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1966 Silvertone console record player
Today, I brought home this 1966 model year Silvertone console record player. It was built by Arvin (132 source code) and uses a BSR record changer. Even though it's from '66, it's a tube unit (50C5 X 2, 12AX7, selenium rectifier); but, it's probably one of the last tube models. It's been my experience that most Sears stuff from the '50's and '60's had either a Warwick or Crescent changer, and the lowest end stuff used a BSR changer.
A couple of things that make me happy is that it has a balance control (I don't really care for those models with separate L and R volume controls) and it uses a driver stage (no 3V cartridge directly driving the output stage). I fired it up and the changer will need a full overhaul and the amp is only working out of one channel. Based on turning the record by hand and the channel that works, it seems to sound pretty good. One day, I'll give it a full overhaul. There were also some records with the unit; but, they are your typical budget label instrumentals, gospel, and Reader's Digest records like what most senior citizens of the day listened to. There were also a few 78's with it; but, they are in terrible shape.
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http://www.youtube.com/user/radiotvphononut |
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There isn't that much to the amplifier; just a small chassis, four speakers and a lot of empty space in the cabinet. Reminds me of the last Zenith console color TVs of the early part of the 21st century, just before Zenith went offshore, with the small master circuit panel that looked like an oversized postage stamp and the large amount of empty space around it. This must have been one of Sears' less expensive consoles; the small amplifier chassis with two tubes and one selenium B+ rectifier practically screams "cheap", and I bet this one didn't sound very "hi-fi" either.
I doubt if this thing was very loud at maximum volume, as the amplifier doesn't look anywhere near big enough to produce any kind of decent audio power output. If I had to guess, I would say this amplifier had no more than five watts of output per channel at best. The speakers don't look big enough to handle much more power than that. This console was probably meant for people who just wanted a console stereo phonograph without an FM radio tuner and who didn't care beans about high fidelity. I bet the console didn't weigh that much, either, with the small amplifier chassis; most of its weight was probably in the wood (?) cabinet, which probably isn't genuine hardwood or veneers, but particle board with faux woodgrain vinyl over it. Good grief, even the cabinet screams cheap if it is as I just described it. As for the dead stereo channel, I'd test the tubes first. One of them may be weak or dead, although an open filament in an amplifier such as this one would kill both channels, and the turntable may not run either if its motor is one of those 90-volt jobs that is wired in series with the tube filaments. This was common with the old and very likely cheap one-tube phonographs of the '30s and '40s, in which the filament of the single amplifier tube, usually a 117Z6 2-section amp/rectifier, was wired in series with the phonograph motor. If the tube's filament burned out, the motor would stop. If the tube shorted, the phono motor would probably burn out instantly since the short would put the entire line voltage (105-110 volts in those days) across it. The 117Z3 or -Z6 tube was used because it operated directly from the AC power line, without the need for dropping resistors. I knew someone years ago who had a small record player with just such a one-tube amplifier. It worked well until the person spilled something into it while it was plugged in and turned on; the liquid got into the amplifier and promptly destroyed it, as evidenced by smoke coming from the ventilation slots in the cabinet. Of course, as I said, the amplifier was destroyed and the phonograph was likely junked.
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Jeff, WB8NHV Collecting, restoring and enjoying vintage Zenith radios since 2002 Zenith. Gone, but not forgotten. Last edited by Jeffhs; 05-07-2016 at 11:31 PM. |
#3
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The tubes, normally connected in series with the motor are the 25L6 and it's variants. |
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Man that thing just defines cheap
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In the early 60's, a friend and I went to Sears, with his parents. They wanted to look at the $88.00 stereo, such as the one shown. Naturally, they were not impressed with the sound quality. They ended buying one for around three times the money. Actually a great unit, Warwick built.
Maybe, the one shown, might've been bought from the catalogue, instead of the retail store. |
Audiokarma |
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It's got a simple charm to it! It probably sounds pretty good for what it is--and I'm sure gets plenty loud, if perhaps in more of a shrill way than a rattling way.
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It had the tiny black transistors with thin metal heat sinks on them. The low AC voltage for the amp was taken from a tap on the motor winding. The owner's son, tried connecting extra speakers to improve the sound and blew the O/P transistors. |
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http://www.youtube.com/user/radiotvphononut |
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I have one of these with a AM/FM radio as well as the changer. While definitely a low-end model, it sounds pretty good for what it is.
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Dumont-First with the finest in television. |
Audiokarma |
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That's all fine and good; but, when the speaker needs to be replaced, you're going to have a hard time finding a speaker with that impedance. I suppose about the only thing you could do is connect a resistor in series with a standard speaker, to give you the right ohms rating.
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http://www.youtube.com/user/radiotvphononut |
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Tom C. Zenith: The quality stays in EVEN after the name falls off! What I want. --> http://www.videokarma.org/showpost.p...62&postcount=4 |
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If someone needs 45 ohm, 5 1/4 inch speakers, PM me. |
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Do you ever resell these old phonos after they're fixed up?
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Sometimes, I try to sell them; but, I usually end up getting frustrated because where I live, it's not a hot bed for selling vintage electronics. I have lots of people claim they want an old record player; but, they often expect to get a perfect one for a yard sale price and they don't realize (or even care) what all is needed to properly restore one. As much as I'd love to sell these things for $5 or $10, parts are too expensive in today's world and I don't enjoy losing my butt. So, most of what I get either stays here are is given to close friends.
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http://www.youtube.com/user/radiotvphononut |
Audiokarma |
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