RCA Victrola

Hello there,

I stumbled upon an RCA Victrola Console for 5 bucks. She is in relatively bad shape, cosmetically, but the sound is AMAZING. I was dead set on an Astro Sonic, I love the styling and I've heard the sound is great on those too, but no one here in tucson (about 5 people) wanted less than 150$ for their Magnavox consoles.

The turntable spins at the correct speed, the cartridge works (at least electrically), but It needs a needle. The radio works as well, and the speakers are phenomenal! The wiring in the back looks intact, only dusty as all heck. I have two questions/issues.

1.) I have a crackling noise anytime I even touch the volume pot. This only happens on the Volume pot, and I read that I can use Deoxit on the pot. I've read bad things about Deoxit, however, and just want to make sure there isn't anything out there that doesn't leave a residue. The volume pot can be lifted up (to turn on the radio) and there is a good size opening where I can spray the Deoxit.

2.) If I need a new cartridge (Cheapest one for this model is 60-65$!! astatic 323 i think...) I will be looking into replacing the turntable. I have a spare technics turntable...Could I simply drop in my technics and hook it up to the console speakers? My hope is that I would be able to leave the electrical cables untouched (independent power cables for the turntable and the console) and just switch on both units independently when needed.

I've started the refinishing process, with tips from deash, and will post more pictures once it is complete.

Here is a slideshow of it's current state (and one of the volume pot in its elevated position):

http://img545.imageshack.us/slideshow/w ... 173906.jpg

Acspin, One thing I forgot to share with you is I add a product called Floetrol to my paint....you add 8oz. to a gallon and stir it into the gallon it thins the paint and you won't have brush or roller marks... try it you'll like it most people think I use a spray gun...nope, I use a white foam 4" cabinet roller and a high quality nylon bristle brush for the spots the roller can't get.

Good luck on refinishing your cabinet it should turn out nice.

acspin wrote:Hello there,

I stumbled upon an RCA Victrola Console for 5 bucks. She is in relatively bad shape, cosmetically, but the sound is AMAZING. I was dead set on an Astro Sonic, I love the styling and I've heard the sound is great on those too, but no one here in tucson (about 5 people) wanted less than 150$ for their Magnavox consoles.

The turntable spins at the correct speed, the cartridge works (at least electrically), but It needs a needle. The radio works as well, and the speakers are phenomenal! The wiring in the back looks intact, only dusty as all heck. I have two questions/issues.

1.) I have a crackling noise anytime I even touch the volume pot. This only happens on the Volume pot, and I read that I can use Deoxit on the pot. I've read bad things about Deoxit, however, and just want to make sure there isn't anything out there that doesn't leave a residue. The volume pot can be lifted up (to turn on the radio) and there is a good size opening where I can spray the Deoxit.

2.) If I need a new cartridge (Cheapest one for this model is 60-65$!! astatic 323 i think...) I will be looking into replacing the turntable. I have a spare technics turntable...Could I simply drop in my technics and hook it up to the console speakers? My hope is that I would be able to leave the electrical cables untouched (independent power cables for the turntable and the console) and just switch on both units independently when needed.

I've started the refinishing process, with tips from deash, and will post more pictures once it is complete.

Here is a slideshow of it's current state (and one of the volume pot in its elevated position):

http://img545.imageshack.us/slideshow/w ... 173906.jpg

No, you can't "simply" drop in another turntable with this New Vista console.
The cartridge voltage level is way different and requires an RIAA preamp.
As for refinishing, arn't those speaker and trim panels made of molded plastic?
I'd think trying to "refinish" them would cause the plastic to be damaged.
Merely trying to spray a cleaner in though the top of the controls (thru the shaft area) is useless.... the cleaner needs to be sprayed into the back/inside the control.
Additionally, expect to have the amp/tuner serviced when the capacitors give up and you hear a hum instead of tunes.

$0.00 = short term use
$$$$$$ = insurance it'll keep running.

Acspin,
Question--What , where have you "read bad things about DeOxIt" ?
This product does leave residue--but it's a benefit on "pots", IMHO---
For almost all other things, I prefer a non residue, "plastic safe", safety solvent- Ron Rich

I'm pretty sure this console is not a New Vista. It has the older RCA victrola logo and doesn't say New Vista like other RCA consoles. It's mostly solid wood. There are some particle board trim panels here and there though, but nothing that would prevent a refinishing. The cartridge is High-Capacity Ceramic @ 175mV. I just installed the new needle and the cartridge works great. As for recapping, I'll definitely take some time to do that in the future. I've recapped/repaired computer motherboards, GPU's, and vehicle electronic control modules, although not high voltage devices, the technique is pretty much the same. Thanks for the tip on the volume pot. I opened up the amp/tuner and exposed the insides of the pot controls and I can see where I need to spray deoxit. The console has been completely sanded and is ready for some paint later this week.

What I had read about Deoxit is that it leaves behind a residue which attracts more dust/gunk and that it really isn't meant for use on pots/controls. There are conflicting opinions out there, but based on the research I have done I feel comfortable with using Deoxit.

Acspin,
IMHO, one wants a residual lubricant on any contact that "SLIDES" --No residual types on those that "MATE" (or just "TOUCH").
Ron Rich

I use NTE brand contact cleaner/lube on controls & switches.
Never had any problems.