Cortelco (ITT-2500-MD-BK) Single Line Desk Telephone

I have to admit that I was more than a bit skeptical of buying this phone, especially given the price.I was expecting something that felt flimsy and was obviously a knock-off just meant to grab $$$ from people who are probably too young to notice the difference.I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE WRONG.The way the handset feels in my hand. The way the unit sounds when you pick the handset up. The way it sounds when you put it back in the cradle and hang up. The way the plunger on top feels if you push it with your finger. The look and feel of almost everything on this phone...THOSE THINGS HAVE BEEN DUPLICATED TO PERFECTION (with one exception for those who remember)!That thing that wasn't? It's the button for the number zero.On the original Western Electric models, the letters "OPER" were above the zero to indicate that this was the button to push to reach the Operator at the phone company.I get that that's no longer "a thing", but since they left all of the alphabetic characters above the other numbers, this really stands out as an error.I mean it's not like anyone really dials numbers like "BRentwood-43300" either, but they still included them on the buttons anyway, and I'm really happy that they did because it really adds to the look!Anyhow, aside from that one glaring error, this phone is perfect and I don't regret buying it in any way.I'm using this hooked up to a MagicJack, and I called my cellphone, left a voicemail and my voice was crystal clear.Likewise with the sound coming from the handset itself.I totally recommend this phone if you just want something simple with a vintage look, and where you only have to pick it up, dial the number, and away you go.They really did a good job on it.

Purchased for father-in-law in nursing homes. Worked perfectly due could increase volume and ease of use for him.

This Cortelco / Kellogg (ITT-2500-MD-BK) Single Line Desk Telephone, although not identical to the old ITT or Western Electric model 2500D phone is strikingly similar in appearance and is dimensionally similar. It is considerably lighter in weight than the old 2500Ds (both main unit and handset) but has decent anti-skid rubber feet on the main body so it doesn't get dragged off the desk or table too easily. The main unit is lighter because it doesn't have a potted iron core hybrid or heavy ringer assembly inside like the old ones did. Instead there is modern electronics on a circuit board, which weighs much less. I haven't opened mine up but I suspect there's probably room inside to add some ballast weight if you wanted to. The hand set seems to be lighter weight than the originals primarily because of the lighter weight transmitter and receiver elements it employs. The plastic handset housing doesn't seem to be much different than the originals except that it has a volume control in the center of the underside of the handle (located in the indent where an original Western Electric handset would have had the "Western Electric" imprint). This phone does have an old fashioned "gong" type ringer and it even has twin gongs. The ringer's actuator is not as heavy as the old ones but when this baby rings it sounds pretty much the same as an original. The ringer doesn't have the adjustable bias spring like the old phones did. In place of the ringer loudness adjust wheel you'd find on an original this phone has a miniature slide switch with just two positions, "loud" and "not so loud" (my terminology, not theirs). Even the not so loud setting is pretty loud. I hope this review is useful.

You can not expect to buy a phone built like the old Western Electric ( or licensed copy ) 2500 series for this price. If you could buy one built as the originals were you would have to pay well over $100. In appearance this one comes close but that is where the similarity stops.As shipped, in a plain white box, minor final assembly is required by the recipient. The handset has to be connected to the phone with the supplied plug in coil cord as well as the wire going from the phone to your telephone jack. Not a big deal as it is all plug in connections. A nice feature is a second line plug on the back of the phone for plugging in another device such as an answering machine, fax etc.The outer shell of the phone seems similar to the original as far as thickness and durability under " normal " or " average " use. The metal base of the phone is similar to the later models manufactured by Western Electric concerning thickness of the metal and the holes and cutouts. The handset differs from the originals in that it does not appear to have the carbon type microphone and the receiver ( earpiece ) is different. Both are soldered to the wires in the handset, unlike the originals. The handset contains a 3 position switch volume control. The supplied coiled cord seems reasonably similar to the originals and should wear well under somewhat " normal " conditions. Overstretching it may possibly accelerate wear.Now for the real difference between this phone and the original Western Electric ( phone company ) phones is in the internal components. The originals were more electrical with components and circuitry built to last for decades under normal use. Instead of a leaf blade type hook switch, the Cortelco uses an enclosed fast action switch ( similar to commonly referred to " Micro Switch " . Instead of a potted network the Cortelco uses an electronic circuit board with what appears to be two integrated circuits, a bridge rectifier and other sophisticated electronic components. The push button touch tone type dial although resembles the original on the outside appears as though it is contact wipers that make contact with a circuit board although I have not dissasembled it for an actual look. The ringers are two separate self contained bells each of a different tone. The ring will not sound the same as the original Western Electric phone company phones. There is a two position slide switch on the bottom of the phone for selecting loud and soft ring. There is no provision for shutting off the ringer. It would have been nice if the ringer switch had a third position to turn off the ringer.One concern I have of the " electronic " circuitry of this phone is that it might be more prone to high transient voltage spikes, especially if you are using it on traditional copper phone lines. A nearby lightning strike might very well put this phone out of order where the originals were not too affected by a nearby lightning strike. As far as I know, most if not all phones being made these days use similar electronic circuits and not the old traditional electrical network.One major disapointment I have with this phone is the " sidetone " ( hearing your voice in the earpiece ) is about twice as loud as it should be. Eventually I will figure out how to reduce this ( I know if you tamper with the phone it may void the warranty but for the price I'm not worried ). I'll use it as is for a few months and see how it goes. Test calls I made with this phone, friends that I spoke with using this phone gave me good reports on speech quality.The line cord going from the phone to your phone jack although generous in length could be a bit more durable. As long as you dont constantly move the phone around, crush or walk on the cord etc. most likely it will last a long time. You are not going to get original " phone company " quality at this price.Overall and in consideration of the price it's not a bad phone for the price other than the overly loud sidetone when speaking. I am using this phone with Verizon Fios landline phone service. Your experience may vary depending on what kind of phone service you are using.Concerning reliability and longevity of this phone I can only say that time will tell. I have only been giving this phone light use since getting it a few weeks ago. If it were not for the loud sidetone in the earpiece I would have given it 5 stars but in those 5 stars or even 4 stars you have to keep it in mind the low cost of this phone. As another reviewer stated and I will agree if you want " The Real Thing " check out flea markets, tag sales and old phone suppliers where you can buy used as is or completely refurbished and guaranteed but then again you might be paying more. There are places that will give you a full restoration on old phones and guarantee their work, at a price.I was a bit skeptical when I first bought this phone and maybe even a bit more skeptical after giving it an internal and external examination to see what makes it tick. After a few weeks use, I " kind of " like it and may just buy another one.

It calls itself a 2500 set, but won't accept a standard ringer (the one on mine is useless), standard dial, or network connections. A real 2500 set accepts standard components. This is junk that only looks like a 2500 set.