CHOOSING A SET.

Shannon News, 31 December 1929, Page 4

CHOOSING A SET.

iff POINTS FOR BEGINNERS

In purchasing a new radio set the things that are to 'be considered and their order of consideration will likely vary, depending upon the purchaser. The following remarks are intended to guide the purchaser who is non-techni-cal so he may depend entirely npon his own judgment while considering the information furnished .with the different sets. , • , ' .

' Tone quality —and by tone 'quality is meant naturalness of .reproduction — should head the list. Irrespective of. the other good points in a . receiver, unless a high quality of reproduction is furnished, the entertainment will b 3 satisfactory. It is true that the ear ' cannot make close differentiations, but generally distortion or over emphasis will always cause more or less strain on the car and will give a reaction unsatisfactory to the user. Power Output.—Undistorted power ''output comes second on the list at the present time. This has not held so important a place in the past due to the limited use of the radio set and the limits of power valve development. ■ Conditions are changing. In the past I the radio set was located so that the i listeners were |grouped in the room with the set. To-day a set is often operated in other than the room in which the listeners are located. Better volume can be used and cause less interference with ordinary conversation where the set is some distance frcm the listeners.

Sensitivity and Selectivity.—Witn the new type of valve, that is, the screen-grid valve, sensitivity and selectivity have been improved, Avith the result that the sets for this year are showing better results than in the past. Power detection, which is new, has improved the quality furnished by the detector valve. ,

The beauty \6f cabinet design and workmanship.—Since the radio set is part.of the home equipment, the beauty of design and good workmanship are essential factors. To one who knows woodwork and design, there is a great difference betweer. two pieces of fur : niture.

A new feature of this year's models, the automatic volume control, has simplified radio' set operation. Blasting,

"due to overloading and"'fading, has gre'atly reduee*d. ' • ' Simplicity and quietness :ef operation are factors often misunderstood. A sensitive receiver with all controls full on will furnish, considerably more itoise than an insensitive receiver. No receiver should be tested in comparison with receivers for quietness of operation except at the same output volume from the speaker. The location of weak signals is made much easier. In the past a radio s-.it would be adjusted to give reasonable volume on a powerful local station, and as the dial was turned a large percentage of good concerts would be missed unless the operator turned the volume control up or down. With greater undistorted power output and the automatic control, many- more stations will be located as the dial is rotated than "would have lJeen in the past. , Workmanship: Workmanship ' and dependability of the manufacturer must be taken into consideration. They are a large factor in the length of satisfactory operation of the receiver. Here are the above requirements iu a simple form for a guide: — * Tone Quality.—Comparison-should bu made between several recognised sets. Be sure the tone is natural.

Power output from the speaker or reproducer.—Be sure that the undistorted volume is sufficient for all occasions. .

Beauty of design and workmanship. —Remember your radio will be one of the most .conspicuous pieces in the home.

Selectivity, sensitivity, simplicity, automatic volume control and quietness of operation.—These are essentials of a good receiver. Make careful comparison. The Manufacturer.—Be sure the manufacturer is reputable and dependable.