1950's Grundig hi-fi

bedlow · by **bedlow** » Sun May 07, 2006 8:33 am

Hi

I'm trying to find out the value of a 1950's style Grundig hi-fi. It's one of those big ones like an old deluxe TV - more furniture than electronics. Turn table doesn't work but the radio is ok. The usual wear. Anybody know how much this thing is worth?

Thanks,
Tom

Record-changer · by **Record-changer** » Tue May 09, 2006 12:34 am

It will be worth more in the area where the power is the same as that the set is designed for. You can NOT interchange 50 Hz and 60 Hz without changing parts out, even if the set has a voltage switch.

toh · by **toh** » Sat Sep 19, 2009 9:38 pm

Record-changer wrote:It will be worth more in the area where the power is the same as that the set is designed for. You can NOT interchange 50 Hz and 60 Hz without changing parts out, even if the set has a voltage switch.

That is not true. A 50 Hz appliance (like this Grundig most probably is) will definately work with 60 Hz provided that the voltage is correct. If I recall correctly it will work the other way round also but the transformer might run a bit warmer. This is an issue only if the transformer power rating is too close to the limits to begin with.

by **Ron Rich** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 12:25 am

Well, yes, no, maybe,probably--BUT, unwise if you don't know for sure either way--Any motor designed for one frequency count, run on the other MAY burn up, or just run at the wrong speed. Any relays, or solenoids designed for 60 Hz, will quickly heat up--and May catch fire at 50 Hz. Voltage also must be correct. Ron Rich

Record-changer · by **Record-changer** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 6:29 am

toh wrote:
Record-changer wrote:It will be worth more in the area where the power is the same as that the set is designed for. You can NOT interchange 50 Hz and 60 Hz without changing parts out, even if the set has a voltage switch.

That is not true. A 50 Hz appliance (like this Grundig most probably is) will definately work with 60 Hz provided that the voltage is correct. If I recall correctly it will work the other way round also but the transformer might run a bit warmer. This is an issue only if the transformer power rating is too close to the limits to begin with.

I was referring to the turntable (and possible tape deck) running at the wrong speed.

On turntables and tape decks with induction or synchronous motors, the turntable or tape will move at the wrong speed when the wrong power line frequency is used.

A 50 Hz turntable powered with 60Hz power will turn at 40 RPM when set for 33 RPM.

A 60 Hz turntable powered with 50Hz power will turn at 27.8 RPM when set for 33 RPM.

A 50 Hz tape deck powered with 60Hz power will move tape at 4.5 in/s when set for 3.75 in/s.

A 60 Hz tape deck powered with 50Hz power will move tape at 3.125 in/s when set for 3.75 in/s.

The only turntables that will not need modification are the variable speed Lenco and Zenith ones, those with miniature DC motors, and those with electronic drive (1970s and later). The others need the motor shaft or intermediate drive surfaces changed to the ones of the correct diameter.