Magnavox Console Stereo

D

dirtdeviler

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I've been wanting a good record player to replace my cheapo all in one lloyds model for a while. But wasn't sure what i wanted... that is until i saw this!!! This here is the beautiful 1969 Magnavox Astro-Sonic in a lovely "mediterranean" cabinet. Im hopefully going to pick it up in August, but the suspense is killing me!

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A magnificent Magnovox!

Good choice! In 1969, there was a lot to choose from in Console Stereos. Each had their own selling points, and good things, and not many flaws.


 


I know some would boast that Fisher is the only brand to be considered. I tend to think the top two are Zenith an Magnavox. Really even a good top of the line GE and or Admiral was even acceptable as far as quality is concerned.


 


The thing I do like about Magnavox is the jam free, easy to use, easy to service record changer.  That was originally made by a company called Collaro, then Magnavox bought the design and produced it them selves.  I especially love how you can even use the 16 RPM speed with the automatic function, unlike with other record changers, so you can play a stack of those neat Seaborg background music records on that.  please keep me posted when you get her.  I also recommend that you just buy a fresh new needle, that is not a expensive thing to do, and it will optimize record safety and sound quality.  I have a few reliable sources for that, so let me know, and I would be more then pleased to help!=)

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I do know about Technoman.

I have seen several of his videos.  You will also need to buy a pack of the special Seaburg adaptors for use with those records.
 
I have the "portable" suitcase-style version of this machine, also from 1969. I didn't realize that it could play Seaburgs!
 
We had that console but with the TV in the center and much longer on length. It was a beast. My dad always had the best/top <a name="start_34811.375756"></a>Magnavox TV consoles with stereo. It had a very decent sound, even turned all the way up when the rents were absent. Looking down, it had the record changer on the left (with a lift-up lid), TV center (with sliding doors) and a receiver on the right with a left-up lid....around that same time period '69.  After that one, he got a Sylvania TV console with stereo.....which had a built in cassette deck.


 


You could actually change out the whole cartridge for something much better and more functional. Just have to find out what impedance the phono preamp is.


 


Kevin
 
Hey Aiden,

Looks nice!
My parents had a Masterwork, probably made in the mid to late 60s.
I remember it having a beautiful sound!
Around the late 70s/early 80s, they had someone rework the cabinet for a more colonial look.
I always imagined that I would take it with me when I got a house.
Well, the house happened about eight years ago. But, a couple of years prior, a family member had decided that the old stereo was in his way in the parents' basement and, with the help of a friend, literally tossed it outside...breaking off one of the legs in the process.
Determined that I was still going to save it, I had a friend help me lug it out to the rickety garden shed, where it still sits to this day.
I'm sure critters have gotten at it, and the dampness has probably destroyed the inner workings.
Between work, and trying to take care of a house and yard, there's just never any time or money to invest in the stereo.
Sorry the story doesn't have a happy ending. I just thought I'd share.

Barry
 
I always liked Zenith stuff before I became serious about sound and started buying receivers and components. I did have a HUGE Magnavox 27" b/w TV with a stereo/phono built in. It had huge old fashioned 15" woofers and horn tweeters and sounded pretty nice considering it was probably mid 60s at the latest. I had to replace the CRT and messed around with it too much and finally gave up after trying to tune up the TV part and making it worse. I parted it out and my buddy ended up with the speakers out of it and built one cabinet for one side. He thought they sounded awesome but even in the early 70s the speakers were pretty out classed sound wise.
It of course was all tube and made when a huge b/w tube and loud stereo built in was very cutting edge and impressive. It certainly wasn't built as nice as my preferred Zenith stuff but it was impressive just in its huge scale of picture and sound.
 
Speaking of Console Stereos

I came across one yesterday at a used furniture store and was quite excited to even find one! This one is an RCA VZT111L with a date of 1974 stamped on the back of it. The guy had it priced at $50, which seemed reasonable if everything worked. The cabinet is in absolutely BEAUTIFUL condition, so I pulled it out and plugged it in to see what it would do. Much to my disappointment, the ONLY thing working was the AM band portion of it. I couldn't get the turntable to spin, the 8 Track would light up, but nothing more, and the FM band, in either mode (regular or stereo) does absolutely nothing. Needless to say, I was totally disappointed that such a great looking stereo was barely working.

The guy that owns the place, told me, well I didn't test it when I got it, so I just assumed it worked good, anyway, you came here to get it, have your truck here....if you want it, you're leaving with it! He gave me that stereo for free, along with a vinyl record and two 8 track tapes (which will play very nicely in my 78 Lincoln Town Car!) So even though the electronics aren't working well at the moment, I plan to tear into it and see what, if anything, I can do to try and make it work again! I'll put some pics of it up when I get the dust all cleaned off it! If any of you have any schematics of it, SAMS Photofacts, etc. that you would care to share, I would GREATLY appreciate it! An online search I made doesn't show much about it except a few 1974 ads where it was priced at $269 new!
 
since we are on the subject

there so happens to be a Magnavox astro sonic at the local thirsty shopper, while solid state isn't my thing nor are consoles I have been thinking about it because it is in really nice condition. the unit is priced at a whopping $75 and for anyone who knows me, that is kinda rediculous for a thrift store so I will let it sit for a bit and then see about grabbing it for 20. As of now I am in the process of making a 1964 Zenith tube console with louvered shutters my own by sealing up the left and right cabinets, replacing the speakers with something to my liking adding a crossover creating tuned bass ports and then having the amp and pre amp gone through for the man cave or my office. my dream console is a 1963-64 fisher ambassador with the louvered shutters since it goes rather well with the mid century/Danish modern theme.
 
As Promised.......

I FINALLY got my RCA cleaned up! So far, the record player is working again, and I have a new needle on the way for it; the 8 track just needs a new belt, trying to source one of those currently; but I just can't get that darned FM or FM Stereo band to work! Oh, I also tested the input jacks and it plays beautifully, so I'll soon be ordering a Bluetooth adapter so I can connect my phone to it and stream audio that way!

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If your tuner is out of alignment, it's not a job for the DIYer.....takes instruments. As far as turntable belts, there are a number of very good dealers online that cater to vintage TT's. Be careful of generic belts....meaning belts that are fatter or thinner than the original and also wider. You want the same dimensionality and characteristics of the OE belt. 


 


Kevin
 
Most changer-TTs like Magnavoxes are idler wheel drive-a rubber tired idler wheel rides against the motor shaft-then the other edge of the idler wheel rides on the inside of the TT platter.The rubber tire,motor shaft,inside of the TT platter have to be CLEAN or the rubber tire won't get the proper friction to drive the platter.And if the rubber tire is worn,cracked the wheel will have to be replaced or a new tire put on it.A direct drive TT means the platter is connected directly to the TT motor.Technics was famous for this type of TT.-In fact the platter was PART of the TT motor-the rotor.The stator was in the TT base.
 
As was said, that Magnavox changer will NOT be 'direct drive' but a series of idler wheels/tires against a motor shaft. Pioneer and Technics were famous for 'direct drive' TT's. He was talking about the 8 track deck belt(s).


 


Kevin

[this post was last edited: 7/30/2017-14:04]
 

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