RCA Victor Model No. VP-331

I bought this phonograph and can't find any information about it anywhere. It's shaped like a giant suitcase with speakers that flip out from the front and plugs into the back. It's tube driven and in good shape. Does anyone know when it was made? I can take pictures if that helps. Thanks, Jim

Are you talking about some big honking portable like back in the day? I don't know why they called them portable, 'cause they are truly heavy. I'm not getting any younger.

These all have detachable speakers, and the first pic (A Maggie) actually has the music signal running through the hooks, so you don't need any speaker wires unless you disconnect them from the cabinet. There are RCA plugs on the speakers and the main cabinet.

The second one (GE-Tube) has two speakers in the front grill, either side of the carrying handle. You can run it without the swing-out speakers, but also has an "Expanded" stereo mode. Can't hear any difference, but I think it's some type of small module/unit that runs on one (12AX7?) tube, and maybe that's shot. It plays well but I intend to give it an overhaul with some new caps/resistors, etc.

Some pics would be nice, Jim, and I'm sure someone here can chime in with some history about your unit. --BB


Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

Hey Bobby,
Didn't most of the sales fliers for these models mention the "optional accessory" that you could obtain for them ?----
A "hand truck" (or "barrel truck" for you Britts)--- Ron Rich

Oh, s---t, my great, but not too long, memory must have failed me -- again--thanks for the "correction" !
Ron Rich

Here's some pictures of the record player. Like I said, I can't find anything on this model. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Now that the picture is bigger and my lousy eyesight can now see the number is VP-33j, not VP-331. I love macro settings on cameras.

1960-61

MattTech wrote:1960-61

Thanks.

Go online and download the latest Sams Annual Index. It should have owners manuals and service manuals. I think A.G Tannenbaum had something similar. You may have to open it up and get a number off the amplifier. I know the VM site did display models, but I think you need to get the particular numbers off the amplifier chassis and turntable so see exactly what you have inside that cabinet. You could have two units with identical cabinets, but different internal components. The components help to narrow things down. The manuals may also include a date of manufacture for the amp and turntable. Just my two cents. --BB


Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona