Picked up a 1950s RCA console radio for $40, the tube replacement cost me more than the thing itself

Henry Kelly · 2026-08-10T05:25:08.221886+00:00

I found this old RCA Victor console at a flea market outside Cleveland, it looked rough but the cabinet was solid. Paid $40 for it thinking I'd just clean it up, but the sound was static city. Turns out three of the tubes were dead and one socket had a cracked wire. A local repair guy charged me $85 for parts and labor, and honestly it sounds amazing now, warm and clear for old jazz records. Anyone else get burned by hidden repair costs on vintage gear, or did you find a way to test tubes before you buy?

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Picked up a 1950s RCA console radio for $40, the tube replacement cost me more than the thing itself | 1950s Time Capsule - HW Forums