Philips - Jupiter Tube radio






Holds dual bachelor's degrees in electronics and physics with 20 years in audio engineering.
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Description from the seller
Philips Jupiter BD500A (1950/1951) — Early FM
This elegant Philips Jupiter BD500A is one of the earliest post-war Philips models designed with the transition to FM broadcasting in mind — a true “bridge” between the AM era and the new FM age.
Unlike many sets of its time, this example already includes the original FM unit, making it a particularly desirable and technically significant version.
The radio has been thoroughly cleaned and serviced.
All major components have been checked or replaced where necessary:
most of the paper capacitors and the red Philips resistors (known to drift over time) have been renewed.
The magic-eye indicator (EM4) glows bright and vivid — a rare sight on these models.
The cabinet is in very good condition, with its original warm wooden finish carefully preserved.
The only minor issue: the set is not fully responsive on tuning sensitivity (possibly a mild alignment drift), but this does not affect audio output or general operation.
A wonderful collector’s piece — both technically and historically important — representing Philips’ early approach to modular FM design in the early 1950s.
Features:
• Year: ≈ 1950 / 1951
• Tubes: ECH42, 2× EAF42, EL41, EM4, AZ41
• Bands: LW / MW / SW + FM
• Wooden cabinet, original scale glass
• Bright EM4 magic-eye tube
• Voltage selector: 110 – 245 V
• Dimensions: ≈ 51 × 33 × 21 cm
• Weight: ≈ 10 kg
Philips Jupiter BD500A (1950/1951) — Early FM
This elegant Philips Jupiter BD500A is one of the earliest post-war Philips models designed with the transition to FM broadcasting in mind — a true “bridge” between the AM era and the new FM age.
Unlike many sets of its time, this example already includes the original FM unit, making it a particularly desirable and technically significant version.
The radio has been thoroughly cleaned and serviced.
All major components have been checked or replaced where necessary:
most of the paper capacitors and the red Philips resistors (known to drift over time) have been renewed.
The magic-eye indicator (EM4) glows bright and vivid — a rare sight on these models.
The cabinet is in very good condition, with its original warm wooden finish carefully preserved.
The only minor issue: the set is not fully responsive on tuning sensitivity (possibly a mild alignment drift), but this does not affect audio output or general operation.
A wonderful collector’s piece — both technically and historically important — representing Philips’ early approach to modular FM design in the early 1950s.
Features:
• Year: ≈ 1950 / 1951
• Tubes: ECH42, 2× EAF42, EL41, EM4, AZ41
• Bands: LW / MW / SW + FM
• Wooden cabinet, original scale glass
• Bright EM4 magic-eye tube
• Voltage selector: 110 – 245 V
• Dimensions: ≈ 51 × 33 × 21 cm
• Weight: ≈ 10 kg
