by Phonomike »
Fri Aug 23, 2013 7:07 am
Hello Nichole, Please PM me if you are still looking. If you want a good quality stereo console and not a piece of junk that just looks good, I can give you hints on what kind of set to look for/ Here's a little list for all of you, here are the Console's I think are the best.
1. MAGNAVOX - Tube Units from the late 1950s early 60s. The larger the console, the more power it is likely to put out. That is also true for the Astro-Sonic line. The real huge Astro-Sonic I had was MUCH more powerful than my current Astro-Sonic, which I never used, cuz I'm real hyped up on my current 1960 Magnavox Imperial. I did previously have a Magnavox Tube Console from 1962, and oh what a difference. Everyone told me the Imperial was different, and yes. They are. My old Stereo had an "Imperial Micromatic" Turntable in it, but believe me, it wasn't an Imperial. There is a difference, believe me. The TOTL Stereo console is the Magnavox Concert Grand, but those are so rare it can be almost impossible to find one.
2. MAGNAVOX ASTRO-SONIC - Astro-Sonic started in 1963 once tube amplifiers were discontinued. You can't go wrong with a nice Astro-Sonic. It is my opinion that Magnavox made the nicest cabinets.
3: RCA VICTOR - RCA "Orthophonic" Series from the 1950s. A relative of mine has one and it is fantastic.
4: General Electric - I had one once I got for free when someone on my street threw it out on the curb. Poor lady went into a nursing him. This GE was from 1960 or so, and I was surprised with the power it put out.
5: Zenith - Never had one, but heard they are good!
Those are my top five!
I've had A LOT of consoles in the last 10 years, so if u PM me I can give you better info.
I'd stay away from the pieces of junk they made in the 1970s. For a while they still made the stereo's in the cabinets, but the QUALITY was not there!
Michael