Phonoland

Hi,
I'm a newbie, who has opened a bit of a can of worms. I found a beautiful old Magnavox console at an estate sale, and, after having an expert go through it, it works well. I noticed, over the past year, that the sound quality was diminishing, and that the stylus was jumping around, even on records in excellent condition. Deciding to replace the stylus/cartridge, I undertook the task of removing the two screws on the arm. The cartridge has this number on it: 560249. I'd wager it's the original, and it has some corrosion on the terminals.

Here's the rub: the wire connections were really frozen on there. Careful as I was, the crimp connector separated from the wire on two of the four connections: the left and right ones. The center one came off without damage, and the single connection on the opposite end did, as well.

The first question is, what is the best replacement cartridge? Obviously, I want the best sound that the player is capable of, I'm just not sure what the options are.

Secondly, unfortunately, I broke some wires. Should I just strip off some insulation, and crimp on new connectors?

Thanks in advance, from a frustrated first time Magnavox maintenance man.

Tom

EDIT: Model # of the hi-fi is 1ST228F and can I clean the cartridge terminals and just replace the needle, or is it best practice, after 50 years, to replace the cartridge, as well?

Honestly speaking - you're klutzing up delicate connections, and probably for no reason.
Replacement of the JUST needle would have been the FIRST thing to try, instead of what you've managed to do so far.

Were you under the impression that I didnt know that?
Honestly, what was the point of your reply, other than to be condescending? You didnt answer any questions set forth in the original post.
I work on cars and see plenty of shadetree mechanics that require my help when theyre not fully sure what theyre doing. Is there no place for novices on this board? Yeah, youre a tech, you would have done things differently. Thanks for takkng the time out to be of such help.

This may be what you are looking for... And yes new connectors, but if you can you will want to solder them. Hope this helps.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Genuine-Mag ... 33788bdba7

Thanks, Thom. I was able to carefully solder them back on. I cleaned up the terminals and the connectors, and I ordered a new stylus. Are there manuals for these phonographs out there? I'll chalk this one up to live and learn, but its an uneasy feeling when you're diving blindly in. And don't ask the tech folks, they'll just point out how you "klutzed it up."

tlardner wrote:Thanks, Thom. I was able to carefully solder them back on. I cleaned up the terminals and the connectors, and I ordered a new stylus. Are there manuals for these phonographs out there? I'll chalk this one up to live and learn, but its an uneasy feeling when you're diving blindly in. And don't ask the tech folks, they'll just point out how you "klutzed it up."

You don't take being scolded easily - that's clearly obvious.
Fact is, you did wrong, and don't want to be told about it.
You went past what a consumer should do, plain & simple.
You even stated you "opened a can of worms" in your original post!

If I'm such a boogieman, then so are all the manufacturers who put the "No User Serviceable Parts Inside - Refer Servicing to Qualified Service Personel" labels on equipment.

Part of your problem is probably dust build-up around the stylus area too.
Clean it up, put a new needle in, and call it a day.

Why is it your job to scold anyone? Yeah, I stated it was a can of worms, clearly my mistake, I think that much was clear. When someone makes a mistake, and is asking for help, they don't need someone calling them a fool. I think the tone of my original post was: a) I screwed up, and b) I'm upset with myself about it. No need for piling on.

MattTech wrote:

tlardner wrote:Thanks, Thom. I was able to carefully solder them back on. I cleaned up the terminals and the connectors, and I ordered a new stylus. Are there manuals for these phonographs out there? I'll chalk this one up to live and learn, but its an uneasy feeling when you're diving blindly in. And don't ask the tech folks, they'll just point out how you "klutzed it up."

You don't take being scolded easily - that's clearly obvious.
Fact is, you did wrong, and don't want to be told about it.
You went past what a consumer should do, plain & simple.
You even stated you "opened a can of worms" in your original post!

If I'm such a boogieman, then so are all the manufacturers who put the "No User Serviceable Parts Inside - Refer Servicing to Qualified Service Personel" labels on equipment.

Part of your problem is probably dust build-up around the stylus area too.
Clean it up, put a new needle in, and call it a day.

OK guy's--enough "bickering"--this subject is closed--should more "bickering" ensue, the whole "topic" will dis-appear ! This forum is NOT the place for that ! Ron Rich ( board monitor)