Zenith Console combo

[radiotvnut]

Whatever you do, please don't stick one of those plastic '70's BSR's in there! I have a '58 Magnavox console hi-fi that someone did that to. I'd like to find an original Magnavox turntable to go in it; but, I'm running into the same situation as you did. I only gave $15 for the console and, by the time I factor in shipping cost, I'd have $50+ in a turntable, which is a bit much for a $15 semi-beat up console.

Those VM built Zenith branded changers were decent for what they were; but, certainly nothing special. The main thing they have going for them is the "micro touch 2G" cartridge. These are among some of the better ceramic cartridges that won't ruin your records as fast as many of the more conventional cartridges.

Zenith also used a belt drive changer in their highest end models. I've never actually seen the insides of one of these turntables; but, I did see a couple consoles that had them. One was an early solid state model in a nice cabinet with a dead right channel and a malfunctioning turntable. The seller wanted $75 and got PO'ed when I tried to get him down. The other was a tube type model in a beat to heck cabinet that didn't half work. This one was at the SA, priced at $75, and they also got PO'ed when I pointed out it's flaws and tried to get it cheaper.