Vintage Radio??

[richard l martin]

Im not sure if this forum covers this or not but im looking for some advice regarding the sensitivity of my Ekco A274?? Kind regards Rich.

[Firebottle]

I'd be guessing from the age of the radio and the valves used that you would be looking at 10s of microvolts for ultimate sensitivity.

:cool:Alan

[richard l martin]

HI. To be honest im not altogether sure. I don't know that much about the technicalities. I use an fm transmitter connected to a dab tuner and the A274 picks up the signal well enough, works well and sounds amazing but it wont pick much up from outside broadcasts were as my other vintage radio will so I was wondering if maybe a valve had become week? Kind regards Rich.

[Firebottle]

Yes quite possibly, the ECC85 would be the main suspect,

:cool:Alan

[richard l martin]

Hi. Thanks for that. I changed that valve and got a small improvement. Managed to get a service sheet and have now re aligned the set which has yielded a big improvement. Get lots of stations booming through it now. One thing that puzzles me is the fact that i don't hear any white noise between stations. Can you shed any light? Kind regards Rich.

[Firebottle]

Good result with the re-alignment :)

It sounds like the circuit has an automatic mute facility built in. The noise level increase is detected and the audio path is interrupted.
Could you post a shot of the detector stage of the circuit?

:cool:Alan

[richard l martin]

Hi, yes im pleased. Will have a go tonight to send a picture. Im afraid im still a bit of a duffer with the computer though!!
I must say that every time i listen to this old radio it amazes me how a piece of audio equipment that is getting on for 60yrs old can imo sound so good. I am also amazed at the crisp and detailed top end as it uses full range speakers. You could easily be forgiven for thinking it had a decent tweeter in there. I love the sound from valves and hope one day to be able to afford a hi fi valve amp. Im sure this would really sort out cds!