Murphy Radio 1950

A further new range was introduced for 1950, though few significant new developments were included, merely updated versions of previous tried and tested products.  A further baffle set was included, the A168.  Also introduced was the A170 at the deluxe end of the table set range.  Both these sets seem to have been marketed using the baffle qualities as a selling point, though to my mind they have both departed from the original concept of the baffle as seen in the A104 from 1946.  Indeed, one could argue that the cabinets have got narrower simply because of developments in valve technology resulting in reduced requirements for power, space and heat dissipation.  The magic eye has returned on the A170, the first time since before the war where all quality receivers felt obliged to provide the feature.  The A170 was the first Murphy mains set with a wooden cabinet to incorporate a plastic speaker grille.  This squared design was also used by Ekco in the early 1950’s.  Murphy must have been unimpressed by the product as it was only used on the A170 table set, and the A188C console and BU183 portable over the next two years.  This receiver was manufactured in both Welwyn Garden City and the new factory in Dublin.  A radiogram version was also available (the 170R), this model was only manufactured in Dublin.  Valve line up was 6C9, 6F15, 6LD20, 6P25, 6M1, UU9.

Shown left is the Murphy TA160 receiver. This is a very large receiver at just over 60cm wide, and very well specified. It was also expensive at about £40. As has been discussed previously the “T” designates a Tropicalised receiver, usually intended for export. There seem to be a slightly more TA160’s remaining in the U.K. than most of Murphy’s other Tropicalised models, suggesting that quite a few were purchased by U.K. buyers seeking a top quality receiver. Unlike many Murphy receivers, the TA160 is in fact very attractive, with a solidly constructed walnut veneered cabinet with relief of birch veneer in the controls area. Vertical columns of pushbuttons select the waveband, and bandspreading is available for all SW ranges. The tuning scale is large and clear, and very brightly backlit, not entirely surprising, as two 15w pygmy lamps are engaged to provide scale illumination. (When I first obtained my example I was surprised at the very high power requirement as stated on the rear, until I noticed that 30w was spent just lighting the scale!). A magic eye is provided. On the rear panel is a further control for adjusting the receiver’s response depending on whether strong or weak signals are available. Output is via a pair of push-pull 6P25’s (equivalent to Mullard EL33) which provides ample volume. Unfortunately the very large tuning scale means that a partial quadrant of the loudspeaker is directing sound into the rear of the scale. Valve line-up is 10P1, 10C1, 6P15, 6LD20, 6LD20, 6M1, 6P25, 6P26, UU6.. 

Full range available from 1950

Continue to 1951 

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