Dear Editor (Dec. 1977)

Radio Remembrances

Dear Sir:

I really enjoyed Mr. Stosich's article in the January, 1977, issue of Audio.

He is a fellow enthusiast and collector of E.H. Scott radios. This is the first time I have ever seen a thorough discussion into the technical aspects of these receivers. Of course, there are plenty of contemporary articles available, mostly in Radio News, but most of them seem to have a "gee whiz" attitude which leads one to think that, perhaps, the reviews were "colored" a bit. On the other hand, the receivers were very advanced for their day and so that attitude may be genuine.

I am currently restoring the tuner and amplifier chassis of a " Berkshire," RCA's entry into the high quality radio field in 1948. Apparently, this was 14 originally a built-in unit as no cabinet for it has survived. At the present time it is operating extremely well on FM, but AM bands (0.50 to 23 MHz) need attention. Did Audio ever review this receiver circa 1948? It is interesting to compare the features and operation of the RCA and its contemporary at E.H. Scott, the Model 800B. It has been my understanding that one or more ex-Scott personnel worked on the design of the " Berkshire." It would be both interesting and enlightening to hear from any old timers who worked on either the " Berkshire," or on any of the E.H. Scott models as well. Also, members of the Classic Radio Club would like to know of any owners of such radios in your readership, for our mutual benefit.

Bob Fabris 3626 Morrie Dr., San Jose, CA 95127

Editor's Note: The Equipment Profiles section of Audio was initiated in 1952.

-E.P.

Editorial Accolades

Dear Sir:

I would like to commend your Contributing Editor of "The Column," Michael Tearson. He has long been a consistent and constructive editor of popular music, and his reviews and comments are eagerly awaited each month.

Many of us here in the Philadelphia "fringe area" enjoyed him for many years on radio station WMMR, and we were very disappointed to see him leave. Here's hoping that Michael Tearson will continue writing record reviews for Audio for a long time to come.

-Peter Forte Tamaqua, Pa.

Nostalgia Buff

Dear Sir:

I am reading your nostalgia articles about old radios with interest. I go back to oatmeal coils, vario-meters, cat's whiskers, and KDKA ( Pittsburgh) on a clear night. Then, everything worked better with a pair of grandes earphones.

I recently bought a remarkable old Atwater Kent Model 70 (receiver). It is a combination radio, center piece, and flower pot holder for the living room. All of this, plus it works perfectly and brings us the same bad news broadcasts as the modern sets.

When I first plugged it in, I expected complete silence ... or if it did work, I wouldn't have been surprised to hear Ma Perkins, or Vic and Sade.

But the set works perfectly, in addition to giving us a lot of needed heat from all the tubes during these Wisconsin winters.

-Charles Conrad; Racine, Wis.

Paraplegic Quandary

Dear Sir:

Where, oh where, can I obtain that Rabid Audiophile Notions Parapalegic 45 Equalizer as listed on page 170 of the Audio October Annual Equipment Directory? After perusing this impressive equalizer's extraordinary specifications, I came to the conclusion that I could not live without it as it would be the perfect mate for my Lirpa I Trans oceanic receiver.

Excellent issue; keep up the good work.

-E. David Lee; Don Mills, Ont. Canada

(Audio magazine, Dec. 1977)

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