Philco Model 84 Baby Grand (84B) Cathedral Radio, first style (1934)
The Philco 84B Baby Grand was introduced in January of 1934
at a price of $20 including tubes ($21 west of the Rockies). It
was the Baby Grand price leader for the second half of the 1934
model season, taking over that spot from the 80B and 81B,
which were discontinued. Easy credit terms were offered by
most stores and the 84B could typically be purchased for as
little as $2 down and $1 per week.
For 11 weeks at the end of 1934, Philco celebrated the sale of
its five millionth radio* with special promotions on various
models. The year had been very good for the company and
they had been able to hold the price of the 84B constant all year
long - it was still selling for $20 in December, 11 months after its
launch - "Philco prices have not gone up" stores selling the
radio announced in their advertising. *see foot of my 45L page
The 84B covers the broadcast band from 540-1740kc. Its 4 tube
line-up is 77 (mixer/LO), 77 (IF/2nd detector), 42 (af power amp)
and 80 (rectifier). Its no frills chassis is very similar to that of the
earlier models 80B and 81B that it replaced - all are superhets
with no IF stage, no AVC, a regenerative 2nd detector and a
volume control placed in the antenna circuit. Regeneration is
controlled using a trimmer at the rear right of the chassis. The
adjustment is by means of a hex-nut and was not intended for
day-to-day manipulation by the listener.
In spite of its limitations, when correctly adjusted and used with a
good antenna, the set is capable of surprisingly good reception.
The schematic and alignment information may be found in the
Riders manuals (NostalgiaAir).
For those desirous of obtaining the very best in performance
from their model 80B, 81B or 84B, see the suggestions made by
Ron Ramirez here and here, courtesy of philcorepairbench.
The 84B received a cabinet "update" for the 1935 season.
at a price of $20 including tubes ($21 west of the Rockies). It
was the Baby Grand price leader for the second half of the 1934
model season, taking over that spot from the 80B and 81B,
which were discontinued. Easy credit terms were offered by
most stores and the 84B could typically be purchased for as
little as $2 down and $1 per week.
For 11 weeks at the end of 1934, Philco celebrated the sale of
its five millionth radio* with special promotions on various
models. The year had been very good for the company and
they had been able to hold the price of the 84B constant all year
long - it was still selling for $20 in December, 11 months after its
launch - "Philco prices have not gone up" stores selling the
radio announced in their advertising. *see foot of my 45L page
The 84B covers the broadcast band from 540-1740kc. Its 4 tube
line-up is 77 (mixer/LO), 77 (IF/2nd detector), 42 (af power amp)
and 80 (rectifier). Its no frills chassis is very similar to that of the
earlier models 80B and 81B that it replaced - all are superhets
with no IF stage, no AVC, a regenerative 2nd detector and a
volume control placed in the antenna circuit. Regeneration is
controlled using a trimmer at the rear right of the chassis. The
adjustment is by means of a hex-nut and was not intended for
day-to-day manipulation by the listener.
In spite of its limitations, when correctly adjusted and used with a
good antenna, the set is capable of surprisingly good reception.
The schematic and alignment information may be found in the
Riders manuals (NostalgiaAir).
For those desirous of obtaining the very best in performance
from their model 80B, 81B or 84B, see the suggestions made by
Ron Ramirez here and here, courtesy of philcorepairbench.
The 84B received a cabinet "update" for the 1935 season.
| Philco 84B $20 Never in the history of radio has so little money been able to buy such a big-performing radio! A genuine Philco Superheterodyne with a full-size Electro-Dynamic speaker, Illuminated Dial and PHILCO High-Efficiency Tubes. Receives police calls too! See and hear it now - its tone and performance will amaze you! |
It's brand new - and what a value! Philco 84B.
A new attractively designed Baby Grand in two-toned maple.
| "You are always on the 50-yard line with a PHILCO. As millions cheer Philco-Philco-Philco Philco 84B. There's no excuse to miss the big football broadcasts when you can purchase this handsome, powerful, glorious-toned Philco for so amazingly little." |
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