Magnavox Astrosonic 1P3633

Greetings All,

I've recently inherited a Magnavox Astrosonic Console, model 1P3633. Lots of memories attached to this unit, and several hundred records. The only problem is the turntable no longer turns. The turntable is labeled W801/01/00. All other functions are OK. Very good audio, especially compared to the cheap Chinese stuff that's out there today.

The serial number is 4324410, PECN finish. Any idea how I may find the following items?

-->date of manufacture (no obvious stamp/sticker on inside)
-->service manual
-->user manual

Thanks for any and all of your help. If you have any further questions, please ask and I will try and find out.

Thanks,

--Joe

Take the platter off and check the following: Is the motor shaft turning? Is the rubber on the idler wheel, assuming it is rim drive, hard and brittle? Is the idler wheel free to press against the platter rim and the motor shaft? This will get you started in the right direction.
As far as the date of mfg. and the manuals go maybe RecordChanger can help. Regards.

I have a model 1P3724, with the W801/01/00 changer in it, Pecan finish. It was made in 1969 (I later found out it was the "Orleans French Provincial" model). Yours may be from 1967/1968. If you take off the back, there will usually be a number stamped (or a sticker) on the chassis that will look something like mm/yy (e.g. 04/66=April of '66). I also have another Magnavox console, model 3RP656, with the 04/66 date code on the chassis.

What type of stylus replacement model number do I get from say Radio Shack for this model?

Date stickers may be on the amp/receiver chassis. For the stylus, remove the cartridge and get the the number labeled on the top side, then match to the stylus. Some cartridges may have an Electro-Voice number AND a corresponding Magnavox number which should aid in your search.

There are several needles that may fit. I've swapped a few with no problems. Some GE turntables used a similar cartridge and I've used them. I have a posting in the FAQ list above your original message near the top about buying needles and mentioned several cartridges. Maybe go back to the Main Index and you will see it there.

If you have a W800 series turntable, your Maggie be date into the early 70's. I keep a beautiful 70's model (no longer Astro-Sonic) in my master bedroom. It's got those styrofoam "torpedo-shaped" chambers for the woofers and dates to about 1973/74 with 8-track/4-channel decoder. Smaller woofers, maybe 10-inch, but killer bass. I also have a couple of 1968 consoles that still utilize the W620 series turntables.

Let us know what you find out...it's always good to hear when someone overcomes a few stumbling blocks.

Best of luck, --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona