads" years of the History of Twentieth Century. That year's events will leave a deep mark - for better or for worse - in Europe. The international context has deeply changed form the post-war years. The Nations that allied to defeat the Nazi Germany are by now opposed militarily and ideologically. From the beginning of the year the Cold War influences the whole World. The threat of a new Global War appears at this point inevitable, and the assumptions are all there. In this gloomy climate, a series of crucial events for mankind comes in succession.

In Germany, in particular, 1961 is recalled as "The year of the wall". In few days the Authorities of the German Democratic Republic ordered the construction of a double layered wall and an armed surveillance system to divide East Berlin form the western sectors. Berlin Wall becomes the symbol of a contrast between East and West that gradually involves the whole World, shortly afterwords bringing it to the brink of a nuclear catastrophe with the Cuban crisis two years later.

The contrasting two superpowers involves all sectors of the economic and political life. Scientific research paves the way to the conquest of Space, opening another contest front between USA and USSR to reach the Space. On April 12th, 1961 Yuri Gagarin with the Vostok 1 is the first human being to travel into Space and orbit around the Earth. the United States of America have to acknowledge the huge leap ahead of the technological development of Soviet Union.

It's the intellectuals turn to build bridges between the counter posed parts. 1961 is sure enough an extraordinary year also for Culture: Ivo Andric is awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature; the debate between Positivism and Dialectical materialism divides the Frankfurt School. Karl Popper and Theodor Adorno discuss on the Scientific Research Methodology and give birth to the "Positivismusstreit", namely the clash between Positivism and Dialectical materialism that will influence the future Epistemological debate. The philosophical debate is as such originated by the different ideological visions of Marxism and Positivism. Hemingway commits suicide and Primo Levi writes "La tregua/The Truce", an account of a return to the world of the Living after the hell of Lagers.

The 1961 is moreover the Economic Boom year and the re-construction of the Europe that had been destroyed during the Second World War -that went on during the '50s - forms the paving ground of an unprecedented economic growth period. The welfare society arises, and Germany is in the front line.

German culture rediscovers Weimar. and the representatives of the artistic and theatrical avantgarde, such as Brecht. Walter Gropius, founder in 1919 of the revolutionary tendency of Bauhaus Architecture, establishes in Darmstad the Bauhaus Archive. The Bauhaus, created in 1919, and permanently snapped off with the coming to power of Hitler, is rediscovered in the early '60s by the new generation grown in the harsh postwar period. The rediscovering of the essential lines of the concept of the great German architect is, for the architects of the '60s an Epiphany. The hose and the furniture become the final product of a mental, planning and practical process that combines together technique, ergonomics, simplicity in an totally innovative stylistic merger.

New building techniques concepts enter into the big firms trough by hiring designers, new profession that starts influencing the production lines. With thins new approach the product-objects that are sold are to be seen in a “total” product vision, that is a synthesis of technique and concept.The modern idea of Design as we currently mean it is born.

Braun is one of the first Firms that decides to invest in Design. The best designer was Dieter Rams, who was on apprentice with Otto Apel (Apel was for ten years the assistant of Albert Speer, Hitler's architect, and following that became the Ministry for Armaments and War Production of the Reich. After the war he was hired by the Americans to modernize the construction industry techniques in the USA). Rams started a stylistic research work that brought him to develop the concept of “ergonomic essentiality”, summarized in his aphorism "Weniger, aber besser", that is “Less, but better” or in a wider sense “Less, as long as better”.The influences of the Bauhaus are clear in his works, particularly Peter Keler works, from which he took the concepts of “spatiality” and “linearity” of works as "Wiege (Cradle)", 1922 translating the into simple and elegant lines.

