Overview
The Crosley WLW Super-Power Receiver, often referred to by collectors as the “Crosley Colossus,” was one of the largest and most powerful home radio receivers ever built. Introduced in 1936, the massive console radio was designed by Crosley Radio Corporation as a direct response to the Zenith Stratosphere receiver.
Named after Crosley’s powerful WLW broadcasting station in Cincinnati, the receiver was intended to represent the ultimate luxury radio of its era. Only a very small number were produced, making it one of the rarest and most valuable pre-war American radios.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Crosley Radio Corporation |
| Model | WLW Super-Power Receiver |
| Year Introduced | 1936 |
| Tube Count | 37 tubes |
| Speakers | 6 speakers |
| Audio Output | Approximately 75 watts |
| Chassis | 4 separate chassis |
| Cabinet Type | Large floor console |
| Power Supply | AC |
| Weight | Approximately 475 lbs |
| Dimensions | Approx. 58″ H × 42″ W × 22″ D |
| Special Features | Public address capability, automatic volume expansion |
Description
The Crosley WLW receiver featured an elaborate multi-chassis design with chrome-plated internal components and an extremely large speaker system. The radio used three tweeters, two mid-range speakers, and one massive 18-inch low-frequency speaker designed for high-fidelity sound reproduction.
The set included advanced controls for tone shaping, fidelity, and volume expansion. Crosley advertised the radio as capable of filling very large spaces with sound and even promoted its built-in public-address capability.
Because of its extreme cost and size, very few units were sold. Surviving examples are considered among the most important and collectible American radio receivers ever produced.
History
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1935 | Zenith introduces the Stratosphere 1000Z |
| 1935 | Powel Crosley Jr. orders development of a larger and more powerful receiver |
| 1936 | Crosley introduces the WLW Super-Power Receiver |
| 1936 | Receiver marketed as the most powerful home radio available |
| 1940s | Remaining sets become collector pieces due to rarity |
| Modern Era | Considered one of the most famous high-end pre-war radios |
References
- https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/crosley_wlw_model_super_power_radio_receiver.html
Detailed technical information and photographs of the Crosley WLW receiver. - https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/article/the-colossus-of-radio
Historical article covering development and engineering of the WLW Super-Power Receiver. - https://swling.com/blog/2016/04/the-crosley-radio-corporations-1936-wlw-model-super-power-radio-receiver/
Historical overview and discussion of the Crosley WLW project. - https://crosleybook.blogspot.com/2007/09/crosleys-colossus-of-radio-revisited.html
Historical collector information and photographs of surviving examples. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5RmSTpYeg0
Video presentation covering the Crosley WLW “Colossus” receiver and its features.