R.C.A. 190-4A Turntable ?

Electrically amplified phonographs or radio/phonographs and related components (approx. 1928-1990).



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1958zenith
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Posts: 25
Joined: Fri Dec 02, 2011 12:14 am

R.C.A. 190-4A Turntable ?

by 1958zenith » Tue Mar 06, 2012 8:01 pm

Hello to all...I am re restoring my 50's rca 45 rpm turntable, the tone arm does not seem to move as freely as I think it should. I put in a ADC K6E Mag. Cartridge 3-5 grams of tracking. (running the turntable in stereo) I would like to know if anyone else has rebuilt any of these turntables....it runs ok changes and sounds good. I think that the tonearm wires may be too old and stiff, not sure where to find or what gage wire to use, any help would be truly appreciated Thanks
Charles (the guy from the Garden state)

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MattTech
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Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:38 am
Location: Philadelphia Pa USA - Home Electronics - Service Technician

Re: R.C.A. 190-4A Turntable ?

by MattTech » Wed Mar 07, 2012 2:49 am

The MINIMUM those changers can track at reliably is 4+ grams.
And THAT is only if they've been professionally serviced with ALL the right things done to them.
Otherwise, to push it to rediculous lengths is a waste of time.

Indeed wiring can hamper tonearm freedom, and should be replaced if old and stiff.

I personally don't recommend using these changers for stereo playback - they wern't meant for it.
Hum issues from a 2-pole motor can limit overall sound quality.
Rumble wow and flutter can ruin the music.
It's a simple, crude record playing instrument made in the 50's - not hi-fi.
The Internet is a marvelous thing, however it's not a good substitute for actually being there.

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