Hello!
I have a 1970's GE console stereo which I aquired from my wife's grandparents. It looked practically brand new and had actually not been used very much. I have a problem however, and was hoping to get some direction from some of you here at Phonoland. Only the left side of the stereo's speaker works. No sound will come out of the right side, however, I can here quite a bit of static coming out of the speakers when adjusting the balance. My uncle referred me to pot cleaner which helps greatly when adjusting any of the knobs. I have to apply this solution every now and then. Not sure why the static/poping occurs, but I'm curious to know.
So I was hoping to possibly tap into some experience and see if anyone knows of any common problems which affects speakers from not working on these console stereo's. It sounds amazing with just one side working and would love to improve the sound even more by getting the other side of the stereo/speaker working. Is this a common issue with these type of furniture/console stereo's?
Anyway, I greatly appreciate any input and thank you for your time and help!
-Ronnie
GE Turntable/Stereo Console
Electrically amplified phonographs or radio/phonographs and related components (approx. 1928-1990).
Ronnie, that noise is often indicative of DC voltage getting into where it shouldn't be -the volume/balance pots. Spraying them just covers up the underlying problem temporarily.
Is the unit tube or transistor? If it was made after around 1964 it most likely is transistor.
If there is a plug connecting the speakers wiggle it while playing the machine, beyond that the best, safest advice is to get the electronics rebuilt with new capacitors.
Rob/NYC
Is the unit tube or transistor? If it was made after around 1964 it most likely is transistor.
If there is a plug connecting the speakers wiggle it while playing the machine, beyond that the best, safest advice is to get the electronics rebuilt with new capacitors.
Rob/NYC
"If we believe absurdities, we shall commit atrocities" -- Voltaire
-
MattTech
- Senior Member
- Posts: 1461
- Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:38 am
- Location: Philadelphia Pa USA - Home Electronics - Service Technician
As Rob mentioned, it's due for an overhaul in order to perform properly.
Age takes its toll on electronics, as well as anything in life, and being "vintage" is all the more reason to have it serviced.
Once properly serviced it'll last another 40+ years.
Until then, avoid powering it up, to prevent any more damage from happening.
Most people think just because something was lightly used - it'll last a long time and never need service.
Wrong.
Chemical breakdown happens in components - due to normal aging.
Lubricants in record changers solidify over time.
Trace acids in the very air we breathe deteriorate rubber parts over time.
Age takes its toll on electronics, as well as anything in life, and being "vintage" is all the more reason to have it serviced.
Once properly serviced it'll last another 40+ years.
Until then, avoid powering it up, to prevent any more damage from happening.
Most people think just because something was lightly used - it'll last a long time and never need service.
Wrong.
Chemical breakdown happens in components - due to normal aging.
Lubricants in record changers solidify over time.
Trace acids in the very air we breathe deteriorate rubber parts over time.
The Internet is a marvelous thing, however it's not a good substitute for actually being there.
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests
It is currently Thu Oct 06, 2016 5:35 pm