Question regarding Conion/Helix/Clairtone?

[howie1976]

What's the difference between the Conion c-100f and the AKA's other than name badging?

According to Gordie that has around 100 of these, he says that the Clairtone version sounds better than the others. Can anyone else verify this?

I've also heard that the Helix version is the rarest. Is that true?

Btw, why did companies make AKA's other than for regional name recognition?

 

[blu_fuz]

There was also an extra antenna wire mounted to the rear case in the clairtone.

 

[Reli]

Btw, why did companies make AKA's other than for regional name recognition?

That's basically it. If you're Helix, it's a cheap way to get your name out there. Why design a box from scratch if you don't have to?

Plus many of those brands are fake -- they're not actual companies. They're just brands invented by some department store that wants to sell its own private label. That's what Realistic is, a fake brand invented by Radio Shack.

 

[howie1976]

That's basically it. If you're Helix, it's a cheap way to get your name out there. Why design a box from scratch if you don't have to?

Plus many of those brands are fake -- they're not actual companies. They're just brands invented by some department store that wants to sell its own private label. That's what Realistic is, a fake brand invented by Radio Shack.

So then you're saying that all 3 are basically copies of one another?

So if you had an option to buy any one of the 3 and price and condition was the same, which would you buy?

 

[Mystic Traveller]

Clairtone version sounds better than the others.

Even comparing 2 boxes of the same model
one might notice that they would sound differently - their age/current condition should be of course considered.

 

[blu_fuz]

I would buy any of them, no brand has more features so same.

 

[im_alan_partridge]

Having only heard the Clairtone model I cant comment on sound variation but ive always been of the assumption they were identical.

Mystic Traveller makes a good point about the condition, how worn the internal components are must make a difference in the sound.

 

[Mystic Traveller]

how worn the internal components are must make a difference in the sound.

Yep, it matters.
One of hobby dudes, a thorough guy, once had a chance of listening to 5 or 6 Pannies RX-C45 or 46 (don't remember exactly).
He specifically made a point that to his ears they all sounded a bit differently which could be attributed only to their current condition.

 

[Reli]

So then you're saying that all 3 are basically copies of one another?

So if you had an option to buy any one of the 3 and price and condition was the same, which would you buy?

I'd buy the one that has more "rep" and "cred", thus easier to sell in the future.

That SEEMS to be the Conion, but I'm not sure.

 

[SLO]

If I see something I like, and have the cash available, I'll go for it. I guess in the end, its all up to you my friend. I would be happy to have any of the brands you mentioned in my collection Don't stress Howie, we'll find you one eventually

 

[caution]

There's also one made for Scandanavia with this for a badge...

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

Howie, I have only heard the C100, but there is a Korean version of the C100 that has some deleted features, no VU meters in the upper left, no cassette LED animation. Possibly more????

The Korean version's go for less money, not sure about the sound quality. Just make sure if your paying good money, your getting what you want for the right price

 

[Retroresto]

I have the Helix version. I can't imagine another variation being any louder. It's just a re-badge of the same box.
Out of all the boxes I have bought it's the only one I can't get myself to teardown and restore, because I would miss it too much the time it was in the shop.

 

[Mystic Traveller]

That SEEMS to be the Conion, .

Seems Conion to me as well.

 

[hardmen]

Howie, I have only heard the C100, but there is a Korean version of the C100 that has some deleted features, no VU meters in the upper left, no cassette LED animation. Possibly more????

The Korean version's go for less money, not sure about the sound quality. Just make sure if your paying good money, your getting what you want for the right price

No dial ilumination (all wires there, but no lamp) and no weighted tuner knob too

I dont't know about the others versions, but the Korean is SUPERLOUD...

 

[blu_fuz]

The Helix and Clairtone versions might be cheaper for you to buy because a lot of people search for the word 'CONION' which will drive auction prices up and also brings up more hits on google. That will also make it easier for people to research what they have before they list it for sale.

 

[Reli]

Get one with a weighted tuner.....That alone is worth an extra $50-100, lol

 

[Mystic Traveller]

BTW, what the back plates of Helix/Clairtone read?
Do they mention "Made in Japan"?

 

[caution]

Yes.

 

[Mystic Traveller]

Yes.

Interesting - thanks for posting.