[Eliot Ness]

I've heard a Stratosphere, and I was actually disappointed.

That's kind of surprising Ron. The Stratosphere restored correctly, if nothing else, is a heck of a great sounding radio.... if it has good audio getting to it.

The problem you run into with sound comparisons is you almost have to do an A/B test to compare sets at this level with the same sound source. You're also dealing with 70 year old electronics, speakers, and questionable alignments. The three Strats I've heard have a theater sound that I've yet to hear equaled in a radio of that vintage. In Milwaukee I was privileged to hear a nice Strat compared to a pretty hot Philharmonic. With a higher end FM tuner (can't remember the brand) the Strat sounded incredible. The Philly was no slouch either, but the Strat was really cooking. Now on the DX end of things I'd have to give the edge to the Philly.

As far as Philco vs Zenith vs Wells Gardner vs blah, blah, blah, you've got to collect what appeals to you. If I was only concerned about sound and performance I sure wouldn't be collecting early mantel sets, but design plays a large part in what I collect. My current favorite radio is sure not one I'd use for a daily driver, but I love the looks of my funky little Erla:

[Image: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v348/j...Front1.jpg]

Not that I don't like my Zeniths and my Brand P sets , but it's oddball mantel sets like this one that get me revved up, whether they're hot performers or not. Just my two centavos worth of commentary.