Want info on a Motorola 54HF1

Hi, I have a Motorola 54HF1 that I would like some info on. Does anybody know the year? How about a value? I paid $10 for it.

Most of all I would like to replace the tubes and do not know where to get them. I would appreciate any info and any sources. It works nicely, but the sound does not come out because (I hope) the tube is blown. My children have never heard a record play and I would love to get it working for them to listen to.

Thanks in advance,
Judy Woodruff

First off, don't blame the tubes yet. Often they are not the source of trouble. It would take me some time to figure out what this model is so pictures would help. Is there a hum coming from the speaker(s)? A picture of the under side of the tone arm would also help me to know whether it is a creamic or crystal cartridge. Chech for any info on that cartridge. Rub your finger GENTLY over the needle. Any noise? This will get you started in the right direction. Thom.

Hi Thom,
I have some photos and will email them to you at the address on your web site because I can not figure out how to insert images here. Thank you. There are currently no tubes in it at all, but when it did have tubes, everything worked fine. You could hear the music playing through the needle, but not the speakers. There was no hum through the speakers either. I have plugged it in and tried to get it going again, but can not get far with no tubes at all. I have found the tubes I need and am currently bidding on them. I will let you know how it goes!
Judy

Nice close ups but I will need to see the unit as a whole. The cartridge looks to be a Sonotone from the 50s. Put your tubes in and we can go from there. I will go through my books and try to find this model. Cheers. Thom.