I just picked up a Silvertone 1017 .. I notice that it does not have the common cathode bypass capacitor of 10 to 20MFD or so on the 50C5 output. It is my understanding that this is for better fidelity, but does reduce the output power. Is this correct?

:I just picked up a Silvertone 1017 .. I notice that it does not have the common cathode bypass capacitor of 10 to 20MFD or so on the 50C5 output. It is my understanding that this is for better fidelity, but does reduce the output power. Is this correct?

Without the capacitor, there will be negative feedback in the output stage, that will increase fidelity, but lower the gain, (not the power). Installing the capacitor will permit more gain, and have some effect on the frequency response, but will probably have more distortion because of less feedback. If you are not interested in keeping the radio "as factory built", fool around with capacitors until you are happy with the sound.
Lewis

Thanks for clearing that up as gain, not power.
The radio has a good size oval speaker, sounds very good just the way it is. Has tone control as well. Seems very well made with an RF amp front end, well tuned with 3 gang capacitor. I will be restoring this one all stock.