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Reviews For: Hallicrafters SSB Transceiver SR-150

Category: Transceivers: HF Amateur HF+6M+VHF+UHF models - non QRP <5W

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Review Summary For : Hallicrafters SSB Transceiver SR-150
Reviews: 8MSRP: 650.00
Description:
SR-150 19-tube 80-10 Meter CW/SSB Transceiver. It used 19 tubes, and a dual conversion receiver for SSB/CW transmissions on 80,40,20,15 & 10 meters. The SR-150 is complex and well-constructed, and is known for its quiet receiver.
Mode: SSB/CW
RF Power output: SSB: 150 W (PEP input), CW: 125 W (input)
Voltage: Separate PSU (Mains or 12 VDC option)
Impedance: 50 ohms
Dimensions (W*H*D): 15 x 6.5 x 13"
Weight: 17.5 lbs
Manufactured: USA, 1961-1963
Other: 19 tubes. 12DQ6B finals
Product is not in production
More Info: http://www.w9wze.org/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0084.6
AI4HZ Rating: 2024-06-13
Love this oldie Time Owned: more than 12 months.
My dad bought an SR-150 as my first radio before I had my ham license in 1975. I've managed to hang onto it and still works like new. I like the fact that it's a simple tube radio and will not be affected by an EMP. Only broke down twice in the near 50 years I've had it, the filter cap in the PS shorted out in 1979 and the TX relay in the RF power section got blasted at the same time (don't understand why that happened). Picked up a non-working 150 at a swap meet some years ago for parts.
AD4DQ Rating: 2023-12-05
A fun early Tri-Bander Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Well after searching for one in my price range I got the radio and power supply. Well after checking over everything tubes etc.... and an alignment the radio works fines and puts out 100 watts. The radio tunes us easy then it is ready to go. Receiver is pretty sensitive plus plenty of volume. The VFO dial is very small my one big negative. Other than that the radio is very stable and fun to hunt DX or whatever you want to do. Overall pretty good for a radio from 50 years ago.
K7WXK Rating: 2018-03-05
Great 60's vintage transceiver Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I first saw the SR-150 in 1965 when I became a new ham. Of course it was way out of my price range as a struggling high school student. Well, scroll ahead 53 years and I now own one. It has not disappointed me. Nothing special, but it does everything it is advertised to do. Using a D104 w/G-stand, and I get great audio reports. Very smooth and accurate tuning and a sensitive receiver, albeit with no selectivity. The RIT is very handy when working split (to a limited extent). A bit cramped under the hood, but with some patience most repairs are doable. As compared to the Swan 350, and Drake TR-3 I think it has the edge on the Swan and is about equal to the Drake performance wise. As far as looks go, it's a winner.
NB9M Rating: 2013-07-14
Arguably one of Hallicrafters best efforts Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I just picked up my third (and hopefully last) SR-150, after having regretted selling the previous two. This one has the original boxes, and the PS-150 speaker/power supply has been recapped.

The SR-150 incorporates a proven dual-conversion design that essentially dates back several years. Like the SX-101, dynamic range is excellent, and the receiver is very, very quiet. How quiet? Omni Series C & D quiet. That's unarguably a desirable for an older ham like me that is tired of the racket on the newer broad-banded rigs, which beat you to death during long sessions at the mic. Additionally, the AGC is smooth and largely predictable, which really helps the SR-150 to be a mainstay in my shack.

The VFO is silky-smooth with zero backlash. Recovered audio and transmit audio is a bit tight, but when properly aligned, perfectly acceptable. The SR-150 and SR-160 has of the easiest tube PA's to load in the vintage world. It also appears to have been the first transceiver with RIT.

Another big positive is the classic good looks - this is one very pretty rig. It's thoughtfully-designed and well-constructed. Recap the power supply and this transceiver should last you many years.

I did a side-by-side quick comparison with my nearby Kenwood TS-570D on receive. The Hallicrafters was not only noticeably quieter, but overall intelligibility is indisputable. The Hallicrafters SOUNDED more sensitive, but it's that awesome dynamic range coming into play.

Downside is the lack of switchable crystal filters. It tends toward being a bit microphonic. I wouldn't begin to press the SR-150 into something competitive - I leave that for the Drake B and C-line. But to live with every day, the SR-150 is like a comfortable pair of tennis shoes. How do you replace something like that?
KE5ZGI Rating: 2011-08-21
WOW ! Great reports Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I purchased this from a guy who was no longer using it. He primarily used it to just listen taking advantage of the well known receiver. I have been restoring it back to OEM. I get Great reports with it. One HAM in California thought I was joking when I mentioned I was on a tube radio. He stated it sounded as good as if not better than most modern day receivers. I use this radio with a D-104 (Silver Eagle) moddified to by-pass the MIC AMP .
This radio was intimadating for me at first because I was new to Tube rigs. After some coaching from a HAM friend Dave (AE5OV), it was a breeze after an hour of on-Air time.
Use my SR-150 Weekly and no regrets in the purchase.
VE4HAM Rating: 2006-12-26
Nice Vintage Rig Time Owned: more than 12 months.
With all the nano technology about and the inability for the layman to fix the rigs so compacted, I always have a good old tube rig about in good working order. I have a Hallicrafters SR 150 with a spare set of tubes and is ready to go anytime. I even use it sometimes for the hell of it. It's got fine audio on transmit with many good reports and a nice unbelievable quiet receiver. Hallicrafters put some good work on the front end. The dynamic range of the audio amp sure sounds great compared to my newer Yaesu. Tuning the SR150 is a snap and can tolerate percentages of SWR a solid state rig can't. I've had no problem with the set after owning it for 20 yrs as a backup radio. The SR series of Hallicrafters is getting to be a collectors edition series, as SR was mainly used for their transmitting units. A good unit is virtually problem free forever. Too bad the the japanese took over the market, Hallicrafters were on the road to some great new units involving solid state. America lost it's greatest radio builders on a sad note. Anyone who has never run a good tube rig should try one, get involved how simplicity could never be detected at the far end of the wireless link. The SR 150 is a keeper
WIRELESS Rating: 2004-07-09
Average Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This radio does nothing really bad but nothing great either. But it was a fun and easy to use radio. If all these 60's radios didn't use sweep tubes in the final I would probably still have most of them. Why they didn't use 6146s I'll never know. If you find one cheap and want a nice simple radio, this will work fine for you.
PY1BR Rating: 2004-01-13
Great for its age Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have two SR-150. One as backup an eventually as source of parts. The SR-150 is a very nice transceiver, very simple. I am still restoring mine, changing some old high value resistors, some caps, etc.
It's incredible stable. Some more recent tube radios are not as stables as the SR-150. I use it to feel the 60's SSB operation. It's charming! An old Hi-Z dynamic Electro-Voice, and you have a great SSB station.