This is a network music streamer where new electronics have been retrofitted into a Zenith Tip-Top Holiday model 4G903 from 1949. Connect with Bluetooth and/or connect the streamer to your home Wi-Fi network and start streaming. It is not a radio anymore.
Connect the streamer to Bluetooth speakers or Bluetooth headphones, or just hook up some wired speakers as well. Stream music from your apps or attach a USB with some music. You can use your Spotify app as usual for streaming, or you can stream any music available on your iPhone or Android smart phone or music from your PC or Mac or Linux computers.
American Zenith Radio Company was an innovative manufacturer of consumer electronics based in Chicago, Illinois. They were pioneers in FM radio and had already made portable radios as early as the 20’s. Maybe Zenith’s most appreciated achievement for consumers was that they produced the first modern wireless remote controls. In their heyday in the 50’s, the company was able to maintain strong sales in radios and expand into the television market. Actually the company was successful well into the 70’s. Eventually Zenith became a division of Korean LG electronics.
Unfortunately, the original on/off switch with the swinging lid could not be trusted. Now that the radio has been upcycled, there is a new switch in the back. At the rear of the unit there is also the new USB-port, the four speaker terminal posts, the RJ-45 port for LAN and the DC power input. The mini sized USB memory stick which holds the software (not shown in the pictures) is placed on the right side of the case. A blue led light in the front indicates when the streamer is on.
This radio has been thoroughly cleaned and polished. There are tiny scratches here and there, probably because it was a portable radio. None of the scratches are really deep or bad. The case has no cracks and no marks. However, there is a visible small crack on the upper left part of the dial. Besides the crack the dial is in an amazing condition, absolutely clear, no fading or hazing. The back of the radio was meant to be opened when a new battery pack was required or when shifting from battery to AC power. The back can still be opened though it should be always kept closed to protect the new electronics. Over all the radio is in very good condition.
Weight 2.5 kg Dimensions 31 x 23 x 15 cm [lid closed]
The electronics of the old vintage radio is replaced with Raspberry Pi 4 single board computer, led light, IQaudio Pi-DigiAMP+ class-D amplifier (2 x 35 W) and software, full-HD audio, up to 24-bit/192 kHz playback.
This is not a Bluetooth speaker, it is something better – it is a versatile Bluetooth and Wi-Fi music streamer. Start streaming . . .