Magnavox portable stereo

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



Topic author
Kokoro23
Junior Member
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Jun 28, 2014 9:08 pm
Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania USA

Magnavox portable stereo

by Kokoro23 » Sat Jun 28, 2014 9:21 pm

I recently found this portable Magnavox at a flea market. I wanted a record player to play my old records on and share with my 16yo daughter who has shown an interest, I am not a collector. The price was right, 20 bucks, and it worked perfectly and was intact so far as I can tell. I am hoping someone can give me some information on the model, as far as approximate age and any other useful information about it. The model number is 1S C242 J , the serial is 0648199, 50 watts and is labeled run number 1. Any info on this is appreciated, as I have quite fallen in love with it. Thanks!

User avatar

MattTech
Senior Member
Posts: 1461
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:38 am
Location: Philadelphia Pa USA - Home Electronics - Service Technician

Re: Magnavox portable stereo

by MattTech » Sun Jun 29, 2014 8:18 am

Most likely manufactured in the 1960's.
As a professional restorer of "vintage" electronics, don't expect these things to perform long in "as is" condition.
While right now it might work, in order to continue to provide enjoyment, find a local reputable servicer to go over it.
The Internet is a marvelous thing, however it's not a good substitute for actually being there.


Ron Rich
Forum Moderator
Posts: 8193
Joined: Sun May 06, 2007 11:31 pm
Location: Millbrae (San Francisco area)CA, USA

Re: Magnavox portable stereo

by Ron Rich » Sun Jun 29, 2014 6:36 pm

What Matt is implying, goes for anything built in the past----would you drive a 1960's car, prior to getting it, at LEAST, "safety checked" ?? Your Maggie is similar, in that it's "old", and may have "leaking", or "changed value" components in the electronics, and dried, or "gummy" lubrication on the mechanical side. At minimum, IMHO, a safety check, should have been done prior to installing it's wall plug, in the socket ! Not doing so, before using, is leaving yourself open to fire "danger", added costs, and the possibility of a totally destroyed unit. Ron Rich


Topic author
Kokoro23
Junior Member
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Jun 28, 2014 9:08 pm
Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania USA

Re: Magnavox portable stereo

by Kokoro23 » Sun Jun 29, 2014 9:31 pm

Thanks for the responses. I will see if I can locate someone to give it a once over. However we have already been using it for a couple days with no evidence of problems. As I stated, I am not a collector. I wanted a record player, the price was right, and it was in working condition....so I have to say, if it stopped working for some reason, or was in need of expensive or complicated repairs, I would likely try to find it a new home. I do enjoy it, and its a neat piece of the past, so I would like to learn more about if possible. Mainly I was curious if there were any information available as far as an owners manual etc. I have had no luck finding any information online thus far except for people selling. Any information regarding this specific unit would be much appreciated :D


Topic author
Kokoro23
Junior Member
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Jun 28, 2014 9:08 pm
Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania USA

Re: Magnavox portable stereo

by Kokoro23 » Sun Jun 29, 2014 9:43 pm

Also, I'm kind of at a loss for what to look for in a reputable place to take the unit for a once over. Any suggestions are appreciated!

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Yahoo [Bot] and 3 guests

It is currently Thu Oct 06, 2016 10:16 am