Magnavox console identification and issue

Electrically amplified phonographs or radio/phonographs and related components (approx. 1928-1990).



Topic author
miller88
Junior Member
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Jun 26, 2016 9:54 pm
Location: Atlanta

Magnavox console identification and issue

by miller88 » Sun Jun 26, 2016 10:09 pm

I just acquired a Magnavox console. Model number 1ST61 1R, serial #1464062. I was told it is a 1962 and am wondering if that is correct. I am also trying to figure out what cartridge it has so that I can replace it. There's no issue with it but I'm worried about its age and damaging my records so I would like to get a new one.
Everything works great except for the right channel. All speakers work, right ones work when connected to external source. Left channel sounds great, tuner sounds great, record player works great. I am going test the tubes tomorrow but wondering if anyone has some ideas as what to check before I take it to someone.
magnavox.jpg
magnavox.jpg (42.01 KiB) Viewed 153 times

User avatar

MattTech
Senior Member
Posts: 1461
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:38 am
Location: Philadelphia Pa USA - Home Electronics - Service Technician

Re: Magnavox console identification and issue

by MattTech » Mon Jun 27, 2016 2:31 am

Being a tube powered model, and being 50+ years old, it's not safe to even plug in at this point.
There is a horde of old leaky capacitors throughout those chassis, some out-of-tolence resistors, along with dried-up lubricant and rubber parts in the record changer.
It doesn't matter if "it sounds good" to you, mainly because you've never heard it play when "new" - the difference would be quite obvious.
Worrying about the cartridge is the least of the problems.
Those old power transformers and output transformers will fry to death if it's not serviced pronto.
I've serviced enough of these to know, and replaced many expensive transformers due to people insisting they "use" them "as-is".

Get it restored - properly.
Read: viewtopic.php?f=19&t=5882
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 3 guests

It is currently Thu Oct 06, 2016 6:47 am