Problems with a Philco 5 tube radio

[tgunner]

Originally Posted by Robert Grant

That is one strange tube complement!

It looks like the typical "all American five-miniature tube" arrangement, only the 50C5 in the audio out has been replaced with a 35C5.

It use to be common to use the 35C5 in slightly more expensive radios with a three-gang tuner and an RF stage (usually another 12BA6).

Here, using a 35C5 in place of a 50C5 necessitates a ballast resistor whilst slightly reducing audio output - with no benefit!

Yes, the Zenith radio I pulled that other 35C5 from was an early 60's AM-FM set. It had the two 12BA6's you speak of. Everything with this Philco is working nicely now though, and I plan to leave it be! It's funny, even the original dial lamp still works and comes on brightly after 20-30s. I guess those tube-savers do their job...