Restored 1959 RCA VP - 33K Portable Tube Stereo Phonograph W/ Detachable Speakers
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:13951183 | Brand: RCA |
Now here’s something you don’t see every day: A super-stylish 1959 RCA Victor model VP-33K portable stereophonic phonograph with a 4-tube amp and big detachable speakers. If you’re a fan of RCA Victor New Orthophonic phonographs, or just vintage tube hi-fi, you will want to take a close look at this one. It’s rare – I’ve never actually seen another one – super cool, and has been expertly restored, so it works and sounds as good as it looks.
I came upon this years ago a...t an estate sale here in Maine and was astonished at the sight of it; despite the fact that it’s a “portable, ” it’s really, really big – 20.5”w x 22.5”d x 10.5”h – and throws off a serious ‘50’s vibe, like a car with big tailfins or a diner covered in chrome. I’ve been a fan of RCA’s New Orthophonic phonographs for a long time – they sound absolutely fantastic at any volume, and with that 4-tube amp they can rattle your windows – but I had no idea they produced serious portables in that era, especially stereophonic portables. This machine has all the technology you would expect to find in a top-of-the-line New Orthophonic from the late 1950’s, plus a pair of big loud speakers that swing out on a hinge and slide off easily. If you keep them on the hinge, they work just like that; slide them off and plug them into the output jacks on the back and you can place them anywhere in the room. That 4-tube amp delivers big sound that is also warm and mellow; it was thoroughly serviced during the restoration, as were the cartridge and the changer. All work perfectly now. The phonograph even has its original RCA 45 RPM record adapter. I’ve brought it to parties, and it’s always a big hit. I wish I had the space to keep it, but now it’s time for someone else to enjoy it for many years to come. If you’ve been wanting a great portable RCA of the New Orthophonic class – or if you’ve just been looking for a very high-quality portable tube phonograph that you can play and enjoy every day – you’ll have a hard time finding anything nicer.
I will ship this phonograph ONLY within the United States. If you live elsewhere and are interested in it, please contact me before bidding so we can discuss the shipping charges, which can be very expensive outside the U.S. I ship once a week (whenever possible). Having received, over the years, some items that did not survive shipping, I always take care to pack very carefully. If you prefer, I will be happy to drop it off at a nearby UPS store and have it professionally packed and shipped at your expense. I reserve the right to raise or lower the shipping charges should they prove to be significantly different than those determined by the shipping calculator. I reserve the right to refuse sale to anyone with excessive negative feedback or an otherwise suspicious history. Payment is due within three (3) days of the auction's close. Due to its age I am selling this phonograph without any warranty. All sales are final. I am not a dealer, and don’t have a big operation with a staff, so I would appreciate your patience while I take the time to pack your items with the care they deserve.
Be sure to see all the pictures! I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have, but please try to ask as early as possible, as it sometimes takes me a while to get to my email. Please see my other listings, as I am thinning out my collection considerably. I have several fine items up on Ebay right now, and will be listing many more in the weeks and months to come, so please keep checking. Good luck and happy bidding!
I came upon this years ago a...t an estate sale here in Maine and was astonished at the sight of it; despite the fact that it’s a “portable, ” it’s really, really big – 20.5”w x 22.5”d x 10.5”h – and throws off a serious ‘50’s vibe, like a car with big tailfins or a diner covered in chrome. I’ve been a fan of RCA’s New Orthophonic phonographs for a long time – they sound absolutely fantastic at any volume, and with that 4-tube amp they can rattle your windows – but I had no idea they produced serious portables in that era, especially stereophonic portables. This machine has all the technology you would expect to find in a top-of-the-line New Orthophonic from the late 1950’s, plus a pair of big loud speakers that swing out on a hinge and slide off easily. If you keep them on the hinge, they work just like that; slide them off and plug them into the output jacks on the back and you can place them anywhere in the room. That 4-tube amp delivers big sound that is also warm and mellow; it was thoroughly serviced during the restoration, as were the cartridge and the changer. All work perfectly now. The phonograph even has its original RCA 45 RPM record adapter. I’ve brought it to parties, and it’s always a big hit. I wish I had the space to keep it, but now it’s time for someone else to enjoy it for many years to come. If you’ve been wanting a great portable RCA of the New Orthophonic class – or if you’ve just been looking for a very high-quality portable tube phonograph that you can play and enjoy every day – you’ll have a hard time finding anything nicer.
I will ship this phonograph ONLY within the United States. If you live elsewhere and are interested in it, please contact me before bidding so we can discuss the shipping charges, which can be very expensive outside the U.S. I ship once a week (whenever possible). Having received, over the years, some items that did not survive shipping, I always take care to pack very carefully. If you prefer, I will be happy to drop it off at a nearby UPS store and have it professionally packed and shipped at your expense. I reserve the right to raise or lower the shipping charges should they prove to be significantly different than those determined by the shipping calculator. I reserve the right to refuse sale to anyone with excessive negative feedback or an otherwise suspicious history. Payment is due within three (3) days of the auction's close. Due to its age I am selling this phonograph without any warranty. All sales are final. I am not a dealer, and don’t have a big operation with a staff, so I would appreciate your patience while I take the time to pack your items with the care they deserve.
Be sure to see all the pictures! I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have, but please try to ask as early as possible, as it sometimes takes me a while to get to my email. Please see my other listings, as I am thinning out my collection considerably. I have several fine items up on Ebay right now, and will be listing many more in the weeks and months to come, so please keep checking. Good luck and happy bidding!