Carlo Giacchin

Dieter Rams Paris.jpg

Dieter Rams at Vitsœ - Paris

Dieter Rams’ 10 principles of good design

Good Design is Innovative - The possibilities for innovation are not, by any means, exhausted.
Good Design Makes a Product Useful - A product is bought to be used. Good design emphasises the usefulness of a product.
Good Design is Aesthetic - The aesthetic quality of a product is integral to its usefulness because products are used every day and have an effect on people and their well-being.
Good Design Makes a Product Understandable - It clarifies the product’s structure.
Good Design is Unobtrusive Products - fulfilling a purpose are like tools. They are neither decorative objects nor works of art.
Good Design is Honest - It does not make a product more innovative, powerful or valuable than it really is. It does not attempt to manipulate the consumer with promises that cannot be kept.
Good Design is Long-lasting - It avoids being fashionable and therefore never appears antiquated.
Good Design Is Thorough Down to the Last Detail - Nothing must be arbitrary or left to chance. Care and accuracy in the design process show respect towards the consumer.
Good Design is Environmentally Friendly - Design makes an important contribution to the preservation of the environment.
Good Design is as Little Design as Possible - Less, but better. Back to purity, back to simplicity.

MAIN FEATURES

 

Year of production: 1961/65

Superheterodyne IF 455/10700
8 AM Circuits 12 FM Circuits

Wavebands: LW, MW, SW, FM

Operating voltage (CA) 110; 125; 160; 220 Volts

Dimensions (LHD): 562 x 195 x 280 mm / 22.1 x 7.7 x 11 inch
Net weight: 13 kg / 28 lb 10.1 oz (28.634 lb)

11 Tubes: ECC85 ECH81 EF89 EBF89 EM84 ECC83 ECC83 EC92 EC92 ELL80 ELL80

Rotating ferrite aerial for AM bands

Braun RCS9
Braun RCS9

TONE CONTROL

The tone control system use Baxandall circuits as described in the initial comments.
The network is logarithmic and also potentiometers, as in the original Baxandall project.
With this circuit the improved symmetry of response curves is worth it.

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.

Braun RCS9 Atelier 2
Braun Atelier 3 Enhanced

TUNING INDICATOR

The magic eye has of course been replaced.

CONTROL PANEL

Braun RCS9

The volume control is on the left (with built-in loudness) and axially.
The next control you meet on the left is the Treble. Then you can see the Bass control knob.
Above you see the Magic Eye (Tuning Indicator)
On the left you meet the band spread dial with the FM, Short, Medium, and Long Wave bands.
Below you see the control buttons. Respectively: Off, Voice, AFC, Stereo/Mono, Turntable, LW, Internal AM Antenna, MW, SW, FM.
On the right the big tuning knob.
Below you see the Volume Control II (Deactivated), the Balance control and the ferrite aerial orientation knob. 

Braun RCS9 Atelier 2

REAR SIDE

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

RESTORATION STEPS

THE USUAL AMAZING LAST IMAGE
Braun RCS9
Grundig Stereomeister 15 german radios - en

Grundig Stereomeister 15 – en

Grundig Stereomeister 15

GRUNDIG STEREOMEISTER 15

Despite the look futuristic, for that time, the Stereomeister 15 use only tube circuits.
In this device the original decoder has been replaced with a modern decoder specifically designed. This decoder has a better separation and a lower noise rate than the original one.

The most interesting feature of this model is that the output transformers are bigger than in later models.
I think that also the German industry progressively saved money in their projects.
Transformers larger means less possibility of saturation, deeper bass and lower distortion.
Like others Stereomeister the final stage is a class AB Push-Pull with a feedback circuit for response linearization and distortion decrease.
By employing efficient diffusers the power is more than appropriate even if you want to play the in big spaces.

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 at a certain level.

The unit is equipped with variable control of the Hall effect.
This refinement has been implemented in order to obtain a depth similar to what you have listening music in a very large room, such as a cathedral.
It's achieved by delaying the sound than the original and remix both.
I discourages the use of the Hall feature. The effect can be pleasant but it is a distortion of the original informations.

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.

Produced in 1964 the Stereomeister 15 belongs to the Grundig highest class tube radio.

