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Rare restored Pioneer Valve Tube Receiver Amplifier SM-B161 1964 w WTY
$995
SHIPPING OFFERED
At first glance one could be forgiven for being a bit confused with the radio functionality of this superb receiver amplifier from Japan’s Pioneer back in the mid ‘60s – it has two entirely separate tuner sections, each with their own dial scale, glowing “magic eye” tuning assistance indicator and tuning knob. The left hand tuner can receive either world short wave stations, or traditional AM broadcast stations. The right hand tuner can also receive AM broadcast stations. Yes, it does mean you could listen to 4BC from one speaker and 4BH from the other, but that’s not the intended purpose!
Back in the early ‘60s there was no FM radio in Australia (and thanks to inept government previously assigning the FM broadcast band to TV stations 3, 4 and 5A that only existed here there wouldn’t be for years to come…). So, whilst countries like the USA were starting to develop FM stereo broadcasting we were stuck with AM transmission in glorious mono. That’s where the idea of stereo simulcast came from. In capital cities the ABC for instance had “sister” stations on different frequencies (eg. 2BL / 2FC in Sydney, 3AR / 3RN in Melbourne, 4QR / 4QG in Brisbane), so for specific programming they broadcast stereo programme by feeding the left channel to one station, and the right channel to another. Voilà! Stereo Radio. If you were fortunate enough (or wealthy enough) you could receive the simulcast stereo transmission on just one device like this beautiful Pioneer model by tuning both stations at once. (Not to be confused with the failed “AM stereo” concept in the eighties, that’s another story for another day.)
Of course such transmissions no longer happen, but the SM-B161 will still perform beautifully receiving today’s broadcasts on the AM band, and the short wave band covering from 3.8MHz up to 12MHz. There are 3 selectable radio modes – Short Wave, Medium Wave (normal reception), and Medium Wave Medium Wave (dual tuner reception). As previously mentioned each tuner has its own beautiful glowing green “magic eye” tuning indicator, “closing the gap” when a station is correctly tuned.
The SM-B161 is more than just a beautiful radio though. It’s a superb valve based Hi-Fi amplifier in its own right. Delivering 10 watts per channel (via 2 6BM8 valves in push pull configuration per channel) into either 4Ω, 8Ω, or 16Ω speakers it has inputs for a turntable (with either an old school crystal or ceramic cartridge, or a modern magnetic cartridge) plus a line level (aux) device, as well as a record output. (If you wanted to connect more than one aux device simply add an external selector unit.
Concentric volume controls are fitted allowing for separate volume adjustment per channel if required, and the bass and treble controls are also concentric, but work simultaneously on both channels. A loudness compensation switch is present, as is a stereo / mono switch.
Allow the obligatory 30 to 60 seconds valve warm up time then settle back and enjoy the superb sound of Pioneer’s SM-B161!
Measures 400mm x 340mm x 150mm.
Valve lineup is 1 x 5AR4, 2 x 6BE6, 2 x 6BA6, 2 x 6E5, 3 x 12AX7, 4 x 6BM8.
Based in Brisbane and shipping Australia-wide Reclaimed Audio and Electronics specialises in vintage electronics. All of our products have been professionally restored, and are covered with a minimum six month warranty. We also stock a complimentary range of new electronic products. We ship Australia Wide, and keep freight costs reasonable. Payment accepted via direct deposit, secure credit card, or Afterpay. Pickup from Brisbane or Ipswich can also be arranged.
Back in the early ‘60s there was no FM radio in Australia (and thanks to inept government previously assigning the FM broadcast band to TV stations 3, 4 and 5A that only existed here there wouldn’t be for years to come…). So, whilst countries like the USA were starting to develop FM stereo broadcasting we were stuck with AM transmission in glorious mono. That’s where the idea of stereo simulcast came from. In capital cities the ABC for instance had “sister” stations on different frequencies (eg. 2BL / 2FC in Sydney, 3AR / 3RN in Melbourne, 4QR / 4QG in Brisbane), so for specific programming they broadcast stereo programme by feeding the left channel to one station, and the right channel to another. Voilà! Stereo Radio. If you were fortunate enough (or wealthy enough) you could receive the simulcast stereo transmission on just one device like this beautiful Pioneer model by tuning both stations at once. (Not to be confused with the failed “AM stereo” concept in the eighties, that’s another story for another day.)
Of course such transmissions no longer happen, but the SM-B161 will still perform beautifully receiving today’s broadcasts on the AM band, and the short wave band covering from 3.8MHz up to 12MHz. There are 3 selectable radio modes – Short Wave, Medium Wave (normal reception), and Medium Wave Medium Wave (dual tuner reception). As previously mentioned each tuner has its own beautiful glowing green “magic eye” tuning indicator, “closing the gap” when a station is correctly tuned.
The SM-B161 is more than just a beautiful radio though. It’s a superb valve based Hi-Fi amplifier in its own right. Delivering 10 watts per channel (via 2 6BM8 valves in push pull configuration per channel) into either 4Ω, 8Ω, or 16Ω speakers it has inputs for a turntable (with either an old school crystal or ceramic cartridge, or a modern magnetic cartridge) plus a line level (aux) device, as well as a record output. (If you wanted to connect more than one aux device simply add an external selector unit.
Concentric volume controls are fitted allowing for separate volume adjustment per channel if required, and the bass and treble controls are also concentric, but work simultaneously on both channels. A loudness compensation switch is present, as is a stereo / mono switch.
Allow the obligatory 30 to 60 seconds valve warm up time then settle back and enjoy the superb sound of Pioneer’s SM-B161!
Measures 400mm x 340mm x 150mm.
Valve lineup is 1 x 5AR4, 2 x 6BE6, 2 x 6BA6, 2 x 6E5, 3 x 12AX7, 4 x 6BM8.
Based in Brisbane and shipping Australia-wide Reclaimed Audio and Electronics specialises in vintage electronics. All of our products have been professionally restored, and are covered with a minimum six month warranty. We also stock a complimentary range of new electronic products. We ship Australia Wide, and keep freight costs reasonable. Payment accepted via direct deposit, secure credit card, or Afterpay. Pickup from Brisbane or Ipswich can also be arranged.
- Date Listed:27/11/2023
- Last Edited:27/11/2023
- Condition:Used
- Shipping:Shipping & Pickup
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