Micromatic needle replacement issue

No--he is talking about resistors, not transistors--two different animules-- Ron Rich

Thom,

I have come across a few resistors (not transistors-my bad) that have gone WAY out of tolerance. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen. So, when I get back in the swing of things, recapping some of my ailing Maggies, I will start testing the resistors too. They're gonna be on my list right up there with the electrolytics. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

Well then I guess the transistors in my '68 Zenith are ok. I just thought it lacked power, but at 8.0 watts music power I can't expect too much. The lack of oomph seems to be from coming from the changer anyway as the radio sounds stronger.

I have come across an occasional issue where there was an imbalance in sound. It was a resistor. I've also encountered a hissing in one channel, like that noise between FM stations. It was one of those little driver(?) transistors in the preamp stage.

I've got one Astro-Sonic in my kitchen that I bought several years ago and replaced all the electrolytics. About a year or so ago, the radio seemed to be weakening. It's not quite as strong as the phono or aux inputs. The radio section even has its own gain controls to boost its output. I'm just guessing that there may be some resistors choking it. I won't know until I pull the chassis and put it on the bench.

So many Maggies, so little time. o--BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

My puppy and I were listening to Christmas music on my '50s Maggie last night after I replaced the wrong 2mfd caps for the tweeter crossover with the proper 2mfd non-polorized electrolytics. This was a 'my bad' from a couple of years ago.

We're only human, and we've all made mistakes in the past. When I think about it now, some were quite hillarious. Some of mine (non-audio related) I can't reveal, for mature audiences only.

Would anyone like to share some "My Bad" to give us a heads up on what NOT to do when restoring/maintaining our valued acquisitions? Thanks for sharing, Thom. I'd like to be snuggled infront of a fireplace with a puppy listening to one of my old Maggies. They don't talk back and give you unconditional love. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

The puppies or Maggies? Tee hee. I'll have to think of some of the "my bads" I've done. That would make a good topic.

Actually, I would like to snuggle up to the fireplace with a puppy and Maggie close by listening to some music. I would really like to have about 4 hens (the Golden Girls), too. They have quite the personality and they will gab back at you telling you about their day. They also like NPR radio. Of course, don't want them to get too close to the fireplace...Save that for Colonel Sanders...LOL. Oh, and that's not my real hair...LOL..LOL..LOL --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

That piece is the coupling between the stylus and the pickup elements. It should not have come off. It could cause distortion if it is loose.

If distortion happens, the cartridge must be replaced.