March 8, 2025
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Here is why this specific radio still matters 60 years later. Forget the flashy colors of Japanese imports. The Admiral 111-07 is all business. Usually found in a muted tweed or charcoal case with brushed silver trim, it looks like something a NASA engineer would have had on his desk during the Mercury missions.
If you want Bluetooth, buy a JBL. If you want loud volume, buy a boombox. admiral 111-07
Prices have climbed in the last few years. A "parts only" unit will run you $40. A fully restored, singing unit will set you back $150 to $250.
Admiral used a layout that is exceptionally clean for the era. The ceramic capacitors are color-coded like tiny candies, and the transistors are housed in those classic top-hat metal casings.
Given the build quality and the joy of that analog dial, I still think it is the best bargain in vintage radio. March 8, 2025 [End of post] Here is
Vintage Audio / Hi-Fi
There are thousands of transistor radios out there. Most of them end up in landfill, forgotten, their plastic cases cracked and their tuning knobs frozen.
Most importantly, the tuning capacitor is massive for a portable radio. This oversized component is what gives the 111-07 its legendary selectivity. In a crowded city, this radio can pull a weak signal out from between two strong ones without bleeding. Vintage audio enthusiasts often argue about "transistor sound" versus "tube sound." The 111-07 is the bridge. Usually found in a muted tweed or charcoal
It doesn’t try to be jewelry; it tries to be precision . The tactile feel of the dial—a long, horizontal ribbon tuner—is buttery smooth. When you slide your finger across it, you aren’t just changing stations; you are piloting a machine. Pop the back off a typical transistor radio, and you will find a messy bundle of wires and cheap capacitors. Pop the back off a 111-07, and you will find a thing of beauty.
Don’t let the "Admiral" name fool you. This isn't a low-ranking officer. It is the flagship.