Seventy-five years ago, the thrifty radio enthusiast could construct this radio-phono console for only $27.50, following the plans in the March 1941 issue of Popular Science.  Even though the set contained only two tubes, it reportedly boasted all of the features of an eight-tube set.

The receiver consisted of a 12B8GT regenerative detector.  The article noted that the regeneration control could be left at the same setting throughout the entire broadcast band, without the set breaking into an annoying squeal as the owner tuned from one end of the band to the other.

The amplifier for both radio and phono was a 32L7GT feeding a 6-inch speaker.  The dual tube also contained the rectifier, which allowed the transformerless set to run from household power.  The filaments were wired in series, along with a 220 ohm resistor.

The $27.50 price tag quoted in the article included everything, including a pre-made cabinet, the phonograph motor, and pickup.

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