Magnavox Stereophonic Hi FI

I recently purchased a Magnavox console turntable and radio. The turntable and radio will come on but there is no sound. The model # 1ST662S run 1 and serial # 1019750. I have tried to get a manual to repair it but no luck. I called several repairmen and some told me to put it in the trash a buy a new one because nobody will work on it. I am in Arkansas. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions? Thanks.

Hi.. first off let me introduce myself, my name is Michael, I'm 21 years old and took up an interest in Old Stereo console's when I was a young kid. My Great Aunt and Uncle had one, my neighbor had on, and my Grandparents had one, I live in a town where most of the people are over 80 and a lot of them have these machines.

A few years ago, my Great Aunt gave me a Magnavox just like the one you are describing. The model number was almost the same I think. That one was a Tube unit. It dated back to 1960, 1961 I think. Right now, I have a 1963 Astro-Sonic Console that's wonderful, and I wouldn't trade it in for anything in the world. I just got rid of a rather small magnavox tube console, that dated back around the same time, as the one my Great Aunt gave me, I would have kept it, but it started acting up on me, and I still had my Astro-Sonic that was working perfectly. I'm finding out I don't have room for all these stereo's, so I did get rid of that one.

The first stereo console I ever had was a 1979 Sylvania, and it sounded like crap. All the rest I had after that were Magnavox. Magnavox is the only way to go! Althought my Great Aunt still has the RCA Victor Ortphonic Console which was purchased back in the 50s, and that sounds wonderful!

Please, PLEASE don't let anyone tell you to put it in the trash and throw it out, and buy a newer unit. I'll tell u, unless you go out and buy a Bose or something, the newer units are just awful! I've had newer ones as well, and like the older one's better.

And also, don't EVER let anyone tell you that they can't be reparied, because that is SOOO not true. Shortly after my Aunt gave me the Magnaox much like the one you're describing, it died on me. I went on the internet, and came across "Stereo Lab Service" and they repaired it for me, But, I had to gut the components and send them to them, I couldn't send them the whole cabinet, that would be too costly, but they replaced the power cord, and some of the tubes, and the did a fabulous job, so If you know how to gut components, you should look up "Stereo Lab Service"

I do have good news for you though, If you're stereo turns on and powers up, and there's just no sound, there may not be anything wrong with it, something might be unpluged, or not plugged in the right way. After having many of these stereo's I can take the back off and look at all the wires and know what I'm doing, but I bet it's just something very, very minor. Please, do not throw that stereo away, you'll regret it if you do, because let me share with u, "Magnavox was the TOP of the line back then" I know this is long, but I just wanted to share with u the many experiences I had with the stereo's that I had, and to not to let those Amatuer Repair Men fool you! YES! these older units can be fixed, I got mine fixed! and I hope you get that stereo of yours working!

Good Luck

Howdie,

I currently have at least nine consoles at present, not including the Maggie endtables and other units.

Your model number runs pretty close to the consoles in my 1966 brochure. I've had some units that lit up, but no sound. I replaced the electrolytic capacitors and the unit sprang to life. I had a similar unit with no sound and it was one of the small driver(?) transistors. If there's no sound from the turntable, check wires and/or suspect a dead cartridge.

After having several repair people roll their eyes at me, I took it upon myself to fix these units. After being in several newsgroups over the years, I have learned alot from the experienced people.

As far as repairs go, you can't go by model number. You have to get a manual for each component i.e., one for the turntable, one for the radio/receiver and one for the power amp, if there is a separate one.

You have to remove the back to get the number, either stamped in large numbers on the chasis, or a small sticker somewhere on the chasis. On the underside of the turntable, there should be a sticker indicating the model number, W622, etc.

Sams photofacts and other companies have reprints of these manuals/schematics, and one manual may cover a dozen similar models (different cabinets but closely similar radios/amps). The manual may list equivalent parts From GE, Radio Shack, NTE/ECG.

Replacement parts are relatively cheap (caps, resistors, transistors, etc.) and available. NTE/ECG has a huge selection of parts, and I'm lucky to be in a place where our electronic supply store carries them. Your most expensive investment (other than power transformer) would be a replacement cartridge/stylus.

These units can be repaired. The labor would cost more than the parts. I don't think I've ever spent more than $10-15, excluding cartridge.

I've learned enough over the years to do my own repairs. It doesn't hurt to have a good soldering gun and a True RMS meter, uuh, maybe a signal tracer too. I haven't gone as far as getting a scope...yet.

If you know anything about electronics and can read a schematic, you're off to a good start. Best of luck to you.

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

Bobby, Need some help getting the tuner/amp out of the cabinet. Is there an easy way? Have to get it out so that I can refinish the cabinet. Thanks, Gary

smoore wrote:I recently purchased a Magnavox console turntable and radio. The turntable and radio will come on but there is no sound. The model # 1ST662S run 1 and serial # 1019750. I have tried to get a manual to repair it but no luck. I called several repairmen and some told me to put it in the trash a buy a new one because nobody will work on it. I am in Arkansas. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions? Thanks.

