Magnavox micromatic model#: 1SC619A

Hello! So I just joined here... and I had picked up an old record consule that was about to be trashed and gone forever. I saved this sweet Maggie. I'm just starting to get into collecting Vinyls and only have had one player and an old old one my grandfather built long ago. SO, long story short, I picked this one up, saved it, in hopes that it could play that sweet sound that cant be replicated by any kind of mp3. It seems to work great except for the 45 adapter. and some crackling. It looks to have been sitting for a few decades, and i cleaned it up, hooked up the left side speakers, and in search of a replacement needle, and or a replacement 45 adapter.

I called magnavox in hopes of some information, unfortunately the guy had no idea what i was talking about. I've searched online and can't find a match to this model. What so ever.

Has anyone ever heard of it?

Here are the details:

Model # 150619A *EDIT* 1SC619A
Serial # 2763127
Next to that says "Run 1 Number"

Anyone know anything about this pretty lady?

Post some photos.

And, for the "record", the term "vinyl" is not a correct term for record.

MattTech wrote:Post some photos.

And, for the "record", the term "vinyl" is not a correct term for record.

Hopefully I'll be posting some photos tonight, at least the best my camera can do at the moment.

As for the term "vinyl" id like to hear your opinion on that. I call them vinyl, because I'm a fine artist; I refer to certain things by the product they are made from. Would you rather me refer to them as lacquer?

Look closely again at the model number--especially if it's stamped or roughly printed. While nothing comes up for 150619A, there are references to replacement needles for the model 1SC619A.

"Vinyl" seems to have become a generic term that younger people (less than 40) use for "records" today. The only time I have a problem with that is when I see 78s--most of which were shellac based--referred to as vinyl.

SEE: http://www.shellac.org/recording/record5.html

In MY day, we either called them "records," or "LPs" or "45s" if we wanted to be more precise.

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I'll caution you about the Magnavox. As has oft been repeated on this forum, it's best not to even plug the unit in, let alone listen to it, when it's in "as-found" condition. Keep in mind, it's nearing the 50-year mark. The synthetic (and natural) materials used to insulate the circuits, wires--and other electrical components--were NOT designed to last that long, and tend to deteriorate with age. In addition, moisture and dust, along with temperature variations, depending upon where it was stored, have taken their toll. If you plan to use it for more than just a static display, you should have it inspected and reconditioned by a qualified specialist. In the meantime, make sure you keep it unplugged.

HTH,
Joe

Well said, Joe.

And yes, records are just that, records.
Those generic terms dreamt up by some college kid need to be squashed.

Joe_DS wrote:Look closely again at the model number--especially if it's stamped or roughly printed. While nothing comes up for 150619A, there are references to replacement needles for the model 1SC619A.

YES! Last night after searching the 150619 to no avail again, I decided to take another look. I removed the actual sticker and examined the imprint from the type writer itself (on the reverse side) and it does seem to be the 1SC619A!

I'll caution you about the Magnavox. As has oft been repeated on this forum, it's best not to even plug the unit in, let alone listen to it, when it's in "as-found" condition. Keep in mind, it's nearing the 50-year mark. The synthetic (and natural) materials used to insulate the circuits, wires--and other electrical components--were NOT designed to last that long, and tend to deteriorate with age. In addition, moisture and dust, along with temperature variations, depending upon where it was stored, have taken their toll. If you plan to use it for more than just a static display, you should have it inspected and reconditioned by a qualified specialist. In the meantime, make sure you keep it unplugged.

Yes, i have been keeping it unplugged unless i am testing it or running it. As far as the wiring goes, I'm taking the time to re-wire every wire and connection in her. I also changed the actual plug itself to a new cable and male socket. It doesn't look like the first time someone fiddle with her innards as it looks. The entire left side of the console was disconnected. Unfortunately we don't have a specialist where I live, the closest one is in Boston, and that's about a 2/15 hour drive from where i am located. So as far as a certified specialist.. I'm taking it slowly, and carefully, with the help from my electrician/speaker wiring guru fiance, and hopefully will come out with a pretty solid finished product.

I appreciate your info and advice though! All the help is much appreciated

Here are the pictures as promised: This is after I have cleaned her up, and began the first wire replacements (Started with connected and replacing the entire left side speakers)









So I guess my next question would be... everything seems to work fine, so they next step would be beginning to update and replace existing components to get them to their full potential.
I have so far this weekend: Replaced the power cord, and re/wired the entire left side speakers to the console itself. (for some reason it had been removed and disconnected) So where would you/ what else would you recommend replacing/refurbishing ? Like I said I'm new to this, but would love some advice on doing this correctly.

Anyways, thanks for all your advice and tips!
-Annie

I have a shorter version of that exact cabinet, with one sliding door, different front brackets, and it's a tube model. I don't have the luxury of six speakers, only four, with smaller woofers. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

These semantics are interesting.

I have several vinyl 78s made in the mid 1950s.

I have some shellac LPs from the early 1950s.

If this unit is a TUBE model, and it looks like it is - it'll require a mandatory restoration of the amplifer chassis - BEFORE things get fried into an expensive mess.

I've seen too many of them come into my shop with fried power/output transformers due to people not educated in the dangers of using unrestored equipment like this.

Do yourself a favor, and have it properly restored by a reputable service tech experienced in tube ampification.
As well, the changers in these also need attention to perform properly for any length of time.

These are my best suggestions, and will cost much less than down the road, if they're ignored.

MattTech wrote:If this unit is a TUBE model, and it looks like it is - it'll require a mandatory restoration of the amplifer chassis - BEFORE things get fried into an expensive mess.

Unfortunately, It is not a tube model. But seeing as how there are no restoration specialists or even a technician with knowledge of these things for HOURS (6+) away, I guess its a good thing.

Which is why i'm posting on here, in hopes to finding some advice, techniques, or even leads to someone or something with a little more information about this lady.

As well, the changers in these also need attention to perform properly for any length of time.

Are you referring to the actual record changer itself? If so, I cant figure out how to remove it from the cabinet. I've been doing all the rewiring on my back from underneath.

I have a shorter version of that exact cabinet, with one sliding door, different front brackets, and it's a tube model. I don't have the luxury of six speakers, only four, with smaller woofers. --BB

Wow what a beauty! Is that am AM/FM tuner I peep?? I really wanted one with that component, but i'm not complaining.

Also, I think I'll be re-disconnecting the left side speakers, after careful listening it does sound like one of the speakers are blown, and i'm the kind of person that that tiny crackling tinny noise would bother the crap out of me. I thought that might have been the reason why when I opened her up, the left side speakers were completely detached. I do have a bunch of extras kicking about, but I feel it wouldn't be a cohesive sound with two different types of sets of speakers.

I guess I got the memo late, but when comparing our units, I don't see a tuner in yours, but mine does have AM/FM. You can barely notice it in the first pic with the single lid back.

When I got mine, the radio was dead but the phono worked. I didn't do a thorough restoration on it, just a cap job which brought everything back to life. It plays well and the changer operates perfectly. It's rarely used and sits in the hallway outside the guest bathroom and bedrooms 3 & 4.

Look under your record changer...you'll see those metal clips that you flip vertically so you can pull the changer straight up from above. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona