RCA Victrola Vista VHT-75 W

Hey all,

I just bought this stereo yesterday. I bought it from an antique shop/flea market for about 150 dollars. It appears brand new, actually. Works just fine, not even any scuffs or scratches on it. I was just wondering if anyone could give me any info on it. I haven't been able to find any yet. Specifically, what is the AFC function, and how does it work? Other than that, any information would be useful. Thanks.

Must have pictures. No fun without pictures. AFC stands for "Automatic Frequency Control". It is used to lock in FM stations as they are prone to drifting.

I'll have better photos up later today hopefully. Misplaced the actual camera.

Very, very nice indeed. My compliments. Not much I can tell you. Is there an owner's manual? Does it play well? I would put a new stylus in it just to be safe. I can't tell if that is a transistor cart in that arm but the unit itself looks to be solid state.

It's absolutely beautiful.

I'm thinking Late 60's, early 70's. Sometimes they'll say "Solid-State and/or High Fidelity" on the radioface plate. Remove that huge panel from the back of your unit and do some snooping around. You may find some manufacture/assembly dates and model numbers.

When you get that panel removed, let us know what the speaker lineup is in there. It looks like it oughta kick some serious butt. Hey, Magnavox wasn't the only game in town back then, but they're my favorite. --BB


Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

No owners manual or anything with it. Barely any static when playing an album so I'm not going to worry about replacing the needle. I'll take that panel off this weekend when I get some time. Also, what do you mean speaker lineup, Bobby?

FYI. Once a needle starts sounding bad "static" it's already too late. The damage has been done. A bad stylus will destroy your records long before you hear anything. Certainly looks like one of their top of the line models.

Mid '60s, puts out about 15 watts/channel (chassis RS-210A).

I've done re-capping and changer overhauls on them and once finished, they're very reliable and do sound nice.

It is indeed a solid-state. My fiancee is playing a Bowie album as we speak. I think I'll probably need a new cartridge. Any ideas on where I can find one for this model? There's only a little fuzz, so I'm not sure if it needs a new one or if this is the norm.

You probably only need a new stylus. Much easier to replace than a cartridge.

Turns out it was just the record. After I got further into it the static disappeared.

Aaand I busted the stylus. I have no idea where to get a new one, or how to replace it. Suggestions?

There is a list posted on this forum--or you might try www.needles4turntables.com Ron Rich

Found a new needle in the back when I was trying to figure out a different problem. Maybe someone can offer ideas? For some reason, the left speaker is very quiet. I had this problem before, and it went away when I moved it out to the garage. I've taken the back panels off checking for loose connections and any REALLY dusty contacts I've cleaned off. It's pretty clean in the speaker cabinets, not so much in the electrical. The only thing I can think of is a loose connection since it seemed to fix itself with being moved to the garage.