Ok, here is a little quiz for everyone. What is the best bakelite, tabletop 45 player that RCA sold? So far my restored 45-EY-3 is the best 3 tube unit I've had so far. But, I also know that they sold a 4 tube unit (actually had one, but gave up on it and sold it), and that they sold little radio-phono combinations as well. I realize the best 45 players were probably the hi-fi units produced in wooden cabinets later on, but for now I'd like to see what ones of the bakelite era you guys like best. Gives me something to ponder over while I'm basically living at work over this 9 day stretch.
The 9Y7 is a wooden cabinet radio/phono from 1949. It has a push pull amp and is probably the best sounding of the early tabletop models. As far as the Bakelite 45 players go, I don’t notice much difference between a 9-EY-3, 45-EY-2 or 45-EY-3. They are all pretty similar three tube amps with no tone controls. The nicer sounding units usually include a radio.
I have a 9Y7, but it is in need of a good bit of help. The major issue is that it is missing the inner cover panel that goes over the chassis. Right now you can open the lid and look right down into the dirty chassis with its broken dial cord.
Took me over a year to finally find what model it was as well as the tag is halfway worn off!
I have one too. Mine still needs work but it’s complete. I’m looking forward to getting it working but I have a few projects ahead of it.