Phonoland

I have a Zenith SFD205ie Hi Fi. It works well but I am looking for schematics to replace tubes or needles. Any information on when it was made or where replacement parts can be found would be great. Thanks!

If you get the model number off the cartridge, then you can find the appropriate needle. If you look closely at the chassis, the tube numbers may be engraved on the metal near the base of the tubes, or look at the actual tubes themselves. Usually, with models that old, there may be a schematic/tube layout pasted inside the cabinet somewhere. Take a peek...there should be some info inside that cabinet. But definitely, pull the cartridge to see what numbers may be stamped on it. It should be an easy fix. Oh, the stylis itself may have a number on it, too.

BobbyB
Tucson, Arizona

Finally getting around to working on this console. It has an 89T cartridge in it currently and needs replaced. I have seen that these needles can wear away records quickly...is this true? If so what better replacements are there? I also have some noise in the tone and volume pots any suggestions? Also, anybody have a set of speakers that go with this unit?
Thanks!

Guest wrote:I have a Zenith SFD2051e Hi Fi. It works well but I am looking for schematics to replace tubes or needles. Any information on when it was made or where replacement parts can be found would be great. Thanks!

1959 model.

As far as tubes, I wouldn't replace any yet...
Tubes rarely go sour, and if they do, it's because of other failing parts, like capacitors or resistors.
Replacing a tube without upgrading the chassis electronics will only temporarily fix the issue.
You'll be buying stock in tubes.
And using a 40+ year old unit without the above "restoration" is only asking for trouble.
Besides, a fresh overhaul will bring back the original fidelity.

If you're not familier with electronics or this type of service, locate a local vintage service tech and have the job done right.

As for the cartridge, a suitable replacement can be gotten, but consider having the changer gone over too.
Stylus pressure settings would have to be changed as well as re-lubrication and mechanism cleaning.

MattTech thanks! I am in Ephrata in Lancaster PA. Do you know of any vintage service techs in that area?

groucholibrarian wrote:MattTech thanks! I am in Ephrata in Lancaster PA. Do you know of any vintage service techs in that area?

Sorry, no, I don't know of servicers in the Lancaster area.... although a few of my customers have brought me radios, etc, from that area.

Seems I'm the only guy doing these things professionally for several states around.
I get NJ, Maryland, N Carolina, Virginia, Harrisburg area people.
I've even got inquiries from NY state.

Usually I have a backlog of work due to the fact that once I finish a job, I get 2 more coming in the door.
But I keep churning them out nevertheless.

In Lancaster you may...

Try Harrisburg Radio Labs for any repairs. I'm pretty sure they can handle it but they're not cheap as no professional worth his salt is and these are professionals. My friend's father and brother were in the business but her father passed away, God rest his soul. He was good... real good. Anyway, his brother may still be doing this. It was called Duschels TV or something like that in Lancaster. I'm with Matt on the tubes. It's almost never the tubes.