10-20-2008, 08:53 PM
I did a little comparison tonight with these sets. Side by side using the same antenna. I'd switch between the two. Making a long story short, here's the results. More useless info to come latter on 
Ok, the 116 without any doubt, has an edge on the high & low SW bands. It's about the same in the MW/PB band. Also, it seems to have a slight edge in the lower portion of the BCB, say below 800/kc. Not much, but there's a detectable difference. About the same on the LW band.
Now, both sets have been operating for about 1 1/2 hours. They're good and warm. I touched up the IF Ant & RF alignments on the 650 just to be sure. I re-checked the alignment on the 116, and it's still at it's max. Both sets are running full tilt. The 116 does have an overall edge in sensitivity. It seems to shine more in the SW bands. I imaging that's where Philco targeted this set. I couldn't detect any difference in selectivity.
Keep in mind. All caps & lytics have been replaced. I've gone through most of the important resistors to make sure they're in spec. I still have a few more to check on the 116. Also, both sets are just about spot on with tube voltages. So they're the best they can be as they sit right now.
Bottom line, both sets are hot performers as consumer sets go. No complaints on either of them. Just a little something I'd thought I'd share with you.
Here's the 116 vid for those who haven't seen it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3jPTl7VvVc
Ok, the 116 without any doubt, has an edge on the high & low SW bands. It's about the same in the MW/PB band. Also, it seems to have a slight edge in the lower portion of the BCB, say below 800/kc. Not much, but there's a detectable difference. About the same on the LW band.
Now, both sets have been operating for about 1 1/2 hours. They're good and warm. I touched up the IF Ant & RF alignments on the 650 just to be sure. I re-checked the alignment on the 116, and it's still at it's max. Both sets are running full tilt. The 116 does have an overall edge in sensitivity. It seems to shine more in the SW bands. I imaging that's where Philco targeted this set. I couldn't detect any difference in selectivity.
Keep in mind. All caps & lytics have been replaced. I've gone through most of the important resistors to make sure they're in spec. I still have a few more to check on the 116. Also, both sets are just about spot on with tube voltages. So they're the best they can be as they sit right now.
Bottom line, both sets are hot performers as consumer sets go. No complaints on either of them. Just a little something I'd thought I'd share with you.
Here's the 116 vid for those who haven't seen it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3jPTl7VvVc
-Brian
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