Magnavox Astro-Sonic Console Info Needed

Virtually any record changer can be fitted with another cartridge.
So trying to replace non-available original cartridges is not an issue.
A knowledgable tech such as I can determine the system requirements and install a suitable replacement.

Preamp input sensitivity, mounting requirements and tonearm tracking pressure are basically the key components to work around.
This isn't rocket science to a good tech, but of course creates confusion with the average person.
All they want to do is enjoy the music.

I replace cartridges all the time with non-original upgrades.
Occasionally I have to make some modifications to the preamp/amp involved, but the end result is quite satisfactory and pleasing.
It's what us experienced techs do - if the tech has a solid learned background in sound reproduction and electronics.

There's great information in this post! Thanks to everyone. I'm in the process of finding a new needle for the Astro Sonic my great-aunt left me. Here's a link to some pictures: http://imgur.com/a/EY0zR It functions perfectly and still looks great. She really took care of her stuff.

I have a Magnovox Astro-Sonic I tried looking at the model number very hard to see looked like P962 and SN
1942642. I started to play it last night and noticed the needle is missing.....How do I find the needle to fit and how do I take it off?

Thanks
Debbie

Superb thread. I have enjoyed reading this thread a lot. I have long admired and enjoyed the Magnavox consoles and have loved them since 1967. Since I was a little boy. Some questions of mine. Which Astro-Sonics are your favorites? Which are more dependable once serviced? I plan on getting one very soon. I do have repair and technical expertise. I plan on using the console regularly, daily in fact. Any variants best avoided? Thanks!

Kent, you are better off with a solid state model from the 1960's.

Two reasons:

1) Although many people prefer tubes, most of the stereo Mag's had unimpressive tube amps with small output transformers and limited power output. The solid state amps generally have better rms power output and power bandwidth. Tubes consume a lot more power and that consumption is continuous as opposed to transistors where the power input varies co-linear with volumes level. Tubes also dissipate and chances are that the ones in a console will need to be replaced for best performance.

2) I suggest getting the pre-1967 model with the black tonearm because this one had the standard 1/2in mounting stud spacing. this will allow a wider option for replacement as opposed to the later metal arm which has a proprietary cart mounting scheme. You can probably figure out a way to mount a better cart there, but it won't be as easy or solid as the older arm.

Here is a pic of a model similar to the one we've had since 1965:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7225206@N06/1733667290/

here is a pic of the later changer arm with the proprietary cart mount:
http://i46.tinypic.com/2kludi.jpg

In ALL cases plan on a comprehensive rebuild of the electronics and at least a thorough --proper-- cleaning-lube of the changer.

Here is a free source for turntable service manuals:
http://www.vinylengine.com/library/magnavox.shtml

You will need to signup, but they don't spam you.

Rob/NYC

Rob-NYC,

Planning on a pre-1967 model. I like that changer best of the Micromatics. I plan on a complete cleaning and lubrication of the changer mechanism and adjustments if needed. Also, idler rebuilding if needed. I prefer the Astro-Sonic models to begin with. I plan on replacing all electrolytic caps and doing a proper, thorough electronic restoration. I plan on using this Astro-Sonic as a living room system and using it daily. My goal is safe and reliable operation and correct sonics out of it. The only mod I plan on at all would be a Shure M 44-7 and a preamp for better reproduction and better record life.

Kent T wrote:Rob-NYC,

Planning on a pre-1967 model. I like that changer best of the Micromatics. I plan on a complete cleaning and lubrication of the changer mechanism and adjustments if needed. Also, idler rebuilding if needed. I prefer the Astro-Sonic models to begin with. I plan on replacing all electrolytic caps and doing a proper, thorough electronic restoration. I plan on using this Astro-Sonic as a living room system and using it daily. My goal is safe and reliable operation and correct sonics out of it. The only mod I plan on at all would be a Shure M 44-7 and a preamp for better reproduction and better record life.

The M44-7 wouldn't be a good choice for a Micromatic retrofit.
It tracks too light at 1.5-3 grams, and would be unstable for any changer unless its a Dual, Miracord, Garrard - higher-end type.
The M44-C tracks heavier at 3-5 grams, and would be a better choice.
Or, the Pickering/Stanton line that's designed for changer service.
Also, the current Pfanstiehl MG-55C can be used.
You want a cartridge that operates in the 3-5 gram range.

The Pickering and Stantons are no longer made. The Shure SC 35C would work well (I even think I have some spares at work I could take home)

Kent, the later version of the V-15 DAT is still available:

http://www.stantondj.com/stanton-cartridges/400v3.html

I used the original design when I rebuilt the machine in 1990 and there are still several types of styli available.

Rob/NYC

Rob-NYC wrote:Kent, the later version of the V-15 DAT is still available:

http://www.stantondj.com/stanton-cartridges/400v3.html

I used the original design when I rebuilt the machine in 1990 and there are still several types of styli available.

Rob/NYC

Rob,
While the stanton website shows the 400V3, it's being discontinued at several websites.
Why? - I dunno, IMO they're hot sellers.
The still current 500V3 is the next choice - http://www.stantondj.com/stanton-cartridges/500v3.html

But..
If a Pickering/Stanton cartridge body of the 400 style can be found, you can still get styli for it.
The N400 (high output), NpaC, Dat2, or any of the conical styli for changer use (2-7 gram range) can be gotten - they're all basically interchangeable.

One of my regular customers was good enough to grab me a few N400 styli from Epray as spares - I like the punchy aggressive output they have due to the stronger neodymium magnet they use in it.

It seems that Amazon still has a few left:

http://www.amazon.com/Stanton-400-V3-Sp ... B000GR1JCU

"Kent" seems to have settled on a Shure.

For the information of anyone else, I can't see why the 500-v3 series would not be just as useable. The "super loud" 400 in conjunction with certain preamps may overload the input on the Magnavox. These inputs are a bit odd in that they were designed for the low output ceramic that was used and the inputs are directly connected to the tone amp board and do affect the feedback used in this section.

FWIW: Do you have a ceramic recommendation? (Please, NO P-132).

Rob/NYC

Rob,
Any of the Tetrads with the long cantilever styli can be fitted, providing lighter tracking and lower output.
Some were even stock on certain Magnavox units.

Stanton cartridges have ceased production. The 400 was best as it took Pickering V 15 and old 500 styli. I wound up with the Shure M35x and got my Micromatic tracking at 3 grams without issue.

Kent T wrote:Stanton cartridges have ceased production. The 400 was best as it took Pickering V 15 and old 500 styli. I wound up with the Shure M35x and got my Micromatic tracking at 3 grams without issue.

Assuming your post is not misinformation, how do you explain this current web page?

http://www.stantondj.com/cartridges.html

Matt,
You might look at the bottom of that page--it's old--
Ron Rich