Admiral 111-07 Apr 2026

Given the build quality and the joy of that analog dial, I still think it is the best bargain in vintage radio.

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admiral-111-07-review

March 8, 2025

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. 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.

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. Given the build quality and the joy of

But if you want —if you want to listen to a baseball game the way your grandfather did, or if you want to fall asleep to the gentle hum of static while tuning across the AM dial—the Admiral 111-07 is peerless.

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Unlike later "pocket radios" that used tiny speakers producing tinny highs, the Admiral features a 4x6 inch oval speaker mounted in a sealed wooden back (not plastic!). Because of this wooden baffle, the 111-07 produces low-end response that should be impossible for a battery-powered unit.

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. When you slide your finger across it, you