Hi, I got myself a Kriesler 11-93 stereophonic radiogram today (someone was throwing it away!). I am new to this so I would like to know what year it is and it's rough value. Both the turntable and the radio work awesome! I have cleaned it up, blown it out with compressed air and it goes like a charm. We were rocking out to my Mum's record collection this arvo. It is about as large as a coffee table has radio on rh side turntable in middle with sliding cover over the top. It also has 4 speeds 16,33,45 & 78 which Dad said he had never seen before. I am wondering if anyone can shed some light on it for me. I can take some pictures and post if that would help. Kind regards

Dear Caravanman,

Hang on to your new radiogram. Whilst their monetary value is not great, for reasons I will explain in a sec, these things have four-speed turntables so you can play any 78s if you have any. Modern turntables will only play 33s and 45s and are hard to come by anyway.

My guess is your model was made sometimes in the 1960s and is similar in style to models made by AWA, Philips, HMV and Astor.

The reason people throw them out is because they either don't have the room for them or they are shifting house and believe that the receiver is too big and heavy to take with them. Because of the room they take up, these machines and earlier console radios don't attract the big dollars that the table and mantel sets do.

Thanks Brad,
I didn't think they were worth much but it is great to be able to play the old records again. I will hang onto it and who knows what will happen. Are they ok to use or should I only use it once in a while? Thanks for you help, any other advice would be appreciated.

The main issue with old radios are the power transformer and the condensers. In most cases the power transformer will be okay though on odd occasions the varnish insulation on the windings breaks down and develops a short circuit. A short of only a handful of turns is enough to wreak havoc, resulting in plenty of smoke and perhaps a blown fuse. This event is rare though. I recommend you do have the condensers replaced though - the electrolytics at least, as they dry up with age. 40+ years is enough time for any electronic component. Unless you are good with electronics I recommend you have a TV serviceman do the job. Valve radios have a high tension circuit usually around the 350 volt DC mark and this circuit bites hard - harder than the mains.

Apart from these issues your receiver should be fine for daily use though as with any old electrical item I don't advise leaving it on whilst out of the house.