[Hallicrafters] HT-33s, tubes, and prices

[Roger(K8RI)]

I've tried to reply to answers I received on this that I thought were
pertinent. Unfortunately there are filters on content which I hate with a
passion and I have no idea as to what is keying it.


> Any one ever price tubes for an HT-33B?  Not the swap and shop, or some
that
> might be found around, but from a dealer?
>
So, I'm going to try with a slightly modified answer.

If some of this sounds a bit out of context, my apologies.
BTW, I'm talking about an HT-33B with a good working tube.

I purchased a nice one for $350 last year.  I had to pass up another that
went for $300 out of Georgia.  The only flaws in mine are some paint on the
cabinet. No rust, no corrosion, works fine, chassis is excellent.  I decided
to repaint the cabinet so took it apart for a good cleaning while doing the
cabinet.  The panel is like new.  Would I sell it for even a $1000? No, but
I still keep coming across those in the $300 to $400 range every few months.

The one in Georgia supposedly had no corrosion, but was badly in need of
a good cleaning.

A number of local hams tell me a straight 33 that looked great went for
either $125 or $150 at the Traverse City (Michigan) swap a year ago.  The
guy  bought it for parts. I didn't have his call, so I put out a call to the
hams up there to let him know I'd give him twice what he paid, (or more).
Apparently he dismantled it when he got home.  Although not cheap the tubes
for that one are easily obtainable new and a pair don't cost any where near
a PL-172 or 8295A from dealers.

A lot of the old amps are highly sought because they are rugged and easy to
drive which has driven the price up, but the 33s have two things going
against them.  The power transformers are 110 V primaries only and the tubes
cost as much, or more, than many of the amps on the market.  The main market
for the 33 series are Hallicrafters collectors. Hence the overall low price
except between collectors. You also have to watch for "dropped" 33s.  They
are heavy (113# for a 33B) and people tend to pick them up by the sides
of the cabinet.  If any one offers to help move one for you, make sure they
know how and where to hang on.

Of course, if some one has just paid $1200 to $2600 for a tube they aren't
going to be selling it for $300 and if it does need a tube who's going to
pay much?  The average ham isn't going to pay as much as a modern amp
for a tube either.

If I weren't retired and on a fixed income,  I'd have one of each of the 33
series and they'd be completely refurbished, but I've had to pass up a
number of rigs due to those
unexpected expenses.  I own an old airplane so those unexpected expenses
are all too frequent.

> Roger,
>
> Do you know where I can find an HT-33B for $300 or $400?
>
At this moment, no. <:-)) but I keep seeing them every few months.  Keep
checking the swaps and "that on line place"  They tend to go for a bit more
there, but the highest I've seen there was $800 and the lowest was $300.
Mine isn't museum quality, but as I said, it's nice ... except for the
cabinet it'd be darn near mint.

If the cabinet work comes out good, and it ever needs a tube I will probably
get a new 8295A which means I'll probably never sell it.

"I think" what happens is many of them need a tube, they don't have a
source, find out how much the things cost if you have to go out and purchase
one and find, very little local interest.  Some go to "that on line place"
and unless a collector sees, and wants it the price will stay low.
There was another 33B "on line" that looked like a museum piece" although
photos can be misleading. It had a minimum bit of $800 with no takers.
There probably have been some that went for more, but I didn't see any.  I
sometimes go for months without checking on line.  I'm afraid I might buy
something.

Roger Halstead (K8RI, EN73 & ARRL Life Member)
N833R, World's Oldest Debonair? (S# CD-2)
www.rogerhalstead.com

> I had to purchase some power tubes and noticed they had some PL-172s, and
> 8295As
> available so I thought I'd ask about price. I forgot to ask about the
> 4CX-1600B and 3CX-800PRs.
>
> Tis no wonder the 33 series can be found for relatively low prices (lots
in
> the $300 to $400 range) in very nice shape.
> Late manufacture PL-172s are $1200.  The ceramic 8395As are more than
twice
> that, but they do come with a 30, or 60 day guarantee.
>
> Roger Halstead (K8RI, EN73 & ARRL Life Member)
> N833R, World's Oldest Debonair? (S# CD-2)
> www.rogerhalstead.com
> .
>
>
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