Phonoland

Hi, all! I just bought an old Magnavox console for 50 dollars and have some questions about it, since I can't seem to find any model-specific information. This is the first record player I've ever owned, and I love it so far. Hank Williams sounds so, so good on it. But, my questions:

Does anyone know what model this is, approximately when it was made, etc.? I attached a picture of the console and the turntable (which I believe is a Collaro Conquest). I've searched all over the internet and can't even find a picture of this model. The tag on the back is mostly scratched off, but something that ends in "number" (registration number? ID number? model number?) ends in 271R and another number that ends in 8606 is below it. It's 100 watts and walnut finish, if that helps. A ton of tubes. Haven't taken the back off, but it looks like two tweeters and two woofers in the cabinet (although I could be mistaken - hard to tell through the little holes). Just trying to learn what I can about the guy.

Also - and this may be turntable-specific as opposed to console-specific - I think the arm pressure needs adjusted. Some records play and sound just fine, but some others - even some brand new ones - skip occasionally, or the arm will just skate across an entire track. When I put a penny or a nickel on the arm to add weight, the problem is usually solved (or at least minimized). Am I correct that this is a pressure issue? And if it is, does anyone know which screw back there adjusts the pressure? I don't want to just go twisting things around and mess the whole rig up. I suppose worst-case scenario I can just put a new turntable in the antique console and still run it through the tubes and all, but that's no fun.

Also, does anyone have any suggestions for speaker models to use in this cabinet? I think one (or both) of the tweeters are blown since I'm getting distortion on some vocals, and since I'm not sure how the amp is wired I don't want to just throw a speaker in there. I have experience with car stereos, and I know with those setups speakers have to be chosen carefully. Not sure if it's similar with stuff like this or not.

Anyway, any help anyone can offer would be very much appreciated. I'm looking forward to becoming an active member of this forum!

The screw in the hole on top at the back end of the arm sets the stylus force. Clockwise reduces the force, counterclockwise increases it.

You need a stylus force gage to make the adjustment. And a nickel adds 5 grams to the force - way too much.

Check also that the stylus is centered in the saddle in the cartridge, and that nothing else is dragging on the record (such as a tonearm lead).

The stylus force should be 3 to 5 grams equivalent force.

Can't help on "Magnavox" issues, but it's my opinion that you should find a good speaker "re=coner" and have it redone, rather then to try to find anything else. because, as you correctly state "--setups--have to be chosen carefully" here too. Ron Rich

Freebird,
I'm not convinced your speakers are bad. If you are putting coins on the tonearm (bad... very bad) to make it play properly your problem(s) start there. A new stylus is in order. That may solve the skipping problem and may reduce the distortion you hear because a new stylus does not chisel the life out of the groove. If you are serious about this unit you will want to replace the electrolytic capacitors, thoroughly clean and lube the changer. The tubes are probably o-k. Only make adjustments if you have the right tools. The tracking force that RecordChanger mentioned doesn't go out of adjustment unless someone monkeyed with it. The cabinet can be made to look better simply by cleaning it, going over it with a matching stain and then a coat or two of Butcher's Paste Wax, (Amber or Bowling Ally). Hope this helps. Best.

Get it re-capped, I've said this many times.
It'll prolong the life of the chassis and tubes.
You're distortion issues will be cured too.

The speakers are probably good, unless someone messed with them.
The tweeters sometimes go bad... if so, good luck finding replacements.
As for the changer/cartridge... try a new needle... who knows how long that needle has played records.
Would you drive a car without knowing how old the oil or tires were?