Phonoland

Scored a '67 vintage Magnavox console via craigslist this weekend and have a few questions about it. Everything appears to be 100% operational, changer works, tuner, etc... It has a switch along the back right that allows you to select speakers, options are internal, both, and external. There are only three speaker connection terminals on the back, do these units utilize a shared common for external speakers? Also, to remove the cartridge is it the screw under the tonearm ~ .75" away from the 'M" on the tonearm? Does anyone know what the style of this console is called? It's in such nice condition I must attach pics.

Common ground for speakers..... yes.
Single mounting screw for cartridge...... yes.

Cabinet...... french provincial.

If it hums, get it serviced.

SWEET!!! What a beauty. It looks like you may have the Cartier, Astro-Sonic 20. This particular unit pictured below (1966 Brochure) uses a W621 changer instead of the W620 that you have in yours. I hope this helps. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

Thanks for the info. No hum detected, but the pots are a little scratchy. Time for DE-OX-IT to work its magic.

Needle Doctor wants $18 for a needle, can order one from Radio Shack for $5, any difference?

Personally speaking,

I've ordered many needles from Radio Shack with no problems. Well, some of them had a longer "stem" on the back portion where it snaps into the cartride, and may not seat properly. I think I ordered the wrong needle in that instance and used a nail clipper to snip a minute portion off. I have a combination of EV275's and Astatic 165D's in the mix, and similar cartridges in the newer 70's drum tables and credenza Maggies. I also have a GE console that uses one of those small cartridges, and that particular single, snap-in needle (it's blue) will work. There are several options.

I think the 170-DS77 produces more bass because the rubber mounting (black part in the bottom pic )is not as thick as the 368-DS77 pictured below it and allows for more transmision of sound. That could also be bad since it could create feedback, especially if you have a 15" woofer sitting under that turntable. The single, snap-in 558-D7 is found in some of the newer turntables that were 2- or 3-speed.

Up in the FAQ, I did a posting back in 2006 about needles for (I think) $4.99-$5.99. The prices may be outdated, but the info should still be okay. I use all the ones pictured below. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona