[Jake Blake]

I'll have to review that to catch all your annotation, but it looks packed with great information on these radios.  I found the dust covers on the backs of some drivers most interesting.  Extra bit of care there!
Thanks for sharing Peter!  

[RadioSvit]

Thank you, Jake. I made some mistakes in this video and will fix them in the next series ...

[RadioSvit]

  TOP 20 of the best radios in Europe 1935-45 . Part one
English version.
Ukrainian version here ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Lyg6...

20 place
Desired by all collectors of the world, the legendary Audiophile Siemens Kamermusik Shcatul 76 W. 1937. Germany.

At first glance, it might seem that this is ordinary ordinary radio ... Only three ranges - LW, MW and SW from 19 to 54 meters, seven “A” series of radio tubes - ACH-1, AF-3, AB-2, AM-2, AC-2, AD-1 and RGN-2004, there is no high-frequency amplifier ... But ... this is Siemens. )

The famous audiophile direct-burning triode AD-1 in the output stage of the ULF and the equally famous audiophile "telefunkenovskiy" 24 cm speaker, excellent sound and ergonomics, German quality plus the unique corporate design of the founder of the "Casket" line give reason to include this model in the list of our 20 ...

19th place.
Orion 177
1941 year.Hungary.

Stylish representative of Hungary, the most underrated country with a strong radio industry. Seven radio tubes of the "red" E "series - EF-8, ECH-4, EF-9, EF-9, EM-4, EBL-1 and AZ-1.
Four ranges, of which two stretched short-wavelength ones with a total overlap of 13 to 50 meters, a highly sensitive speaker with electro-magnetization of 25 cm in size, a wide selection of clang registers, wonderful sound, sophisticated design and veneered body also add points to include it in our list.

18th place.
Philips 890 A.
1937 year. Eindhoven. Netherlands

The famous “one-handed” Philips with one joystick control knob that controls volume, tone and station tuning. In fact, there were two knobs ...) The second in the form of a ring switched ranges.

One could only be surprised at the ingenuity of the designers, but this is not their only creative ...)
No less original is the retractable scale with ... a rope occasion for the arrow and indicator of the included range. 9 radio tubes - EK-2, EF-5, EBC-3, EBC-3, EM-1, EL-3, EL-3 and AZ-1. Three ranges - LW, MW and SW from 19 to 50 meters. A powerful push-pull ULF and a 25 cm speaker are another big plus. The result is a worthy place on the list.

17th place
Philips 895x
1939. Eindhoven. Holland

A cheaper version of the “Royal Philips” - without a motor drive settings and with a less powerful ULF. Nevertheless, in all other characteristics, it is not inferior to its older brother. We have radio tubes - EF-8, ECH-4, EF-9, EAB-1, EM-4, EF-6, EL-3 and AZ-1.
Eight (!) Ranges of which five (!) Shortwave stretched, a presentation mechanism for tunings at a station with 6 fixed positions, a high-frequency amplifier with low noise, surprisingly high-quality sound from a rather small 20 cm speaker - well, almost king ”, which in terms of high-frequency characteristics is completely in no way inferior to the flagship of the company.

16th place
Philips D63
1939. Philips Deutschland

Three ranges of LW, MW and SW from 16 to 50 meters. The motor drive tunes to the radio station, 6-fixed presets and the same unique presentable scale mechanism. Strong influence of German technical and design culture.

Eight radio tubes - EF-13 ECH-11 AF-3, ABC-1, EM-11 AF-7, AL-4 and AZ-1. An interesting technological feature of the German branch of Philips is the principal ignore of the European (Philips) “red” E series. All radio tubes are only made by German manufacturers, even if for this we had to use radio tubes of different series and even with different voltages of cathode heaters. ) Three lamps with a voltage of 6.3 volts, the rest -4. )


15th place.

Siemens Kamermusik Shcatul 15W
1941 year. Germany

Strict and outwardly ascetic flagship of the company of the Second World War ... Nothing more, the maximum possible with a minimum of resources expended. But not at the expense of sound quality ...)
Four ranges, two of which are short-wave half-stretched with a general overlap from 16 to 50 meters. Seven 11-series radio tubes (helmets) - EF-13 ECH-11, EBF-11, EF-11, EM-11 EL-12 and AZ-12. The same acoustics from the 95th model and almost the same circuit ...

14th place

Siemens Kamermusik Shcatul 95W
1939. Germany

Nowadays - the dream of audiophiles, in the thirties - an attribute of prestige among aesthetes of classical music and style. In fact - the then multimedia for a virtual visit to a theater, opera or concert of a symphony orchestra ...
Three ranges of LW, MW and SW from 16 to 50 meters. Seven “11th” series tubes - EF-13 ECH-11, EBF-11, EF-11, EM-11 EL-12 and AZ-12. But the main thing in this masterpiece is not even a classically masterpiece design for the "Caskets" family ... And not even a powerful one-stroke amplifier on the legendary EL-12 ... The main thing here is His Majesty SOUND!

... And it creates this pair of unique "telefunkenivskih" speakers.

13th place

Telefunken Spitzen Super T898 WK
1938. Germany.

The famous “chetyrehkalik” is a unique know-how of the 30s with four scales that are highlighted depending on the selected range. With such resolution of scales, precision of the mechanism, availability of a fine tuning knob for the station and high selectivity, the presence of extended short-wave ranges is clearly superfluous ...

Three frequency ranges - LW, MW and SW from 16 to 50 meters. Eight 11-series radio tubes (helmets), EF-13, ECH-11, EBF-11, EB-11, EF-12, EFM-11, EL-12 and AZ-12 - high performance characteristics are guaranteed. In addition, the same speaker with an electric magnetization of 30 cm in diameter is also used, which works in tandem with the audiophile pentode EL-12 ... A pipe dream of many audiophiles and collectors.)

12th place

Ingelen Gigant 40
1940. Austria

An outstanding model with fixed settings, a motor drive, a powerful push-pull amplifier and high-quality acoustics ...

Unsurpassed refinement of taste, design on the verge of art ... Another pipe dream of most collectors ...

Eight "11" series radio tubes - ECH-11, EBF-11, EB-11, EF-11, EM-11 EL-11 EL-11 and AZ-12. Five AM bands, three of which are short-wave half-stretched with a total overlap of 13 to 55 meters. Two powerful high-quality speakers with a diameter of 22 cm, a two-stroke amplifier with an output of 8 watts, fixed settings at the station and a motor drive made this model one of the best among the grandees of European radio.

11th place.

Kerting Dominus 40 WKK
1940 .Germany.

A gourmet receiver for long range radio reception with ... high sound quality. Four ranges, of which two are short-wave half-stretched with a common overlap from 12 (!) To 75 meters.

Eight “11th” series tubes (helmets) - EF-13 ECH-11, EBF-11, EB-11 EFM-11, EBF-11, EL-12 and AZ-12. High-frequency amplifier with ultra-low noise level, 10 buttons of fixed settings for selected stations, electronic local oscillator frequency adjustment, powerful and high-quality single-cycle amplifier on EL-12 and traditional German quality are the pillars of success of this unique radio receiver in every way...

[Jake Blake]

Your video is FINE Peter!   Thanks.

[Steve Davis]

Peter, I love your videos   

Steve

[RadioSvit]

Thank you friends.

[Paul Philco322]

Peter, I have an RCA Portable, the aluminium style. They are sharp, not sure if mine is 5 or 6 tube? plays OK but perhaps we missed something in repair. 

Enjoyed your presentation. 

Paul

[RadioSvit]

Thank you, Paul.

[Paul Philco322]

Mine is a 5 tuber and I pulled it out after seeing yours and mine needs some work. It had been playing ok but has got a bad hum and not picking up much. Had been on the shelf over a year since last had it out. Paul

[RadioSvit]

There are 6 tubers in my mine. It has not yet been repaired because to my surprise, as many as 3 tubers are defective - 1R5 and two 1T4 pieces. I have a big problem with the lack of lamps in these series.

[Paul Philco322]

I have many 1 volt tubes, you want some message me. Paul

[RadioSvit]

The second part ... The best radios in Europe 1935-45. Part Two. English version.
Thank you very much Michael Nudelman for your help with the translation of the text.


[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qm-8LrkSCFw]

The best radios in Europe 1935-45.    Part Two. English version.


10th place

    Telefunken  Spitzen-Super D860WK

1939. Germany
The flagship “Telefunken” of 1939, which, compared to the competitors' models and the previous company's leade, the T8001, had substantially lost its position. The Second World War had begun, the company had switched to military production and civilian radio had to step aside ...
    In essense, this is a modernized T-898 of the 38th year with the same characteristics, but with the presets instead of AFC.
Three bands - LW, MW and SW from 16 to 50 meters.
7 tubes: EF13, ECH11, EBF11, EF11, EM11, EL12, AZ12.

9th Place

            Blaupunkt model 7W77 (7W77K),

TOP model of the year 37, direct competitor to Telefunken T7001WK. Three bands, - LW, MW and SW from 19 to 50 meters.
The salient feature of this model is the original folding scale design. Вlaupunkt company was famous for its most diverse in design, but always very convenient and informative scales ... It is probably impossible to do something more original. )
      9 tubes “gold” “A” series - AF3, ACH1, AF3, AB2, AM2, AC2, 2 pcs. X AD1 and RGN2004.
The presence of a high-frequency amplifier and a powerful and high-quality sound push-pull amplifier with two AD-1 triodes made this receiver a serious player in the TOP radio segment ... Nevertheless, it still yielded to its main competitors both in popularity and in the technical specifications.

8th place

                  Blaupunkt 8W79

1939. Germany
The long-standing confrontation with Telefunken and its T-898 and D860 models ... Blaupunkt responded to the enchantingly extravagant dials of competitors by a large vertical dial almost one-half of the facade and ... a wired remote control (!). 8 radio tubes: EF11, ECH11, EBF11, EF11, EM11, EBC11, EL12, EZ12
    And it seems that this time the opponents were left behind - in the receiver there are 5 AM bands, of which three half-elongated short-wave bands with a total overlap of 16 to 50 meters, which is much more convenient than one survey SW band. With all other characteristics equivalent to competitors, the speaker is the same in size, but the presence of a remote control gives a reason to put this Blau in high eighth place.

7th place

                    Philips 990X

The year 1940. Eindhoven. Netherlands
The flagship of all pre-war Philips models and the best model of the 30s..40s. Nine (!) AM bands, of which 5 (!) Extended shortwave 13, 16, 19, 25 and 31 meters, two half-stretched SW, standard LW, MW and motor drive made this receiver unattainable for the vast majority of its competitors and the most desirable for fans of long-distance reception ...
          8 tubes of the "red" “E” series: EF8, ECH3, EF9, EAB1, EM4, EF6, EL6 and 1561. The presence of a high-frequency amplifier with low noise level on the EF8 radio tube, a motor drive in a high-precision tuning mechanism, push-button control and the ability to configure with 10 radio stations, the Philips patented precision block of variable capacitors of a barrel-shaped design, high-quality acoustics and a powerful amplifier - additional attributes confirming the leadership status of the best pre-war model of the company.

6th place

                Telefunken T 700O GWK / T 8000 GWK

1937/38
Two models of the most versatile TOP-class household receiver in terms of power supply, almost do not differ from each other except the decor elements in the design. In fact, this is the same radio. For comparison, this is the T7000WK ...
      And this is the T8000WK ... These two models are virtually the only representatives of the TOP class with the ability to power from all types of electrical networks in Europe of the 30s, - direct and alternating currents with voltages from 110 to 240 volts. We agree - such universalism for prestigious models is a rare occurrence.
    The main feature that distinguishes this model from its competitors is the dial hidden on the top cover, which automatically “leaves” after pressing the button. Original and prestigious ... In a receiver of 10 radio tubes "C" of a series - CH1, CK1, CF3, CF3, C / EM2, CB1, CC2, 2 pcs. X CL4,  RGN2004 U4520 / 6. Three ranges - LW, MW and SW from 19 to 50 meters . High-frequency amplifier, high-quality sound (push-pull) amplifier and high-quality mainly two-way acoustics - these are the “three whales”, upon which the standards of the next 30 years for radio of the highest class would rest.

5th place


                Telefunken T-7001WK / T-8001WK
1937/1938
Modifications of the T-7000 GWK / T-8000 GWK TOP models for electric networks of exclusively alternating current with significantly better characteristics in radio reception, sound and an additional system for AFC.

