Folks,

I am about to buy either a Zenith 8S-463 or a 10S-669. Any opinions on the either / or of these radios? I lean towards the 463 because, I believe, it is "shutterdial", while the newer radio is not. Do both radios have continuous coverage from 55KHz to 18MHz?

Thanks,

Greg

Hi,
I will not claim to know all of the "ins and outs" of the Zeniths, but I do know both consoles are continous in the range you describe.

I know the 8s-463 is what is called "Robot Dial", and the information that I have on the 10s-669 is that it would be a "Robot Dial" also, but this latter one I do not have a picture to reference for a positive confirmation.

If you can see all three bands listed on the dial at once, they are not "shutter dial" models.

Both are respectable models, both have the pushbuttons, You have to be the judge on which radio appeals to you the most.

Both schematics are listed in the "Rider" section of this site, however you might find that 6V6's are a bit more available than 6F6's in the future. The 8S463 is a single ended 6F6, and the 10S669 is a push pull 6V6. The apparent loudenss between the two radios will be about the same loudness to the average listener.

: Folks,

: I am about to buy either a Zenith 8S-463 or a 10S-669. Any opinions on the either / or of these radios? I lean towards the 463 because, I believe, it is "shutterdial", while the newer radio is not. Do both radios have continuous coverage from 55KHz to 18MHz?

: Thanks,

: Greg

Thank you for the reply John.

I am embarrassed to admit that I do not know what "single ended" or "push pull" mean.

You seem to be indicating that some kind of part would be in short supply on the older model.

Thanks again,

Greg

Hi,
I was just describing the general style of the output amplifier design. Ten years from now, finding a 6F6 might be a bit more difficult, but markets can be decieving, but the 6F6 (Gt/G) has no current production, and probably will not see production, but the 6V6 is still being produced by a number of foriegn companies, and because of their use in guitar amps, they should be around for a very long time.

On the other hand, as people get out of the collecting end and repair, the "supply" may remain stable for decades yet.

No matter what the minutae is, the real issues are if you like the radio for it's looks, let that overide anything else. There will be people out there who will be able to keep the old tube radios going for decades to come.

: Thank you for the reply John.

: I am embarrassed to admit that I do not know what "single ended" or "push pull" mean.

: You seem to be indicating that some kind of part would be in short supply on the older model.

: Thanks again,

: Greg

I have to Concur with John. If you're concerned, Get a spare 6F6 when you see a good deal. Otherwise I've seen many people
rewire a few things to use a different tube if one is not available, or way too expensive. It can almost alyways be done
with a simple tube like a pentode. Basically a single ended has one tube to drive the speaker. Push-pull has two.As for
the single ended vs push-pull,on those old Zenith consoles. They did a great job making the single ended sound as rich as
the push-pull.

Dave

: Hi,
: I was just describing the general style of the output amplifier design. Ten years from now, finding a 6F6 might be a bit more difficult, but markets can be decieving, but the 6F6 (Gt/G) has no current production, and probably will not see production, but the 6V6 is still being produced by a number of foriegn companies, and because of their use in guitar amps, they should be around for a very long time.

: On the other hand, as people get out of the collecting end and repair, the "supply" may remain stable for decades yet.

: No matter what the minutae is, the real issues are if you like the radio for it's looks, let that overide anything else. There will be people out there who will be able to keep the old tube radios going for decades to come.

:
: : Thank you for the reply John.

: : I am embarrassed to admit that I do not know what "single ended" or "push pull" mean.

: : You seem to be indicating that some kind of part would be in short supply on the older model.

: : Thanks again,

: : Greg

Dave M.,

Thank you again for the information. You have caused me to do some looking around for the 6F6. It does seem to be readily available, and not so expensive. Perhaps I should buy a few.

Best Regards,

Greg Merchant

I think the 8S-463 is a nicer looking unit than the 10S-669, I'd trade my 4S-458 for that round dial console any day! Good luck in your decision!

Erik,

Thanks for your reply. I did purchase the 8s-463, although the guy wanted to sell me both, I couldn't justify the outlay. Maybe if I win the lottery. The seller had a house full of antique radios and I did not want to leave. The "new" Zenith has been in happy service since Saturday and I cannot overstate how pleased I am with it. Original cabinetry, extremely nice, and an electronic overhaul in 1991. My 12 year old daughter, a real modernist when it comes to technology, said it was "totally cool." The shortwave reception with the built in WaveMagnet is almost as good as my modern Sony ICF unit. I am afraid I may have begun a habit. Best Regards.