HI there,
I just inherited a RCA Victor console unit PVCR - 243. It hasn't been used in at least 30 to 40 years, until today, but luckily it still works great. My grandfather took great care of his things. Nevertheless, there is a little dust that needs to be cleaned out, a new needle, etc. I suppose my question is where do I start? I don't want to damage the unit, but I know it could be a better piece. Any suggestions? I am in the USA, Philadelphia, PA. Thanks
Ben
PVCR - 243 works great just needs a little help
Electrically amplified phonographs or radio/phonographs and related components (approx. 1928-1990).
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MattTech
- Senior Member
- Posts: 1461
- Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:38 am
- Location: Philadelphia Pa USA - Home Electronics - Service Technician
Hi Ben,
I do restoration and service in the Philly area.
Without seeing the unit I figure it to be about 1962 vintage.
With these units time usually takes a toll and they need some restoration in order to perform without issues.
I've mentioned on other threads here that just because "it still works" as you said, it's a matter of time until something fails with it.
There is no substitute for neglecting service. - would you feel safe in a car that sat for 40 years untouched and take it on the highway?
I would hope not, for safety's sake.
Deterioration of critcal components happens whether the unit is used or not, and sitting idle for decades makes things worse. - wires turn brittle, capacitors dry out, resistors change value.
This all adds up to things like tubes being stressed out, transformers overheating, and such.
Since these old units were never fused (the mandatory safety feature today) , they burn up, and become hazzards.
My professional opinion is to keep this lovely unit in top shape - they sound great, built great, and people value the tonal quality of them.
I've got a 1963 RCA Victor in my home - yeah, it worked when I aquired it, but had numerous problems off the bat.
Luckily I'm a tech, and brought it up to perfect condition - I can now enjoy it for decades more, with peace of mind.
But until your unit been gone over thoroughly, avoid using it, lest the transformers overheat - they're hard (and very expensive) to find replacements for.
I do restoration and service in the Philly area.
Without seeing the unit I figure it to be about 1962 vintage.
With these units time usually takes a toll and they need some restoration in order to perform without issues.
I've mentioned on other threads here that just because "it still works" as you said, it's a matter of time until something fails with it.
There is no substitute for neglecting service. - would you feel safe in a car that sat for 40 years untouched and take it on the highway?
I would hope not, for safety's sake.
Deterioration of critcal components happens whether the unit is used or not, and sitting idle for decades makes things worse. - wires turn brittle, capacitors dry out, resistors change value.
This all adds up to things like tubes being stressed out, transformers overheating, and such.
Since these old units were never fused (the mandatory safety feature today) , they burn up, and become hazzards.
My professional opinion is to keep this lovely unit in top shape - they sound great, built great, and people value the tonal quality of them.
I've got a 1963 RCA Victor in my home - yeah, it worked when I aquired it, but had numerous problems off the bat.
Luckily I'm a tech, and brought it up to perfect condition - I can now enjoy it for decades more, with peace of mind.
But until your unit been gone over thoroughly, avoid using it, lest the transformers overheat - they're hard (and very expensive) to find replacements for.
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