Grundig Stereomeister 15

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: 1964
Superheterodyne IF 468/10700
6 AM Circuits
11 FM Circuits
Wavebands:
Medium Waves (OM),  Long Waves (OL), Short waves (OC), FM (UKW)
Dimensions (LHD): 22.8 x 9.1 x 8.7 inch
Net weight: 28 lb 10.1 oz
8 Tubes:
ECC85, ECH81, EAF801, 2 x ECC808, EM87, 2 x ECLL800
Decoder stereo
Ferrite Aerial

Grundig Stereomeister 15

SEPARATE LOUDSPEAKERS

This device is not equipped with speakers placed inside the cabinet as any modern tuner-amplifier
In the gallery you can see the Stereomeister with a couple of Grundig 850 Professional

STEREO DECODER

The radio is equipped with a Stereo-Decoder purposely projected and tested for it.

That means it is a real stereo, not like most other vintage radio that used to be mono in the radio FM and stereo sections only because of the double final section.

Grundig Stereomeister 15
Grundig Stereomeister 15

TUBES

The tubes are ECC85 ECH81 EAF801 ECC808 EM87 ECC808 ECLL800 ECLL800.
The 2 ECLL800 are like of a Push Pull of 4 EL95 with their own preamplifier stages built inside.

AERIALS

Inside the cabinet there is a dipole for FM and an orientable ferrite antenna for AM reception.
The receiving sensitivity with internal antennas is very good.

Grundig Stereomeister 15
Grundig Stereomeister 15

SEPARATE CONTROL TUNING BETWEEN AM AND FM

The tuning system is another gem.
The unit is equipped with mechanisms for keeping separate the AM bands by each of the other two 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.

Grundig Stereomeister 15
Grundig Stereomeister 15

INDICATORS

 

 

 

The stereo FM station indicator

Grundig Stereomeister 15

The tuning indicator has of course been replaced.

CONTROL PANEL

Grundig Stereomeister 15

From the left we find the Bass emphasis switch, the Stereo/Mono switch, the bands selectors, FM, SW, MW, LW, Phono and the OFF switch.
After we find the volume control with loudness built-in, the Bass control, the Treble control, the balance control and coaxially the Hall Control.
On the upper side we find the magic eye that indicates the perfect tuning of each station, the stereo indicator, the AM main display for Long Wave Medium and Court bands, and the FM display.
Finally, there is the tuning knob.
The movement of the tuning knob is very pleasant being supported by a large flywheel.

Grundig Stereomeister 15

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 Stereomeister 15
telefunken concertino steuergerät 2380 german radios - en

Telefunken concertino steuergerät 2380 – en

TELEFUNKEN CONCERTINO STEUERGERÄT 2380

TELEFUNKEN CONCERTINO STEUERGERÄT 2380

Around the early 1960s, the biggest German manufacturers put what we now call "receivers" on the market. They called them Steuergerät, which means Electronic Control Unit. The Telefunken Concertino Steuergerät 2380 is one such device.
The Telefunken produced two lines of Steuergerät, one with output stage in A class and the other in AB class. The Concertino 2380 had its output stage in A class, while the Opus 2430, and then the Opus 2550, had their output stage in AB class.
The Concertino has the same sizes, the same cabinet than Opus 2550. The Opus models are more powerful, with 7 W per channel, while the Concertino has 4 W per channel, but 4 W in A class makes the difference.
Another big difference between the Opus and the Concertino is that the Opus was designed with an embedded stereo decoder, while in the Concertino the decoder was optional. All our Concertinos are equipped with a stereo decoder.
The final tube in the Concertino is the famous ECL86. This dual tube consists of a triode, used as a preamplifier, and a pentode, used as a power output. We can often find this tube in refined amplifiers such as the Bang & Olufsen 608 or Scott Stereomaster 200B. The Concertino 2380 is equipped with oversized output transformers to prevent the air-gap reaches saturation. Furthermore, the huge power supply is oversized, as you can see in the pictures.
The circuit also provides a negative feedback that guarantees its linearity. The preamplifier stage has a physiological control of volume and tone controls separated for treble and bass. There are also two removable equalizers, further emphasizing the bass and treble. They’re very useful when the device is coupled to speakers whose frequency response is not entirely linear.
Finally, the sound is very round and balanced, as you'd expect. You can perceive the spaces between the notes. This tube device produces a warm sound, as expected, but can even be edgy with speakers with supertweeters.
The phenomenal sound quality is really unthinkable for this type of device. Since the device has built-in Bluetooth, it’s especially suitable for listening to streaming music. This, in my opinion, is putting it to its best use.

