Vidor CN 396 and 396a
  • Batteries: Vidor L5512 (90v HT) & L5048 (7.5v LT)
  • Mains: Transformer supply 200-250v AC, 40-100Hz.
  • Wavebands: Medium 186-550m, Long 1100-1870m
  • Valve lineup: DK92, DF91, DAF91, DL94 plus EZ41 mains rectifier.
  • Released: November 1949
  • Original price: £12 9s 4d - plus taxes and batteries. Big price increase in February 1951 to £13 16s 7d

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These are amongst my favourites in the Vidor range. They are solidly built sets that are easy to work on. They sound reasonable and the cases (despite being covered in that omnipresent rexine!) came in plain colours in the earlier models (burgundy and green being prevalent) whilst later models (like the one pictured) were offered in two-tone schemes of cream and blue, cream and burgundy etc.

The 396a is the later model and its only difference is in chassis fixing (cunningly achieved through the case feet) and case covering.

Last updated 19th May 2002