Three frequency ranges - LW, MW and SW from 19 to 50 meters, 12 radio tubes AH1, ACH1, AF7, AB2, AM2, AF7, AB1, AF3, AF7, AD1, AD1 and RGN2004. The same two-way acoustics, but much better characteristics of the sound amplifier on the legendary direct-heating triodes AD-1. The result - the sound and the highest position of Telefunken in our rating became much better ...

4th place.

                Blaupunkt 11W79
1939 Germany
Further development of the design concept “hinged scale” ... Despite the presence of only three ranges, this is undoubtedly the best Blaupunkt model of all time.
11 “11” and “A” radio tubes of the EF11, ECH11, EBF11, AM2, AC2, AL5, AL5, AZ12, EB11, EF11, EF12 series.

A high-frequency amplifier, a separate IF bandwidth regulator with a maximum bandwidth of up to 9 kHz, AFC, motorized tuning, a push button switch to 6 preset stations, a remote control and great sound nust had to satisfy all the demands of the radio gourmets of the time ...

[RadioSvit]

TOP 20 of the best radio stations in Europe 1935-45. The third part.


[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yaqSy6XlX8&t=147s]

TOP 20 of the best radio stations in Europe 1935-45. The third part.

3rd place

Körting Ultramar SB 7360 W
1935. Germany
The most advanced radio in Europe in 1935.
Compared to other 3 ..- 5-tube radios of the old continent, its leader status is similar to the status of E.H. Scott in the USA. A very unusual design, more like the design of a utilitarian military radio ... albeit in an expensive veneered case ... The impression is that the military engineer became the designer ... but this is not the main thing ...)

The main thing here is the nascent concepts of the European TOP radio ...
11 “pin” and “A” series radio tubes - AH1, AC2, AH, 1AF3, ABC1, AC2, AC2, 2 pcs RE604 and 2 pcs RGN106.

6 ranges, of which 4 short-wavelength stretched with a total overlap of 16 to 50 meters, the presence of a high-frequency resonant amplifier and a separate local oscillator in the frequency converter, a powerful push-pull amplifier on direct-heating triodes and a high-quality speaker system on two speakers with different resonant frequency ...
All these concepts for the future were laid precisely in Ultramar and precisely from the thirty-fifth year.

2nd place

Korting transmare 39w
1939. Germany.
Continuing the development of the optimal concept and new options, a motor tuning drive appeared, automatic tuning of the local oscillator frequency, the "local reception" mode with direct amplification and a large selection of button settings - 20 channels. But ... the two-stage IF amplifier in the pre-war European radio did not take root ...

Four AM ranges, two of which are short-wave half-stretched with a common overlap from 12 (!) To 75 meters.
11 radio tubes were used - 9 pieces of the most perfect “11” series at that time (EF13, ECH11, EBF11, EF11, EFM11, EB11, EBC11, AZ12) and two best direct-fired sound triodes AD1 in Europe.

1 place

Körting Transmare 40 WK
1940 year. Germany.

The undisputed leader of pre-war Europe and the winner of our competition.
The engine drive for tuning, automatic tuning of the local oscillator frequency, the option of "local reception" in direct amplification mode, push-button selection of 20 fixed channels were automatically moved from the previous year's model, and the sound quality level was raised to an even greater and unattainable height.

The characteristics, ergonomics and installation topology practically do not differ from the model of the 39th year, the same four AM strips, two of which short-wave pull-pulls with an overlap from 12 (!) To 75 meters. But everything is brought to perfection.

12 radio tubes were used, 10 of which the 11 series which were perfect at that time (EF13, ECH11, EBF11, EF11, EM11, EB11, EF11, EBC11, AZ12) and the two best sound triodes AD1 in Europe.
Circuitry and technology were no different from the military, just look at the chassis to see this.
For a geographically close Europe with its limited material resources of the pre-war time, there was no sense in building more advanced monsters with a large number of radio tubes, especially with such a high production culture.

Therefore, the first place Transmare 40 is undeniable and obvious.

All three prizes, as well as the winner’s title of our competition, rightfully belong to the same brand, so it’s just necessary to say a few words about this company and its glorious ... but rather tragic story.

