1964 packard bell rpc-39
Electrically amplified phonographs or radio/phonographs and related components (approx. 1928-1990).
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Creepjohnny
Topic author - Junior Member
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- Joined: Wed Oct 31, 2012 4:34 am
I scored a great record console from my neighbors estate sale. It's model rpc-39. Everything works great on it. But last week the right speakers stopped working. There was no cracking or popping or in and out of music. Just turned it on and there was only sound from one side. What would cause this? A tube? All tubes seem to be lit up, does anyone know which one to check. I wasn't able to get the owners manual and having a heck of a time getting someone who knows about these things out to fix it. Any help would be greatly appreciated
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Ron Rich
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Johnny,
Any failure should be checked out by someone knowledgeable about tube type equipment.It is possible that it is just a bad tube, or it could be something much more serious, which can, if you continue to operate it, lead to very expensive repairs --Ron Rich
Any failure should be checked out by someone knowledgeable about tube type equipment.It is possible that it is just a bad tube, or it could be something much more serious, which can, if you continue to operate it, lead to very expensive repairs --Ron Rich
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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
As Ron mentioned - best to have someone experienced check it out and do the needed work.
People for decades have always been led to believe "it's a tube" when a problem arises.
And indeed, tubes are in sockets, and removable for such things.
But....
In my experience as a long-time tech, the reason a particular tube often fails is because of issues surrounding that tube.
Namely parts under the chassis - capacitors, resistors, etc.
These parts control to a large degree how the tubes perform.
A properly operating chassis can go for decades without a tube replacement - Ive come across 1929 radios with "still good" tubes in them, and I'm sure these sets were used extensively.
Yes, tubes DO age, and lose some of their emission/get weak - but if a set from the 1960's has any bad tubes, it's because other parts are failing.
Replacing just the tube may even bring back some function - but soon it too will crap out and you'll be back at square one.
As Ron mentioned, continuing usage without proper restoration is just prolonging the inevitable - a total and more costly job in the end.
Once a proper restoration has been done, ultimate reliability is possible, making these sets last for decades to come, in addition to dramatically improving function and sound quality.
Locate a reputable tech in your area, take the plunge, you'll be glad you did, and enjoy peace of mind.
People for decades have always been led to believe "it's a tube" when a problem arises.
And indeed, tubes are in sockets, and removable for such things.
But....
In my experience as a long-time tech, the reason a particular tube often fails is because of issues surrounding that tube.
Namely parts under the chassis - capacitors, resistors, etc.
These parts control to a large degree how the tubes perform.
A properly operating chassis can go for decades without a tube replacement - Ive come across 1929 radios with "still good" tubes in them, and I'm sure these sets were used extensively.
Yes, tubes DO age, and lose some of their emission/get weak - but if a set from the 1960's has any bad tubes, it's because other parts are failing.
Replacing just the tube may even bring back some function - but soon it too will crap out and you'll be back at square one.
As Ron mentioned, continuing usage without proper restoration is just prolonging the inevitable - a total and more costly job in the end.
Once a proper restoration has been done, ultimate reliability is possible, making these sets last for decades to come, in addition to dramatically improving function and sound quality.
Locate a reputable tech in your area, take the plunge, you'll be glad you did, and enjoy peace of mind.
The Internet is a marvelous thing, however it's not a good substitute for actually being there.
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