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Sometimes new isn't better

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TitanTim
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Sometimes new isn't better

Post by TitanTim » Thu Jun 22, 2017 8:17 pm

Hi all,

Just wandered if there are any radio buffs out there?. I tend to listen to the radio alot when home, probably more than watching the box. About 6 months ago I decided to give up trying to stream radio to my Bose blutooth speaker as got fed up of it disconnecting frequently. I have other modern radios but they never seem to be much cop sound wise and just look boring. Anyways I thought I would look at something a little more vintage, I'm not that bothered about blutooth and DAB etc so the world was my oyster :)

While looking around I came across a video by Techmoan who reviewed a 1970 Grundig OceanBoy 210
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CARjPj6lFE After seeing this video I thought I've got to find one of these. Fast forward 5 months after searching everywhere and a model 209 from 1969 turned up on ebay albeight located in Italy. These things are always a risk, will it work etc however the seller seemed genuine and the pics seem to show a good example so went for it.

Radio arrived today after 5 days of tracking it from Milan and all I can say is I'm absolutely blown away by this thing. The weight, the quality with solid chrome trim, the sheer size and the beautiful rich sound. I think these things were quite costly to buy in their day. Considering its 48 years old the condition is mint with virtually no wear whatsoever, what a lovely find. Shame it didn't arrive with a manual so will try and track one down. The aerial itself is over 5 feet :o

I just hope FM isn't done away with anytime soon :lol:

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Tim.
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buzyg
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Sometimes new isn't better

Post by buzyg » Thu Jun 22, 2017 11:50 pm

Now that is very Cool indeed. 8)

and what a fine whippy. :D :thumbsup:
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Sometimes new isn't better

Post by Chris_D » Fri Jun 23, 2017 12:25 am

nice find tim!
Love retro tech and have a baziliion tube amps to play with at any given time. Can't spot the tubes on your oceanboy tho? is it all solid-state inside?

and re. a manual:
https://elektrotanya.com/grundig_ocean- ... nload.html

yw
:thumbsup:
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TitanTim
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Sometimes new isn't better

Post by TitanTim » Fri Jun 23, 2017 6:48 am

Thanks guys, it's fully transistorised Chris, I think by the late 60s tubes in radios were done away with. I do have a bakelite radio from the 30s that takes like 10 mins to warm up :lol:

Can't believe the whippy as nearly hits the ceiling. :o

Tim.
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Sometimes new isn't better

Post by obewan » Fri Jun 23, 2017 7:57 am

I've just been clearing out my late cousins house and came across a Grundig Melody Boy - a lot smaller than yours Tim, but the tone is incredible
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Sometimes new isn't better

Post by Chris_D » Fri Jun 23, 2017 9:52 am

TitanTim wrote: Fri Jun 23, 2017 6:48 am Thanks guys, it's fully transistorised Chris, I think by the late 60s tubes in radios were done away with. I do have a bakelite radio from the 30s that takes like 10 mins to warm up :lol:

Can't believe the whippy as nearly hits the ceiling. :o

Tim.
kewl. yeah, most tube-driven stuff takes about 10-20mins to get 'on-song'.
I have a KT-88 headphone tube amp that takes about 30-40 mins to get fully warmed-up. I should think about investing in a decent timer to switch it on for late night jazz or drum n bass sessions :lol:
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TitanTim
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Sometimes new isn't better

Post by TitanTim » Fri Jun 23, 2017 3:58 pm

obewan wrote: Fri Jun 23, 2017 7:57 am I've just been clearing out my late cousins house and came across a Grundig Melody Boy - a lot smaller than yours Tim, but the tone is incredible
Hang onto it as it might be worth a bob or two if in good condition. I think Grundig radios were renowned for producing a nice tone and I think you had to be posh to afford one :)

Tim.
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TitanTim
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Sometimes new isn't better

Post by TitanTim » Fri Jun 23, 2017 4:00 pm

Chris_D wrote: Fri Jun 23, 2017 9:52 am
TitanTim wrote: Fri Jun 23, 2017 6:48 am Thanks guys, it's fully transistorised Chris, I think by the late 60s tubes in radios were done away with. I do have a bakelite radio from the 30s that takes like 10 mins to warm up :lol:

Can't believe the whippy as nearly hits the ceiling. :o

Tim.
kewl. yeah, most tube-driven stuff takes about 10-20mins to get 'on-song'.
I have a KT-88 headphone tube amp that takes about 30-40 mins to get fully warmed-up. I should think about investing in a decent timer to switch it on for late night jazz or drum n bass sessions :lol:
:D

Tim.
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