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RCA 80 Valves/Tubes RCA 80 Balloon tube, the base is a bit loose, you can glue it or leave it. It is not tested but I have used it for around 50 hours, it works as it should, it lights up well, see attached pictures. The price is lowered to reflect the above. I have a few 80 already so selling a couple of spares. Pick up available at Ultimo NSW2007 office hours or Lindfield NSW2070 after hours. Postage flat $10 Condition: Good Payment Method: Paypal f&f COP, PayID Region/State: (NSW) New South Wales/Australia By dwbasement 0 Comments Secure Ad AUD $100 Date: June 21, 20241 yr
The listing notes an unknown condition for these RCA 80 Valves, which immediately tempers the appeal of the A$100 asking price. While the typical used market for a standard 80 rectifier often sits between A$10 and A$30 for basic units, premium vintage examples like the RCA Radiotron can reach A$40 to A$60; however, NOS versions from retailers like Woo Audio are listed at A$99. At A$100 for an unknown condition, this price is ambitious and sits well above the median for a functional used tube, making it hard to justify as a bargain without verified testing.
Despite the high price relative to typical used stock, the RCA 80 remains a classic full-wave rectifier prized for its direct-heated design and reliable performance in d-c power supplies. Its rarity as a genuine vintage RCA Radiotron offers meaningful upside if the tubes are confirmed to test well, as original-owner vintage pieces in excellent condition command higher respect among enthusiasts. However, given the unknown condition and ambitious price, buyers should prioritize verifying the tubes are free of oxide flakes or internal rattle before committing, as age concerns in untested units could easily negate this listing's value.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
RCA traces its origins to 1919, when the Radio Corporation of America emerged from a U.S. government-backed reorganization of the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America, prioritizing national security in radio technology. Born in the United States amid post-World War I innovation, the company lacked a single notable founder but was propelled by visionaries like David Sarnoff, who foresaw radio's mass-market potential. Its heritage spans a century of pioneering milestones, from acquiring the Victor Talking Machine Company in 1929—bringing the iconic "His Master's Voice" Nipper dog trademark—to launching early television at the 1939 New York World's Fair and shaping Nashville's recording scene through RCA Studios.
Historically a titan in consumer electronics, RCA focused on radios, phonographs like the famed Victrola, records, and later innovations such as eight-track tapes and magnetic recording. Today, under VOXX International, the brand emphasizes accessible audio-video accessories, including speakers, turntables, headphones, and portable systems, rather than specialized hi-fi components like amplifiers, DACs, or high-end cables.
RCA holds a venerable position as a vintage icon and entry-level mainstay, evoking mid-20th-century American living rooms rather than high-end audiophile pursuits. Its reputation rests on reliable, value-driven performance for everyday listeners, appealing to nostalgia seekers and budget-conscious buyers over niche boutique or collector-grade exclusivity.
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