First of all. Tell those repairmen that said no to stick it up their putit. Look for Sams Photofacts on ebay or go to their website. I'll bet those repairmen will be closing soon.

Hey Gary,

If I remember correctly, remove all the knobs (volume, etc.) from the top. When the back panel is removed, disconnect the wires for cartridge, turntable AC, speakers, antennas, pilot lights,etc. Hopefully there should be a schematic pasted on the base of the model for reconnecting things. Everything is embossed/engraved by that chasis, you'll see once you get it out. Since the receiver/amp is mounted vertically, there may possibly be two screws inside the turntable chamber holding up the top part of the amp. The amp itself is mounted on a vertical board.

Then, inside the back of the cabinet, there are two large screws to remove. You need to use one hand to hold the amp while loosening those screws, because the amp/receiver will drop down into your hand, unless you have the console turned up on its side. It's really a quick removal, less than two minutes, 4 screws max.

It may be easier to turn the console up on its side, remove the screws and wires, and slide the amp right out. removal is very easy. Just my two cents. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

Bobby,
Thanks for the information. Will give it a try. I originaly thought it was a tube model but after getting into it I noticed it was a solid state. Still sounds good. Has 12" woffer and 4x10 horn.
Gary

Bobby Basham wrote:Hey Gary,

If I remember correctly, remove all the knobs (volume, etc.) from the top. When the back panel is removed, disconnect the wires for cartridge, turntable AC, speakers, antennas, pilot lights,etc. Hopefully there should be a schematic pasted on the base of the model for reconnecting things. Everything is embossed/engraved by that chasis, you'll see once you get it out. Since the receiver/amp is mounted vertically, there may possibly be two screws inside the turntable chamber holding up the top part of the amp. The amp itself is mounted on a vertical board.

Then, inside the back of the cabinet, there are two large screws to remove. You need to use one hand to hold the amp while loosening those screws, because the amp/receiver will drop down into your hand, unless you have the console turned up on its side. It's really a quick removal, less than two minutes, 4 screws max.

It may be easier to turn the console up on its side, remove the screws and wires, and slide the amp right out. removal is very easy. Just my two cents. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

Bobby, I looked for the screws in the truntable area but didn't see any. The amp is attached to a 1/2" verical board. I can see 2 screws attaching the vertical board to the 1/2" verticle board but when I remove them the amp is still in tight. I hope the amp is not screwed in through the circuit board side. That would be difficult. Any other suggestions? Thanks again. By the way its a Astrosonic model 1P3623. 35WATTS. I removed the Turntable and replacing it with a Audio Technica model. If you need the original turntable let me know.
Thanks again, Gary

mag wrote:Bobby,
Thanks for the information. Will give it a try. I originaly thought it was a tube model but after getting into it I noticed it was a solid state. Still sounds good. Has 12" woffer and 4x10 horn.
Gary

Bobby Basham wrote:Hey Gary,

If I remember correctly, remove all the knobs (volume, etc.) from the top. When the back panel is removed, disconnect the wires for cartridge, turntable AC, speakers, antennas, pilot lights,etc. Hopefully there should be a schematic pasted on the base of the model for reconnecting things. Everything is embossed/engraved by that chasis, you'll see once you get it out. Since the receiver/amp is mounted vertically, there may possibly be two screws inside the turntable chamber holding up the top part of the amp. The amp itself is mounted on a vertical board.

Then, inside the back of the cabinet, there are two large screws to remove. You need to use one hand to hold the amp while loosening those screws, because the amp/receiver will drop down into your hand, unless you have the console turned up on its side. It's really a quick removal, less than two minutes, 4 screws max.

It may be easier to turn the console up on its side, remove the screws and wires, and slide the amp right out. removal is very easy. Just my two cents. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

Hey Gary,

It's been so long since I took one of these things apart. There is possibly another pair of screws inside the cabinet. Look WAY UP inside along the chasis and there may be two more screws there holding the amp in place. They may resemble the bottom set. I've got three Astro-Sonics here in my spare bedroom turned up on their ends, one does have the two top screws, located inside the turntable chamber by the 45 adaptor slot and the other closer toward the front. If you locate the other two, it will drop right out. The screws are there, I just can't remember right now. IT WILL DROP RIGHT OUT. --BB

BobbyB
Tucscon, Arizona

Bobby,
Thanks for all the help. Have you ever compaired the tube type to the solid state as far as sound quality?
Happy Hollidays,
Gary

Hey Gary,

Thanks for the offer on the turntable, but I have WAY too many toys now...LOL. I only have one tube model, a small one about 36" long with one sliding top. It has 10" side woofers and 5" tweeters. It also has a W602-608 series turntable with the shorter post. The cabinet bottom is just about completely open, but it is still sturdy. It sounds okay but nothing to brag about. It's too small to compare with the larger consoles.

