Saba - 31WL Tube radio
06
days
12
hours
23
minutes
12
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ariel Cabello
Holds dual bachelor's degrees in electronics and physics with 20 years in audio engineering.
Estimate € 330 - € 400
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The 1931 Saba 31WL radio is in very good physical condition and has been tested and works, with a redesigned 3-watt valve amplifier, FM tuner, Bluetooth receiver and external input.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
This rare and iconic German radio was one of the first to feature a built-in magnetodynamic loudspeaker (the 31W is identical, but without a loudspeaker).
The bakelite cabinet and knobs were thoroughly cleaned and protected with clear high-gloss lacquer (maintenance-free).
Given the many faults and defects in the electronic section, the set was converted to a 3-watt tube amplifier of my own design, driven by either a:
- Solid-state FM tuner, 87.5–108 MHz;
- Bluetooth receiver (not Hi-Fi);
- External playback device via an input with banana plugs.
This also makes the radio suitable for everyday listening.
The source selector switch is very stiff due to irreparable damage.
All resistors, capacitors, potentiometers, and semiconductors are new.
The faulty power transformer was replaced with 2 new units (1 for the heater voltage and 1 for the high voltage).
Faulty rectifier tube replaced with silicon diodes and a dropping resistor.
Faulty output tube REN164 (very rare and therefore very expensive, with barely 1 watt of output power) replaced with an AL1 in an adapted socket.
Output transformer replaced with a suitable unit for the AL1.
Faulty loudspeaker replaced with a new one.
The back panel and bottom are not original.
Tubes: AL1-MS4-E462 (testing +90%)
W340*H435*D250 - 8 KG
This rare and iconic German radio was one of the first to feature a built-in magnetodynamic loudspeaker (the 31W is identical, but without a loudspeaker).
The bakelite cabinet and knobs were thoroughly cleaned and protected with clear high-gloss lacquer (maintenance-free).
Given the many faults and defects in the electronic section, the set was converted to a 3-watt tube amplifier of my own design, driven by either a:
- Solid-state FM tuner, 87.5–108 MHz;
- Bluetooth receiver (not Hi-Fi);
- External playback device via an input with banana plugs.
This also makes the radio suitable for everyday listening.
The source selector switch is very stiff due to irreparable damage.
All resistors, capacitors, potentiometers, and semiconductors are new.
The faulty power transformer was replaced with 2 new units (1 for the heater voltage and 1 for the high voltage).
Faulty rectifier tube replaced with silicon diodes and a dropping resistor.
Faulty output tube REN164 (very rare and therefore very expensive, with barely 1 watt of output power) replaced with an AL1 in an adapted socket.
Output transformer replaced with a suitable unit for the AL1.
Faulty loudspeaker replaced with a new one.
The back panel and bottom are not original.
Tubes: AL1-MS4-E462 (testing +90%)
W340*H435*D250 - 8 KG
Details
Era
1900-2000
Brand
Saba
Model
31WL
Multiple models
No
Physical condition
Very good
Number of objects
1
Includes
No extra's
Year of manufacture
1931
Weight
8 kg
Functional condition
Tested and working/playable
Height
435 mm
Width
340 mm
Depth
250 mm
