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So far, I've managed to replace most of my transistor radios with vintage tube sets, save for the radio in my truck and my alarm clock. I recently purchased a new GE Superadio III for my office (I own my own business) but gave it to my office manager after replacing it with a Zenith T2542. In the shop area, I've long used an old, plastic C725E that plays at nearly full volume all day, and has for about 13 years. Never replaced a tube or had any problems with it! In fact, when I found the old Zenith I didn't know what it was and didn't care. It was cheap and worked. Now, I look at it sometimes and wonder how long it'll go. Don't mess with success?
Our favored G730R plays in the bedroom. Out of all my radios, Zenith or otherwise, it is my favorite. There is something about its sound, its look... even its smell, that just makes me feel good. In the living room sits my Zenith console -again- purchased long before Zenith became my favorite. Beside my home computer rests a K731 that sits on a custom made table, crafted to fit and support it perfectly. On the bottom shelf is a (burgundy) K725 that is in perfect condition, except for a weak output tube, I think. No time to pull it apart again. I should admit I have a Kloss Model One that I cannot make myself part with...it may be modern, but it has the soul of a 'real' radio. It sounds amazing and has amazing recption, but I usually listen to the K731 or both at the same time. A really solid mix! The rest of my collection mostly sits unused, mixing very pretty, dark wood cabinets with a few polished bakelite models. 90% are Zenith. We are blessed with many excellent AM and FM stations here in south/central Arizona; oldies to jazz and easy listening.
So, with 15 or so vintage sets scattered about, I collect AND use. When we have company, most ask about them with sincere interest. Today, the air conditioning and heating guys are installing a new unit, and when I went home for lunch they had the K731 cranking on KOOl-FM (94.5). "I hope turning this on was OK?" one asked me. I told him that's what it was there for! Looking is great, but I want to hear them play. That's the best part.
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