[Boatanchors] AR-88 comments, value?

[Richard Knoppow]

-----Original Message-----
>From: Ian Wilson <ianmwilson73 at gmail.com>
>Sent: Sep 3, 2013 11:50 AM
>To: Boatanchors <boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
>Subject: [Boatanchors] AR-88 comments, value?
>
>There is an AR-88 available (sort of) locally. Although
>arguably the last thing I need right now is another
>boatanchor receiver, the AR-88 is something special.
>
>No special tubes needed, I see. Would be interested
>in reports on how this stacks up against the SX-28, say.
>Also any suggestions as to what would constitute a
>"reasonable offer" assuming fair condition and no
>obvious major damage would be helpful.
>
>73, ian K3IMW

     Its very difficult to estimate a price.  Of course, it depends on condition and to some extent the version.  A LF version seems to be worth a little more than a standard coverage version but condition is more important.  From observation a fully restored AR-88 might be worth a top of around $500 but I've seen some go for more than $1000 on ebay.   One needing restoration would go for as little as $150 or maybe less. 
     Al AR-88's have oil filled paper caps that need replacement. They are often leaking oil.  Some earlier receivers have RCA-made mica caps used for bypassing, etc. These are usually OK but later receivers have Micamold or Solar paper caps that should always be replaced.  These are in flat Bakelite cases that look superficially like mica caps. The RF module has mostly silvered mica and ceramic caps that are usually OK.  
     When restored and carefully aligned the AR-88 has amazing performance.  The tubes were the latest available at the time of design and the design itself is carefully done.  The receivers are very stable and have good sensitivity and reasonably low noise right up to 32 Mhz.  They are somewhat difficult to work on because of the weight.  The chassis weighs around 80 lbs. However, parts are generally accessible.  Audio quality is very good. While the output amp is single-ended it has enough negative feedback around it to have good frequency response and low distortion. 
     There is an RCA Equipment mailing list that is worth checking.  The archives have a great deal of practical information on the AR-88.
     Nearly all AR-88 receivers were sold to the military or to foreign governments on Lend-Lease. They are much more common in Europe, England, and Canada than in the U.S.  No one has ever found reliable pricing information on them but its estimated the price new was around a thousand dollars in the 1940s.  
     There is a great deal of information on the Western Historic Radio site including good handbooks, some history and some serial number information.  I am at work right now but will post specific links when I get home this evening. 
     Specifically, it completely outclasses the SX-28 other than the audio amp which is still nothing to sneer at.