Craigslist | The SWLing Post

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul, who shares this link to a post on Craig’s List and asks:

“Interesting shortwave tuner, designed by Dieter Rams. Anybody know anything about this?”

I was not familiar with the Braun A-301 and T-301, but I know there are a few SWLing Post readers who are big fans of Braun gear and Rams’ designs. Perhaps someone can comment? If you’re a Braun collector and live in the DC area, this may be worth checking out.

Here’s the full description from CraigsList:

This is a Braun amp/tuner combo from the 80’s in excellent condition. It includes the A-301 integrated amplifier and the T-301 AM/FM/SW tuner designed by Dieter Rams. Both units have been converted to 110 Volt, but only the amp has an American power plug. The tuner will be supplied with an adaptor. This is the last series manufactured in Germany, called “Slim-line”. The amp was recently serviced by Musical Technology in Springfield, bad capacitors were changed out and crystallized solder connections were redone.

This A-301 amp uses DIN connectors for inputs and one will be supplied with the unit. The tuner has a captive DIN connector, and if you wish to use it with other amps, you will have to get a female DIN to RCA plug adaptor. It works fine with this amp, though. This analog tuner has FM (UKW), AM (MW) and SW bands as well as 5 manual presets.

All metal construction with excellent design and ergonomics. Not a huge amount of power, only 42 watts, but very good sound, excellent extended bass and a very captivating midrange for a solid-state amp. Unusual balance control with a variable loudness contour. Tuner is also unusual, with a shortwave section as well as sensitive FM and AM bands. Overall, very good sound.

I will also supply one set of DIN speaker connectors without wires, although this amp has 2 sets of outputs. I will also supply a set of 2-prong DIN speaker plugs, but they are not capable of accepting large speaker wires. If you wish to use larger gauge wire, you will have to find larger plugs (available on Ebay).

More info on this amp can be found at Radiomuseum here:

http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/braun_a301a_30.html

Tuner info:

http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/braun_t301t_30.html

I can demo these units for any serious purchaser.

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Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Ken McKenzie, who writes:

Came across this ad on the local Craigslist. I’m not interested
but I know there are tube guys out there who may find this
very interesting.

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/nvn/ele/5401857934.html

Here’s the seller’s description:

Vintage 1942-44 Marconi CSR-5A – X2

Commercial Communication Receivers – SW & LW

The CSR-5A receiver was described by the Canadian Marconi Company as a high grade instrument especially designed to provide the maximum reliability for fixed and mobile station operation.

It was designed to provide maximum sensitivity and stability under the most severe conditions of operation, such as vibration and high humidity.

The frequency ranges covered are in 2 groups – 79 to 518 kc and 1.5 – 30 mcs.

The ranges are covered in 6 colour coded bands, the dial assembly being reminiscent of the Marconi R1155 aircraft receiver.

Both in good working order

Includes 1 power box and 1 Marconi Speaker

WOW! If I lived anywhere near Vancouver, British Columbia, I would snatch these up in a heartbeat! They’re an absolute bargain at $95 CDN! The speaker alone may be worth that much.

Here are a few more photos from the listing:

Marconi CSR-5A Receivers2 Marconi CSR-5A Receivers3 Marconi CSR-5A Receivers4 Just check out that gorgeous dial!

Thanks for the tip, Ken!

I should mention: since this is a Craigslist ad, you should do your due diligence to make sure this isn’t a scam. This listing doesn’t have any of the hallmarks of a scam, but Craigslist has no real seller or buyer protections like, say, eBay.

My tips? Communicate with the seller directly, meet with them in person to make the purchase (don’t try to have anything shipped) and pay in cash.

In addition–especially with a piece of vintage gear like this–ask them about the radio’s history. Every radio has a story.

I hope some lucky SWLing Post reader in the area picks this package up and gives it a good home! If you do, please let us know! (I’ll be a few shades of envious, of course!)

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