In the late 1930's my grandparents and parents had Stromberg Carlson AM radios in the living room to receive what passed, in those days, for "true to life" recreation of what ever was on the other end at the microphone.
The sets were strong on polished wood, big speakers with the voice coils being driven by an a.c. tap rather than speakers using permanent magnets as we have today, and more sections of RF amplification in the tuner module than we ever see in this day in age. As for tubes - - well, when you turned one on, the temperature in the living room could rise several degrees. Most were in the RF and AF amplifier stages, with a pair of 6L6's in push pull used as the output.
Hey! My first Hi Fi power amp that I built in 1949 used 6L6's and Partridge transformers and my JBL speakers were housed in home-brewed enclosures. Now, I use a Bryston preamp and amplifier and Thiel
3.5's.Times have really changed!
George (The Old Fud)
I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. -- Robert McCloskey, State Department spokesman (attributed)