Which Rowe Jukebox, R-87 vs. R-90 vs. R-91 ?

I am going to be purchasing one of these (the gentleman has all 3 for sale, all for the same price), and I wanted to find out from people "in the know" which one was better overall. I know it might be subjective, but is one superior to the others? I know that the R90 and R91 are almost identical, but is one preferred? I also know that the R-87 has the mid-range speakers placed higher up, so I would imagine it would sound different. Did the R-90 have any improvements on the R-87? Sorry to be redundant, I just wanted to be clear. Thanks in advance!

Hi Cougher,

Welcome to the forum.

From the sound point of view there will be little diffence if any it will use the same amplifier, the cartridge is the same, likewise speaker configruation will be very similar.
From an operation point of view on the R-87 you do not have the issues on the cabinet front door cracking on the upper molding that you get on the R-90 & R-91.

The mechanisms/carousels are identical other than the opto switch and the later revision mechanism control that has the trimmers for the home & index adjustments.

If you had to buy a CCC for the R-87 you would find that it was harder to get one and you would pay more for a replacement or to get a repair done.

The CCC on the R-90/R-91 gives you better option such as giving you the random play on A or B sides the R-84 to R-88 CCC only allows for the B side option.
If you like sound to light on a jukebox then the R-90/R-91 has it the R-87 does not.

My personal favorite of the two would be the R-87 but if I had an option I would look for a R-85 Starlight the mirror ball in the front door and the infinity is hard to beat.

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

Hi Cougher,
As you stated--pretty subjective--and as Alan stated, audio wise, if you stand right up to the cabinet, there would be a slight difference in sound, but at three feet away, I doubt anyone could tell any difference-- The front door IS a consideration--they tended to split next to the hinges, on the 90-91 models, when the suspension pistons got weak ( I think that replacements are available).
As for the CCC--actually, I exchange the older CCC for an updated version, for less then the newer one usually takes to be repaired.
Ron Rich

Not trying to hijack this thread, but could someone elaborate on the hinge problems with the R-90 please?

I own one and want to 1. know where to examine it to see if this problem is developing, and 2. is there a recommended way to either fix or prevent this?

The lift pistons are shot, but I do have the "factory fix", being the plastic piece that snaps onto the rod to hold it open.

Thanks!
Nelson

Hi Nelson,
The RoweAMi doors of that vintage, split often at the hinge--there is NO "ROWE fix". The added plastics were only meant to be used for a short while, until the pistons were replaced. Any "sideways pressure"exacerbates,and almost guarantees a failure. Depending on model, some replacement lift holders are available from needles4jukboxes.com. On others --you can try your local Rowe distrib., or an auto parts house. Ron Rich

Hi Nelson,

There was a company in the USA that used to produce a three sided curved plate that matched the internal contours of the top corners of the jukebox. They used to advertise these but I have not seen any for a long time.

As Ron says get the correct rams for the door after repairing the corners.

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man