BobbyB
Tucson, Arizona

Bobby Basham wrote:Hey Gary,

Thanks for the offer on the turntable, but I have WAY too many toys now...LOL. I only have one tube model, a small one about 36" long with one sliding top. It has 10" side woofers and 5" tweeters. It also has a W602-608 series turntable with the shorter post. The cabinet bottom is just about completely open, but it is still sturdy. It sounds okay but nothing to brag about. It's too small to compare with the larger consoles.

BobbyB
Tucson, Arizona

Hi Bobby,
Thanks for spending the time in answering my questions. Well I'm done with the overhaul.
I am switching back to the original turntable because of sound viabrations. The newer
turntables have a lighter tone arm so I guess original is best. I spray painted the cabinett
Satin Black, took off all the decorative hardware and put black speaker cloth. Added a CD player and cleaned all the pots. My wife loves the unit and thinks it looks rich. She was a little scared when I first bought it. The Pecan looked pretty bad. Now it fits with our other furnature. I believe I figured out why these units sound so clear. It's the 2 way speaker system. The 12" woffer is riget and tight so the base isn't boomy and the 4" x 10" horn is very clear for the mid's and high's. So every thing is crisp and clear. Today's taste is more in the loud and boomy base sound. Thats ok too. Do you have a schamatic for these solid state amps? Hope you had a great Holliday, and thanks again.
Gary

Hey Gary,

Glad you got through your overhaul and decided to keep the original turntable. Most don't take kindly to having a 12" woofer sitting directly under them. I guess you found the other two screws to remove your amp. If you get the number off your amp chasis, I may have a schematic which would cover many models.

If it's an amp/radio combination mounted to the board, the number may be something like R204-16-10. If it's just the radio mounted on the vertical board and a separate power amp floor mounted, the radio could be something like R207-01-BA and the separate power amp could be A575-02-A0. It' either stamped/engraved on the chasis near the terminals and/or on a little sticker pasted on the amp.

Enjoy your new acquisition and may you have a safe and happy holiday. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

Bobby Basham wrote:Hey Gary,

Glad you got through your overhaul and decided to keep the original turntable. Most don't take kindly to having a 12" woofer sitting directly under them. I guess you found the other two screws to remove your amp. If you get the number off your amp chasis, I may have a schematic which would cover many models.

If it's an amp/radio combination mounted to the board, the number may be something like R204-16-10. If it's just the radio mounted on the vertical board and a separate power amp floor mounted, the radio could be something like R207-01-BA and the separate power amp could be A575-02-A0. It' either stamped/engraved on the chasis near the terminals and/or on a little sticker pasted on the amp.

Enjoy your new acquisition and may you have a safe and happy holiday. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

Bobby,
I didn't need to take the amp/tunner out so I never did find the extra pair of screws. It's the amp tunner combined. I will try and look for the number on the chasis. My eyes aren't that good any more and I'll have to wedge my big head up there... I need a cartridge for the turntable. turntable model number is W624-01-00 made in England. Can you direct me to a supplier??? Sorry for all the questions but again thanks for all the help. Oh needed to buy a mid/tweeter horn. Found a pair on Ebay for 10.00 plus shipping. Now I'll have a spare incase the other one gives out. Happy New Year!
Gary

Hey Gary,
Bless yo' Bones and Happy New Year! I have a service manual for the W620 to W622 turntables.There may be some info amongst the junk about the W624. They are mostly cosmetically different on top, but operate the same underneath. Most of these turntables are interchangeable, the only concern being those plastic molex connectors. I can swap turntables from one console to another.

There are several cartridges that will fit made by Electro-Voice and Astatic. Garage-a-Records and other companies sell them, just can't remember the others right now. Oh, maybe the Needle Doctor, but their needles, in my opinion, are expensive. I can get needles at Radio Shack for $4.99-$5.99. If you read the Archives, I posted something about those needles and cartridges in March 2006. I don't have my notes in front of me, but if you remove the cartridge, it may have a Magnavox number (like 560315-1) plus an Electro-Voice/Astatic number (like EV-256D or EV-275)on it.

And, as far as the sound, these amps run very conservatively. There's something engineered in the amp circuitry called a "damping factor" to make those stiff woofers do what they do. I bought a Maggie console from the thrift store that had been stripped of its speakers and crosssover network. The woofers run full-range. Foam suspension woofers do not work well. The next best thing that I could find were a pair of "PA" speakers with a riggid surround. As far as those horns, they are, I believe, are midrange, not tweeters. I bought some tweeters from Parts Express, and they would make your ears bleed. Something like 104 decibels. I then bought their midrange, abit loud,but not as piercing. Just strap a resistor across the terminals to bring the volume down.

I'm no expert or know-it-all, just someone who wants to preserve and keep these big beautiful beasts functioning. I've got co-workers who want to get back into vinyl, and since I've finally got my own office (again), I'm gonna haul one of these beasts in there and give them a taste of the joy of vinyl, an rekindle their interest.

May you have a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona