ANOTHER SLOW ONE....

Hey Folks, Bless yo' bones...LOL. I just love this group even though I haven't posted very much.

Well, I haven't got into the 12-step program yet, but say a prayer for me...I'll get there one day.

I had two hours to kill today, had men's choir rehearsal then had to waste some time before playing for a funeral (I play a mean Hammond B3 organ on the side), so I did some shopping.

Went to my favorite thrift store and picked up one of those 70's Maggies (cradenza shaped, like a dehumidifier). I don't know the actually color since I haven't removed the back, but it's like an antique white with a dark wood top. It has the turntable, Am/Fm tuner and an 8-track. Open the middle door and the turntable slides out on a tray and the separate 8-track and tuner are mounted above.

They said the turntable needed work...all I could see was a missing needle which was actually laying on the shelf next to the 8-track and so plugged it in and it worked perfectly.

I stood there at least a half hour pondering should I get this thing...too many Maggies in the house already. The workers there know me and having bought at least 20 consoles there, kept saying, "I know you're gonna walk out here today with that.' And did just that...just in time...another lady tried to stake claims on it but I already paid for it at the counter and was getting ready to haul it out. It is gorgeous, almost mint condition other than a small blemish on the top and a rattling 8" woofer in the right channel...I don't think it came from the "Spirit of '76 Collection, Michael Sutherland would know about that, being an avid collector.

Anyways, let's get to the point...All of the stereos that I have with those Black W700 series turntables, including this new acquisition today, play a tad slow...ALL OF THEM. No wow or flutter, just slower but steady. I like the W620 series better...hmmm.

I think this turntable is either a W715 or a W716 (haven't removed the back cover to take a look-see) and has a cueing lever. According to the Magnavox service manual, the W715 comes with a magnetic cartridge. The cartridge in this unit is different than anything I've seen before, not your typical EV-275 or counterparts. I will take it apart when I get my workroom set up and give it some good TLC.

I'm not a 70's fan, but this thing was so cute and matched the decor of my house, so it will fit perfectly under a large picture that's in the entry way between the living room to the kitchen/breakfast/family area.

The manual also states that the W714 and the W716 have a 2 pole or 4 pole non-synchronous motor, while the W715 has a 4 pole non-synchronous motor.

Sorry for dragging this thang out...just wondering about the speed issue with these W700 series turntables. --BB

BobbyB
Tucson, Arizona

Are you sure the 620 is not slightly fast? Early units were designed to be too fast on the first record and too slow on the last one.

Use a strobe disc to check speed.

Induction motors are notorious for slowing down when too heavily loaded. Check the lubrication.

I know you know about cleaning the bearings and whatnot. But I have noticed that sometime late 60's and thru 70's Magnavox turntables really have some bad grease. Just a comment and to show a very bad case.
Bill

Thanks for the info, Record-changer. I wasn't aware that the 620's were designed to run fast. One thing about all these turntables...they have some good torque. This turntable spins very freely. I can hand spin it and it will turn four almost 5 minutes, but I'll check the bearings, etc.

Shedradios, the pic is nasty...Ewwww...LOL. I don't think I've ever run across on that bad.

The slower speed isn't annoying at all, and maybe the average person wouldn't notice it, unless they were a seasoned singer or musician.

Oh, I found a cartridge box inside the unit, so this cartridge has been replaced. The box says "Electro-Voice 5606D, replaces Magnavox 560389-1". The output is a little on the weak side compared to the radio volume.

This unit looks as though it's been rarely used, other than a tall plant stand. I think that's where the water damage blemish/bubbling of one small section on the top came from.

Anyhoo...thanks so much for your feedback. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

All lubricants eventually go bad. But what you are showing is a deteriorated rubber washer designed to reduce rumble.