So get to know - Körting-Radio-Werke Oswald Ritter.


On November 1, 1871, in Hanover, the brothers Ernst and Bertold Curting founded the company GEBRÜDER KÖRTING (Brothers Curting).
In the same year, Ernst Curting - based on the laws of hydrodynamics, invented, designed and manufactured the “injector” as a steam-jet pump for boiler rooms.
Since 1885 and until now, the company has been manufacturing gas-jet equipment and vacuum pumps.

In 1903, the company received the name GEBRÜDER KÖRTING AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT.
Since that time, in addition to jet pumps, gas burners, kerosene engines for submarines (!) And aircraft (!) Have been produced.
In 1914, about 4,000 workers work in factories and branches around the world.
The first tragedy - after the end of the First World War, the company lost all foreign factories and branches.


Since 1920, the production of multi-stage steam-jet vacuum systems has been established.
In 1923, the company began producing transformers, inductors and power supplies for radio engineering.

In 1932, the company was renamed KÖRTING MASCHINEN- UND APPARATEBAU AG.
Since 1932, radios appeared in the Körting range and soon the company became a leader in the industry.
In 1933, its share in the world market amounted to 5.2%, and a year later increased to 7.35%.
The Transmare radio was made in 1937 with a system of fixed settings for radio stations, the previous model of the winners of our rating received two Grand Prix at the World Exhibition in Paris in the nominations Radio Receivers and Musical Instruments.
In 1938, Oswald Richter acquired a stake in the company, which at that time had about 3,000 employees.
In 1940, the company was renamed the Körting-Radio-Werke Oswald Ritter.


In 1945, the company was completely destroyed by bombing and expropriation of equipment., - the second tragic event, after which the company never rose to its former peaks.

Most of the equipment was exported to the USSR, and the enterprise in Leipzig was nationalized in the early 50s. Later it became the basis for the creation of the East German national enterprise RFT.


Oswald Richter as the head and owner of the company did not wait for the nationalization of his remaining enterprises in eastern Germany and in 1949 he transferred production to West Germany, acquiring Belwe GmbH plants there.

At first, the catalog included only radios, speakers, toasters, irons and lamps. The situation changed after Gerhard Boehme became the director of the company. Under the brand Korting began to produce color TVs, and later - home appliances for the kitchen.

In May 1951, Körting began forming a department for the creation and production of televisions and in 1957 released a revolutionary radio receiver with dynamic expansion of the sound range - Dynamic 830 W.
Alas, he was left underestimated ...

From 1952 to 1964, Körting's sales grew 7 times.
In 1963-1964 The company opened new production facilities in Grodig near Salzburg and Pavia.

In 1970, Körting and the Yugoslav company Gorenje entered into an agreement on the transfer of rights to the production of color televisions to the Slovenian city of Velenje, where the headquarters of Gorenje is located.
In 1978, Körting sold all enterprises that manufactured household appliances and electronics and focused on the production of industrial equipment.

[RadioSvit]

Saba Freudenstadt 8

Budget Saba of the peak era of German tube radio. 1958
Seven radio lamps, standard set of bands for German radio, LW, MW, SW 16-50 meters, FM 88-100 MHz.
Except for the stylish design, nothing special ...
But there is one but ...
This is Saba, the undisputed leader of Europe in the 1950s, with a clear audiophile nod. The most melodious pair of EABC-80 and EL-84 radio lamps in a single-stroke seemingly low-power amplifier, but paired with two highly sensitive 20-centimeter famous Greene Cone speakers work wonders - I certainly did not expect such a drive.

Unfortunately, the microphone of the video camera does not transmit emotions. ))

Sorry for the lack of two keys for the range switch ... The receiver has not yet been completely restored, just struck the sound of such a low-budget design, so the emotions broke free. )
In the second part, the search for stations in the FM band, demonstration of sound quality ...

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UsYj8RJp1Y&t=331s]

[MrFixr55]

Great Collection RadioSvit!! Amazing how some of those have an "American" style to them as opposed to the Euro style of the telefunkens, Grundigs, etc. One of those uses Octal American style tubes? I like the Zenith "Cobra Arm" style tone arm on the phono. is the one with 2 oval speakers stereo?

Prayers for peace in your region!