Grundig C 6000 (c. 1972–1974)
The Grundig C 6000 Automatic is a portable radio cassette recorder from the early 1970s. It is monophonic, with the radio and tape deck built into one cabinet. It is not a tiny transistor portable and not a component hi-fi system. It is a substantial all-in-one machine meant to travel.
What's documented about the model is a bit scattered, but it looks like a capable, well-regarded device. A Russian-language source describes it as a flagship model with extended functionality for its time, and claims it proved that cassette technology could deliver quality sound. The circuitry was apparently similar in topology to the Soviet "Okean" radios. Production is generally placed at 1972, with one European forum citing 1974.
The radio section covers FM, LW, MW, and two shortwave bands, which is a generous spread for a portable. The amplifier drives a single elliptical 4-watt loudspeaker. Power draw is relatively modest: roughly 1.6 watts off, 2.6 watts at low volume. A 60 cm telescopic antenna handles FM reception. The cassette mechanism is straightforward, and at least one seller noted that a new belt had been fitted and the transport was playing well.
Known specifications
- Type: Portable radio cassette recorder (monophonic)
- Bands: FM, LW, MW, 2× shortwave
- Speaker: Elliptical, 4 W
- Power consumption: 1.6 W (off) / 2.6 W (radio, low volume)
- Antenna: 60 cm telescopic
- Production: c. 1972–1974, West Germany
One common fault turns up in owner reports: the volume slider. A German forum user described a unit that first boomed at full volume and couldn't be turned down. Then, after working the slider back and forth, it went quiet and couldn't be turned up again. The diagnosis pointed to the slider itself, a closed assembly with no visible external fault. The same owner noted he had a second, very good example of the model. A Romanian forum user reported a separate issue: an imperfect contact at the final transistor in the output stage.
A service manual exists. The "GRUNDIG C6000 AUTOMATIC" schematic appears in at least one Romanian compilation alongside the Grundig TK2400, and downloadable copies circulate online, though access is reportedly a bit tricky. The schematic also turns up in the "volumul 2 Silisteanu, Presura" reference work.
The C 6000 has a small collector following. Units in good condition have sold in the low hundreds of euros. One eBay listing went for €230 as-is, and a Catawiki seller described their example as "in almost new condition." A Russian listing called it "excellent condition for 52 years."
One caution: at least one database misidentifies the C 6000 as a turntable. It is not. Every other source, and the physical evidence of the units themselves, confirms this is a radio cassette recorder.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.
Related Models
- Grundig 1610
- Grundig 1715A
- Grundig 2210
- Grundig 8072
- Grundig CN 700
- Marantz 2226 (1974-1976)
- Marantz 2226B (1979-1980)
- Marantz 2235 (1974-1977)
- Marantz 2238B (1978-1980)
- Marantz 2250B (1978-1980)