Beautiful stereo receiver with output stages Single Ended in A class, packed into a valuable hidden cabinet. It’s a precious component of a vintage home hi-fi system.

telefunken concertino steuergerät 2380

SEPARATE LOUDSPEAKERS

It is possible to connect any speaker, preferably with high efficiency.

DETAILS >

STEREO DECODER

The device is equipped with the rare Stereo Decoder, allowing you to listen to a multitude of FM Stereo broadcasts in stereo

DETAILS >

BLUETOOTH
Built-in Bluetooth receiver

DETAILS >

MULTI PLATFORM CONNNECTION
Each radio is equipped with a special cable that connects with any digital source.

DETAILS >

TUBESOUND ENHANCEMENT

- Separate loudspeakers - Using separate loudspeakers is an important option for stereo receivers. This allows you to couple the receiver to speakers best suited to particular space, design or acoustic performance requirements. The most suitable loudspeakers are analysed later, under loudspeakers.

- Stereo Decoder - The device has an integrated Stereo Decoder. This allows you to listen to stations that use this transmissions system in stereo. Many stereo receivers are not equipped with a Multiplexer so they work in stereo only when you select the record player’s /Recorder/Aux input . Such receivers, in listening to the radio, send the same signal to both channels, so listening is monaural. This is not the case with the Concertino 2380, which is totally beyond stereo.

- Built-in Bluetooth receiver - This unit can be equipped with a BLUETOOTH receiver powered directly from the device. That makes it possible to use the amplifier from any digital device, IPAD, Smartphone, or sophisticated multimedia station. You can listen to your wireless Web Stations or favorite music around the room. On request, we can also mount a Wireless Receiver.

- Multi Platform connections - Along with the device, we can also provides you an impedance adapter cable to connect any digital source, such as iphone, smartphone, computer, CD player, etc. This purpose-built cable adapts different impedances of modern digital equipment. Also the two stereo channels are collected into a single flow without increasing the load input unit.

Kaiser Wilhelm II
Telefunken U73b Compressor
Telefunken U73b Compressor
Telefunken V76 in studio

THE STORY

1903 To prevent the English Marconi Company from having a monopoly on wireless transmissions,,Kaiser Wilhelm II orders the company AEG and Siemens to set up a joint venture to develop wireless telegraphy in Germany. It was established under the name of Gesellschaft für drahtlose Telegrafen mbH.

1923 The company name is changed to Firmierung in Telefunken, Gesellschaft für drahtlose Telegrafen mbH. Abbreviated as Telefunken, where Tele means Telegraph and Funken means "Lightning" in the sense of being fast and immediate.

1930 Production gradually moves from military and Government equipment to the production of consumer appliances. During this period, Telefunken enters the market of radio-television, recorders and etching of records.

1930 As radio transmissions are now needed not only to transmit telegraph messages, but also true music and speech broadcasts, it becomes necessary to introduce the concept of sound compression, to avoid continual volume level changes of the radio. Telefunken designs and produces the U3, the first compressor for transmitting stations in the world,. TheU73b, as seen in the picture, represents the evolution of previous models—it allows you to change the compression level, the release times and the attack times.

1941 All Telefunken’s actions are transferred to AEG, which effectively becomes the sole owner of the trademark Telefunken, its factories and patents.

1948 Germany is not invited to the Copenhagen Conference, where the division of Medium and Short Wave radio frequencies of Central Europe is decided. The war has just ended, and officially Germany isn't considered as a technologically important nation. Because of this, Germany decides to develop FM broadcasts even if the quality of the transmissions is considerably higher than those in the AM. At this time, Telefunken develops the V72 microphone/amplification system and its evolutions, intended to be used in all German broadcasters and most European ones too, as well as at the most important recording studios, such as EMI, Decca, Telefunken, etc.

