I want a new tube radio

[big_sho9]

I wonder why the radio manufactures wont produce a new tube style radio? Old tube radios seem to have a cult following, like the Browning screaming demons, Yaesu 101's, and the Kenwood 830. Even old 830's are selling for 5-600 bucks, so I think one would sell. Id like to have a new tube radio that has a modern twist. Like an auto tuner, 300 watts of power, internal power supply, and a digital menu. Put good filters in it. Make it BIG! We should all start emailing the manufactures and tell them what we want.

 

[w9cll]

It would never sell

 

[Slowmover]

It would never sell

Yup. Can’t give away a tube amp in audiophile-land.

This one's $50,000.

Nothing at all like the ones surpassing seven-figures.

.

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

Something like that would cost thousands of dollars if it were made today, unfortunately.

 

[Slowmover]

Something like that would cost thousands of dollars if it were made today, unfortunately.

It’s brand-new.

$900 to $90,000 will get you a bewildering set of choices.

“Single-End Triode”. Lee DeForest 1912 patent. Still not surpassed.

A Kondo Ongaku Class A is a worthy example of that today.

Start there . . . .

See if you can’t find a pair of Western Electric 12a & 13a speakers (1926) to go with that.

(I promise great fun in reading).

.

 

[Slowmover]

Multiply 1950s prices x12. (Won’t be enough for low numbers of sales)

 

[w9cll]

Nobody said anything about audio tube shit. Mark Levinson, Carver, McIntosh, and a few others made some great tube stuf

 

[nomadradio]

Over the years I have found myself having to come up with substitutes for parts no longer made. Choke coils, IF and RF transformers, just to start. If you're serious about building a tube-type radio new, the best example that comes to mind would be Martin Jue, the MFJ guy.

Parts he can't buy any more he makes. Except for tubes.

Anyone who wants to build a new tube-type CB will also be in the IF/RF transformer, audio transformer and coil business.

Might not have to make your own resistors and capacitors. Parts with lead wires are not extinct yet, but finding a reliable supply to keep your assembly line running will be tougher than finding a bag of 100 on fleabay to run your repair shop.

OTOH, a tube radio with surface-mount parts is a thought I hadn't had.

Yet.

Would this qualify as the worst of both worlds?

Tubes and sockets will be the least of your worries.

The hardest single thing to turn up will be the money to get it launched. The rest of the details are just, er, money to be spent.

73

 

[big_sho9]

I'm surprised the Chinese hasn't come out with one. They like to copy everything. A patent is only good for what,,30 years? Have you seen how they have been copying the classic dirt bikes from the 80's? I bought one back in 2008. It had a serous lack of power, (12hp). It was like a fat girlfriend, fun to ride, but I didnt want my friends to see me on it.

 

[bob85]

Maybe if you & a couple of thousand buddies to send $25000 each with a begging note asking for an modern 300w autotuning 830s it may raise an eyebrow in the kenwood board room but i doubt it.

a decent HF set & ACOM 2000 would kick its ass for way less cash.

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

An all tube radio would be super expensive with very little market. If all you want is a modern radio with tube output stages then bjy a low power radio and throw an amp behind it. Exact same thing.

 

[TM86]

Grab a Galaxy 2547, put some orange-yellowish hued LED's under the vent holes in the back and call it "tube-like".

If you really want a modern tube-powered CB you're going to have to design a prototype and build it yourself, or hire an enigineer to do it for you. If you have the money you could gear up a small production line and sell into the limited market that would want such a thing. I don't think the big names in the business now would go for it due to the limited sales volumes their models would predict.

But who knows, with the right timing it could be a hit. For an example, see "Pet Rock".

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

What exactly is a "Dave Made" radio?

 

[r carl]

Yup. Can’t give away a tube amp in audiophile-land.

View attachment 40307

This one's $50,000.

Nothing at all like the ones surpassing seven-figures.

.

I would rather have that than a painting to put on a wall...

 

[543_Dallas]

What exactly is a "Dave Made" radio?

Quadrature modulated goodness.