• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

My first tube find

Dswankey

Dswankey

Lunatic Member
Today I stumbled upon a "Nordmende Caruso 58 USA" radio w/turntable. It was and is very cool looking. I've attached a link* with the closest info I could find on it plus pics of it (My picture taking isn't great). It has 4 Telefunken tubes "Made in Germany" and 1 Sylvania "Made in USA".

*http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/nordmende_caruso_mit_klangregister.html

There is an old Turntable and there are 3 speakers. To my eyes they are in pretty nice shape. Anyone ideas of what kind of TT? and the speakers?

From reading posts & stickies here on AK I well aware to not have plugged it in. I plan on taking it to an old school audio tech who knows tubes & turntables quite well to see what the status is on this.

Any suggestions, ideas, do's or don't s?

TIA
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
Hey there. Just noticed that site you linked to listed 6 tubes whereas you listed 5. I bet the tube you missed is the EM34, or 'Magic Eye' tuning tube positioned against the dial glass. Bet it makes a nice listener when it's had a once over. You know it's mono right? Could the seller tell you when it was last used?...and/or if there were any obvious problems?
 
cubby01 said:
Hey there. Just noticed that site you linked to listed 6 tubes whereas you listed 5. I bet the tube you missed is the EM34, or 'Magic Eye' tuning tube positioned against the dial glass. Bet it makes a nice listener when it's had a once over. You know it's mono right? Could the seller tell you when it was last used?...and/or if there were any obvious problems?
Click to expand...

Thanks for reply cubby1, I'll look for that other tube as for being Mono that's good to know. I'll try and touch base with seller to get clarafication on when last used and or any problems. Personally I don't think they knew what they had and just wanted to get rid of it.
 
I don't have any experience with Nordmende myself, but from what I've read, it's a German-made piece, rated right up there with Telefunken & Grundig. Take your time & read up on it, & restore it right. :yes:
 
The Germans were VERY good at getting an awful lot of Sound from very few tubes...This Bad Boi will likely make you smile once it gets a little TLC.
 
I'm not a DIY kinda a guy although I wish I was. I'm gonna research a little more an depending on what my tech guy says I'll either keep it or move it on down the road to someone who will appreciate it.

On another note I believe the TT is a BSR?
 
BSR?...BSR being British I would think unlikely, unless it's a replacement. Snap a quick picture. My understanding is Nordmende of that era would come with a Dual like a 1007. (Oddly I don't recognize the TT in the first post link as a Dual.)
 
If it was originally purchased in Germany, its possible that the changer was refit with something else when it came stateside. Different power frequency and all that. I'd hope its not a BSR, but I just don't care for them anyway. Possibly its a Telefunken, but I've never seen a Tele changer that didn't blatantly say Telefunken on it.

German stuff performs nice, but it is a little cramped inside to service. Some people hate working on them for this reason but its really not *that* bad.
 
That's not a cobramatic is it? It looks like I can almost see a snake eyeball on the tone arm, and the color would be close.:scratch2: Need a bigger top view pic I guess.
 
I like how the handle and the knobs make it look like it is smiling! Nice looking radio. It's a shame that the AM and SW bands aren't what they used to be: that radio would probably make them sound sweet. At least it does have FM. The experts would know whether the phono would be safe for records (at least mono) if it were in as-new condition.
 
cubby01 said:
BSR?...BSR being British I would think unlikely, unless it's a replacement. Snap a quick picture. My understanding is Nordmende of that era would come with a Dual like a 1007. (Oddly I don't recognize the TT in the first post link as a Dual.)
Click to expand...

In the early 60's one of my neighbors bought a EMUD console HI-FI. It came with a BSR UA8 as standard equipment. It was built for the USA market.
 
I have been using a Nordmende Carmen of about the same vintage as my bedroom set. Great sounding, yes a bit of a challenge to work on (3 days to restring dial along with copious amounts of coffee) but worth the effort when done. I have had Grundig & Blaupunkt sets also.....those mid-century German sets are in a world of their own.
 
cubby01 said:
BSR?...BSR being British I would think unlikely, unless it's a replacement. Snap a quick picture. My understanding is Nordmende of that era would come with a Dual like a 1007. (Oddly I don't recognize the TT in the first post link as a Dual.)
Click to expand...

I post photo's tomorrow, I wanna learn as much as possible about this piece.
 
dieseljeep said:
In the early 60's one of my neighbors bought a EMUD console HI-FI. It came with a BSR UA8 as standard equipment. It was built for the USA market.
Click to expand...

This one I believe was built for US market as is says :Carusso 58 USA on back above it says "Nordmende Sterling High Fidelity"
 
WHOA! I had the same exact console. Mine was a real beater but it made some of the best sound I ever heard from 78RPM discs! The turntable is a Perpetuum Ebner Rex A.
 
cubby01 said:
I bet the tube you missed is the EM34, or 'Magic Eye' tuning tube positioned against the dial glass.
Click to expand...

I found the tube right where you said it would be, here's a pic it says "Lorenz" on it.

attachment.php
 
cubby01 said:
BSR?...BSR being British I would think unlikely, unless it's a replacement. Snap a quick picture. My understanding is Nordmende of that era would come with a Dual like a 1007. (Oddly I don't recognize the TT in the first post link as a Dual.)
Click to expand...

Here's a pic of the TT. notice original record cleaner/duster.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom