Phonoland

I'm in my late 20's and until a couple of weeks ago I had never heard a record in my life.
Then I was given a late 50's early 60's magnavox cabinet type with a micromatic imperial record player built in., I've really enjoyed it so far. It's such a better sound that cd's. I never would have thought that would be the case. I even found a record shop close by and started picking up some vinyl. But today when I got back from the record store and put on my newly acquired "2001 space odyssey" sound track I found something to be wrong. It and all my other records I've tried after it are very quiet sounding. My research online points to a bad preamp, but I'm not sure how to verify this. It's a tube type, and all the tubes seem to be working, i.e. They are glowing and warm. How can I find out if this is the problem? If it is what would you recommend I should do? Can I Repair it? Should I replace it? I can't find the kind of detailed info online that would point me in the right direction. Honestly ANY information any one has would be greatly appreciated. The more the better. Thank you fellow Vinyl lovers
from a noob.
Jared.

What's the amp number? And tho it may not help, What's the model number of your Magnavox?
Bill

Tube amp#? I'm not sure. How do I find that out? model number is 45t656a. Maybe that means it's a 1965?

OK, think you are reading model number wrong? But do this, take good pictures of the set, also with back off, and post them. Take down the numbers you see any where on the chassis. You may have a bad cartridge but you may have disturbed the connections to it too. And playing the set if it's really old without upgrading some of the parts...well a capacitor probably went south on you. Or other problems but need to know actually what set you have.
Bill

The pix may have been a little overkill, but should cover every thing, If there is something I missed let me know. And, hey thanks!

You have a nice Magnavox there. I can tell the amp has 4 6BQ5 output tubes. There's no simple solution for your problem and if it was it wouldn't be lasting and safe. You shouldn't use it. Get an experienced service tech, hopefully they will be local, to check it out. It's from 1961/62 so it will need a lot of work if done right. Even the tuner too will need work. You will see advice offered on sites as to replacing capacitors, resistors, etc. But a good experienced tech who will completely do the job is the best solution.
Bill

Hey Jared:

Look for something like this:

October, 1965

Hopefully, there should be some type of sticker on each separate component. I see that there is some type of numbering on the side of your vertically-mounted tuner. Have you checked any tubes (if any) there also? I only have one small tube console with the tuner/amp combined. I replaced the electrolytics to bring back the dead radio section. It plays great, and I keep it in the hallway near bedrooms 3 and 4. I think it may have a crystal cartridge, but it's bright and crisp.

Underside of a Micromatic W620



As some of these things get older, the volume decreases while the hum increases. --BB


Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

Actually bill, It looks like you were on the right track with the cartage connections. It's not that I disturbed them, It looks like they just finally finished disintegrating. I mean two of the little connection points are completely rusted away. It seems it wasn't designed to be replaced either. The wire is sodded to what you would call the "audio in" on the record player. I've been searching google but not finding anything. Does any one know if there are replacement parts out there? Any suggestions on what to do here would be great.
Thanks for your help getting me this far.
jared