Hallicrafters SX-42 Communications Receiver & R-42 Reproducer Speaker Set – 1940's Tube Radio System

Description :

This complete Hallicrafters postwar radio system includes the Model SX-42 communications receiver paired with the R-42 external reproducer speaker, designed and tuned to function together as one of the most powerful home and amateur radio systems of the 1940s.

The SX-42 is a 15-tube superheterodyne receiver with sweeping frequency coverage from 540 kilocycles to 110 megacycles AM, and 27 to 110 megacycles FM, supporting high-fidelity broadcasts, shortwave listening, and ham band operation. It features calibrated bandspread for the 80, 40, 20, 10, and 6 meter amateur bands, and its iconic dual dial face and military styling make it an instant centerpiece.

The matching R-42 speaker (also branded “Reproducer”) is a dynamic extension unit built to handle the full frequency output of the SX-42. Housed in a steel case with matching aesthetic and original badge, the speaker includes internal circuitry to manage tone and fidelity precisely as Hallicrafters intended.

Both units are sold as-is, untested, but appear complete and unrestored—perfect for historical display, restoration, or reconditioning by experienced collectors.

Era:
1944–1948 (immediate post-WWII period)

Style:
Postwar Industrial / Art Deco Functionalist

Technique:
Vacuum tube analog circuitry, point-to-point wiring, enamel-painted steel cabinets

Tools Used:
Signal generator, volt-ohm meter, tube tester, soldering iron, RF alignment scope, speaker coil tools

Frequency Coverage:
AM Reception: 540 kc to 110 mc
FM High-Fidelity Reception: 27 mc to 110 mc
Calibrated Bandspread: 80m, 40m, 20m, 10m, and 6m amateur bands

Band Breakdown:
Band 1: 540–1620 kc – AM / CW
Band 2: 1.62–5 mc – AM / CW
Band 3: 5–15 mc – AM / CW
Band 4: 15–30 mc – AM / CW
Band 5: 27–55 mc – AM / FM / CW
Band 6: 55–110 mc – AM / FM / CW


Tube Chart:
V1 – 6AG5 – 1st RF amplifier
V2 – 6AG5 – 2nd RF amplifier
V3 – 7F8 – Converter
V4 – 6SK7 – 1st IF amplifier
V5 – 6SG7 – 2nd IF amplifier
V6 – 6H6 – AM detector / Noise limiter
V7 – 7H7 – 1st limiter
V8 – 7H7 – 2nd limiter
V9 – 6H6 – Discriminator
V10 – 7A4 – BFO / S-meter amp
V11 – 6SL7GT – Audio inverter
V12 – 6V6GT – Power output
V13 – 6V6GT – Power output
V14 – 5U4G – Rectifier
V15 – 0D3 / VR150 – Voltage regulator


Electrical Specifications (SX-42):
Power Consumption: 110 Watts
Frequency: 50/60 Cycles
Line Voltage: 117 Volts
Line Current: 0.93 Amperes


Input & External Connections:
Phono Input: Dedicated phonograph input
Antenna Input: Dual terminals for shortwave and FM bands
Ground Terminal: Standard grounding connection for RF stability
Speaker Output: Matched output to Hallicrafters R-42


History:
The SX-42 and R-42 were developed together and marketed as Hallicrafters’ flagship receiver set, combining advanced amateur radio functionality with home hi-fi features.

Measurements:
SX-42 Receiver: 20" W x 18" T x 10 ¼" D
R-42 Speaker: 17" W x 12 ¾" T x 12 ½" D

Manufacturer / Maker:
Maker: The Hallicrafters Co., Chicago, U.S.A.

Suggested Weight (combined):
Approx. 100–110 lbs

Suggested Shipping Package Dimension:
SX-42: 26" W x 18" D x 15" H
R-42: 18" W x 15" D x 15" H
Recommend shipping separately due to weight

Music:
Ideal for WWII-era broadcasts, shortwave news, or Big Band FM. Suggested: “I’ll Be Seeing You” by Bing Crosby

Item Number : P15740

Category : Home Decor & Furniture

Brand : The Hallicrafters Co., Chicago, U.S.A.