Phonoland

Found this in a storage unit...stuff that was my fathers that we put away after he died in '98. Beautiful unit, I remember it playing very well when I was a child.

I've googled this puppy and haven't found much info at all. Hoping you folks can help me out.

RCA New Vista Victrola, Model VGT81MK. Console radio and record/LP player. Won't power on, though I'm pretty sure that's more of a "sitting in storage" symptom than major mechanical problem.

Can anyone give me an idea on when this thing was built? Is the power issue a common thread among this model? Easy to repair, tough to repair? Basically, any general info you can pass my way would be greatly, greatly appreciated.

I don't know if we're going to sell it or not. The wife wants it gone, I've got some sentimental reasons to hang on to it.

Thanks in advance for any assistance!

-Mike

RCA Victor "New Vista" was the name of their products starting in 1965.
The New Vista refers to the fact that RCA started combining both the old tube circuitry, and the new transistor designs, thus a "new vista" was happening for RCA.
Eventually, everything went to all transistorized, and tubes were eliminated by 1970 or so. If this model has both tube & transistor, it was probably made in 1965-68, if it's all transistor, it was made later.
As far as the power problem, use an ohm-meter, and check for a reading across the power plug prongs while the unit is switched on. If you get "ohms" reading, the switch, cord, and power transformer is good. If not, get a qualified technician to repair it. Corrosion and age causes problems.

New Vista is actually a play on the Nuvistor tuner circuit they were using.

Is it possible to email me a picture? I may be able to tell you if I can see a picture of it.
My email address is rscrossi@comcast.net.

Actually the "New Vista" name began appearing on RCA products as early as 1960. The electrolytic and filter capacitors will most likely need to be replaced for it to function properly.

I need help identifying the value and rarity of my new vista victrola console. Model number VHT94S, or maybe VHT94SW, or possibly RGD6352.....? All these numbers can be found on the console. The console includes a turntable and am/fm radio. Can anyone help? It also needs some repairs, where can i get this done?

Sorry, but your set is not rare, not on too many people's Christmas list and not valuable. It dates to mid 60's. Most people just want sets like this out of the way nowadays. Needing repairs? Well that compounds things and your set is even more less valuable. Check with your local TV/Radio shops and see if they will even work on them and expect to pay well for their work. Likely to be a pick-up and drop off charge too.