Hornyphon Attaché W345A

The Hornyphon Attaché W345A is a compact Austrian table radio from the mid-1960s. It belongs to the later generation of valve radios, when traditional tube circuitry was already being combined with early transistor technology. In this model, the AM and audio sections still use valves, while the FM front end includes two germanium transistors.

With its relatively flat cabinet, push-button waveband selection and clear front design, the Attaché W345A reflects the transition from the large wooden radios of the 1950s to the more compact domestic receivers of the 1960s. It was no longer a large piece of living-room furniture, but a practical household radio intended for everyday listening.

The set covers medium wave and FM, making it suitable for both traditional AM broadcast reception and the increasingly important VHF/FM services of the post-war period. The green EM87 tuning indicator, often described as a “magic band”, gives the radio the characteristic visual charm of late valve-era receivers.

Technically, the W345A is a superheterodyne receiver with intermediate frequencies of 460 kHz for AM and 10.7 MHz for FM. The tube line-up consists of ECH81, EBF89, ECL86 and EM87, supported by AF124 and AF125 transistors in the FM section. Radiomuseum lists the output power at about 1.5 W and gives the dimensions as approximately 450 × 200 × 170 mm.

Restoration Notes

This Hornyphon Attaché W345A was preserved in largely original condition. The cabinet and chassis were carefully cleaned inside and outside, while the technical work was kept to the necessary minimum.

The electrolytic capacitor in the FM ratio detector was replaced, as this component is important for correct FM demodulation and stable sound quality. The mains electrolytic capacitor in the power supply was also renewed to ensure reliable operation.

Apart from these necessary service parts, the radio was kept as original as possible. After restoration, the Attaché W345A should again represent the final years of the classic European valve radio: still warm in sound and appearance, but already showing the technical transition toward fully transistorized receivers.

Technical Data

References and Further Reading

• Radiomuseum.org — Hornyphon Attaché W345A technical data.
• Radiomuseum.org — Hornyphon manufacturer catalogue, listing the Attaché W345A as a 1964/65 model.
• Note on model name: the designation W345A was also used for the earlier Hornyphon Rex 40W W345A from 1939/40, which is a different radio.

1965 Deutschlandsender Stimme der DDR

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