1955 The company becomes Telefunken GmbH.

1967 Telefunken is joined with AEG and the company becomes ‘’AEG-Telefunken’’.

1970 Poor management causes the company to lose market shares. AEG begins to outsource entire business segments and make constant rearrangements.

1985 Daimler-Benz AG buys what remains of AEG-Telefunken.

1996 The name Telefunken is cleared and all activities related to audio products stop.

Today The company name has been renewed in Telefunken Holding AG. Telefunken and its use worldwide are responsible for the name. In United States Telefunken USA buys the rights to build and market worldwide original microphones and some audio equipment under the brand Telefunken Elektroakustik.
The original company that helped spread the music throughout the world doesn’t exist anymore.

MAIN FEATURES

Year of production: 1963

Superheterodyne IF: 460/10700 8 Circuiti AM 11 Circuiti FM

Wavebands:
Medium Waves (OM), Long Waves (OL)
Short waves (OC), FM (UKW) 

VOLTAGE (AC) 110; 125; 160; 220 Volts

External Loudspeakers

Dimensions (LHD):   25.6 x 10 x 10.6 inch

Net weight: 30 lb 13.4 oz

8 Tubes: ECC85 ECH81 EBF89 EBC91 EM84 ECC83 2 x ECL86

Rotating ferrite antenna for AM bands
Stereo Decoder

telefunken concertino steuergerät 2380

LOUDSPEAKERS

The coupling of this receiver with high efficiency speakers is perfect.
Any Open Baffle, or JBL, Altec, Cervin Vega and Jensen.
Satellite speakers with hidden subwoofer are also fine.
However, the receiver is unable to drive low efficiency speakers, such as the AR3A and similar models.

TONE CONTROL WITH LEVEL INDICATION

As with each Hi-Fi amplifier from this time period, the Concertino 2380 has separate bass and treble control. An interesting feature is that the high-tone control also changes its efficiency with the volume variance, because of its association with the loudness circuit.

There is also a system of correction for the frequency response, consisting of two buttons that insert preset equalization curves. The BASS button emphasizes the low frequencies while the Jazz button emphasizes the high frequencies.

ANTENNA ORIENTATION

Inside the Cabinet there is a dipole to receive FM bands and Shortwaves. A ferrite rotating antenna is for long and medium waves reception. The ferrite antenna can be rotated from the outside to collect the maximum possible signal while receiving two AM bands.

In the picture you can see the entire mechanism of the antenna’s rotation. Using the internal antennas, the sensitivity is very good. Of course, under some conditions, using an external antenna further increases the receiver’s sensitivity.

SEPARATED TUNING CONTROL BETWEEN AM AND FM

The tuning system is interesting and different than other devices made in Germany. The device is equipped with separate tuning mechanisms for AM and FM bands. There are two tuning knobs, separate but coaxial, with cable and pulley systems separated depending on the band. This type of tuning has a very strong mechanics.
Regarding maintenance, cleaning and lubricating once every 10 to 15 years is sufficient.

telefunken concertino steuergerät 2380

TUNING INDICATOR

The magic eye has of course been replaced.

MAIN CONTROLS

telefunken concertino steuergerät 2380

To the right is the Magic Eye, which indicates the perfect tuning position for each station.
You can also see the coaxial volume controls (with built-in loudness) and balance controls.
Just below there’s the Bass control knob.
At the top we can find the dial glass.

Below, in order,
- the BASS switch (bass boosted),
- STEREO, AUS (off),
- LW (long wave), MW (medium wave), KW (shortwave), UKW(FM),
- INTIM (reduces the volume by 20 dB),
- JAZZ (treble emphasis).
Finally there are AM/FM Tuning knobs.
Below, you can see the high-tone control knob.

telefunken concertino steuergerät 2380

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
telefunken concertino steuergerät 2380