Stromberg Carlson Help? - Videokarma.org TV - Video

jaymanaa · #1 04-11-2006, 06:29 PM

Hello, This seemed like the likely forum to post this in but if not maybe a moderator can move it. My most recent auction prize is a Stromberg-Carlson suitcase style record player. I bid on it without a good look figuring to maybe scrap a tube or two. When I got it home and gave a closer look I was amazed at the pristine condition. It appears literally unused right down to the stylus. It is way too nice to scrap so I am planning on recapping when I get some time. I have not been able to find any info, much less a schematic, which brings me once again to the good folks at AK for some help. Under the lid is a brass plate which reads Stromberg Carlson Custom Four Hundred Wide Range High-Fidelity. There is also a plate on the tube access cover which reads Model PF-530. It uses a 6X5 rect., one 12AX7, and two 6V6's. I have some 6V6 schematics, but thought it would be nice to be able to order all the caps in advance (I've allready got too many things in pieces). Also any general info about this interesting little player would be most appreciated. I posted here because most of the SC info I found was about console radios and thought maybe someone could help. Thank You Jay

Chad Hauris · #2 04-11-2006, 11:38 PM

Jay, you will likely need a new phono cartridge if it is a crystal type even if the stylus is good. The crystals disintegrate and don't produce a signal or only a distorted one after a while. A ceramic type should do well. Also the turntable mech should be cleaned and re-lubricated. You may also need a new rubber drive wheel for the phono if there is a lot of noise from the turntable or a thumping noise.
You may not need a schematic to replace the old caps...just do one at a time and keep in mind the appropriate safety procedures. also a fuse in the power line is a must....1 amp should do. I'll see if I can find a copy of the schematic next time I am at the shop.

Tom Bavis · #3 04-12-2006, 03:22 PM

The PF-530 can be found in Sams folder 423-21, which would place it in 1958. Pretty sure I don't have it, or I would have posted it on my web page.

jaymanaa · #4 04-12-2006, 05:47 PM

Thanks, I never thought of the fact that it would have a crystal. I was thinking about a cartridge upgrade but I will have to do some shopping. All I have handy are for light weight tone arms and this tone arm is anything but that. It is of course mono also. Any ideas on places to look? A schematic would also help with an idea I had of adding an aux. source. I couldn't resist powering it up for a short time and putting on a very old Banjo record I had. It sounded surprisingly good but did have some distortion at low volume. The record changer and table functioned fine with no odd noise, but I will of course service it. I think Tom is probably right on at 1958. Anyway thanks again Chad and Tom and if either of you turn up a schematic I would be most grateful. Jay

Chad Hauris · #5 04-12-2006, 10:54 PM

Jay you lucked out, all too often those cartridges are bad..have seen a few that still are good...I would replace the caps and then double check the sound. Also if you are going to play stereo records you will need to install a stereo cartridge bridged to mono.

jaymanaa · #6 04-14-2006, 10:11 PM

Hey guys, I pulled the amp to look at the caps and behold, a perfect schematic stapled underneath. Only 3 paper wax caps, one with a burn from a resistor touching it. Four sections in the twist-lok. I wrote down the AE part numbers and will get them with my next order. The speakers seem fine and sturdy. I'm still looking for a suitable cartridge (glad Chad pointed out I would need to bridge a stereo one. The cartridge mounting is a simple matter of a springy clamp that the round shaft (about a quarter inch in diameter) of the cartridge pops into. This allows it to be flipped for 78's of which I don't own any. Well thanks again and let me know if anyone has any ideas on where to look for a cart. Jay

jaymanaa · #7 05-28-2006, 04:02 PM

Update! I was cleaning out my cave today and came upon the ol' Stromberg in the corner in pieces. The new caps from AR were in a bag on top. I put it on the bench and installed the new caps, a few ugly resistors, and tested the tubes. All the tubes were ok except for the 12AX7. I treated her to an NOS Mullard branded Fisher. I then took her upstairs to my nearly acoustically perfect kitchen (ha ha) and set her on top of the Fisher Ambassador. Looking through my old not too good LP's I found a copy of Lefty Frezel's "Allways Late". Man howdy! When they said Hi-Fidelity, they weren't kiddin. What is that warm fuzzy feeling that only this sound produces? Makes me wonder about all my fancy gear.

Thanks for all the help, Jay