1960s Magnavox Astro Sonic Console Stereos (PART 3: Finale)

[@christopherwells372]

Thanks for thorough video Have you seen situation when auto mode just returns to rest? Also with records stacked that the arm swings out BEFORE the records drop?

[@steveharris2589]

I seen some of those arms on the turn tables go crazy never knew what it was all about but after watching your video I understand what causes some of the problems!!! Good video Brad!!!👍🏼😊

[@TheGuitologist]

Cool, Steve. Glad it's been informative. I always learn something too doing these videos. Seems like I learn something new every time. That's the idea...keep on a-learnin'!

[@airtechmech6681]

The 1965 unit is the closest one I've seen on any videos that resemble the one my parents bought in I think 1964 but it may have been 1965. It was a great unit with that sounded great with radio and records (33 & 45's). My mother played a lot of classical music on it and my Dad played country on Saturday nights and football, (am) on Saturday afternoons. I seem to remember it having tubes but I may have been seeing light from the control panel. One thing that was different was it had a Timbre control. It currently sits in my Dad's garage with a bunch of empty cardboard boxes on top of it. I am thinking of relieving him of it if he will let it go. He's almost 95 years old and will never use it again. I checked the speakers when I was a kid(always looking at details of things) and remember it having 4"X10" horn tweeters and 15" woofers. Like I said, it sounded amazing back then. Our friends always wanted us to play records on it and it would get very loud but had a lot of headroom, too.

[@spacemissing]

The overarm on the older changer looks like it was transplanted from a V-M.

[@johnrenteria75]

good job in restoring these lovely console systems

[@shellytigress6487]

Boy I wished I knew someone that could get my turntable working in the Zenith stereo I have. Was given to me by my brother in law after my sister passed away..so many memories of her and I back in the 70's listening to Elvis and Jackson Five. Sad. Just sitting in the corner.

[@wintersbattleofbands1144]

I can do that. I specialize in Zenith record changers. Yes, they ALL need service after 40 years.

[@MikeGervasi]

Well done Brad. That Micromatic really brought back some memories. Good catch on the wow/flutter. I totally thought rubber wheel slippage and not motor (didn't EVERYTHING have those type motors back in the day?). Really well done.

[@TheGuitologist]

Thanks, Mike. I'm certainly no expert on these, but I'm getting better every time I service one.

[@DeadKoby]

These old consoles are cool... I'd love to fiddle with these as a project, but I've already got some beauty vintage turntables that are much better fidelity wise. I've got too many side projects... I wish I could make my living playing with this stuff, but alas, I must keep fixing computers as I've done for years

[@fabianaazurmendi8558]

HI! I have the older console with the arm that gets hooked. For some reason stayed in the middle of the way to the record and did not go down or come back. I watched the videos and I do not know if I missed information about arm problem-solution or if this is not in the videos. Please advise.

[@airtechmech6681]

I also noticed that the tone arm cover looked like the 1965 model. I always presumed that those units were complicated but wow, I don't think I want to tear into one like you did. Maybe replace caps or anything else that looks bad.

[@rogertyler3237]

RadioTv Phononut Repaired A 1965 Magnivox Astro Home Console Stereo System & All He Had To Do Is Replace One Of The Transisters. Before He Replaced The Transister It Tuned In Stations Good But After He Replaced the Old Transister It Really Tuned In Staions Alot Better Then It Did Before.

[@semperfi-1918]

I got a 78 magnavox round box table, with radio and 8track. Was free and happy all I had to do was put the needle back in. Missing the 45 adapter tho.

[@larryshaver3568]

i have a collaro[Magnavox] similar to that but has a taller spindle that was giving me the same trouble as that . how did you fix that?

[@yevlayort]

Nice work on this. I have the same amp in a different cab, and you've given me all kinds of ideas! When it comes to music reproduction, do you find your Astrosonic to be a bit on the boom-y side and missing some necessary highs? Mine sounds great with records up through the '70s, but when I play anything from the '80s on (Def Leppard, Kix, Prince, Kaiser Cheifs) it seems to distort a bit in the higher frequencies. I also dumped my surround system and use the aux in for the tv in my living room, but again, I'm noticing the highs are off. Any ideas?

[@TheGuitologist]

+yevlayort try changing all the caps in the tone circuit.

[@rogertyler3237]

I Have Relation Downthere In Louisville I Live In Minnesota. I Used To Go Downthere Every Summer To See Then. I Used To Do Some Electronics Projects With My Uncle Boby. Cause That's What He Liked Doing. Boy He Could Fix Almost Anything. If I Lube Anything I Use Lucas Red Or Green Machinery Grease.

[@royalsuttoniii6849]

What type of grease did you use for the phonograph motor? Is it the same grease for the mechanical parts?

[@dfu1685]

Thank You so much for sharing your detailed analysis. Do you offer consultation service? Also, what would you expect the sale price to be for the micromatic cabinet?

[@TheGuitologist]

I don’t do consulting really.

[@larryshaver3568]

i bought one those flat adapters and found it also works on the older micromatics with the black or white tonearms

[@StephenDanielAddeo]

What oil are you lubricating the motors with?

[@christinacollins5649]

What is the golden arm called next to the tonearm called? A record pressure arm? Mine somehow got stuck after a friend tried to play records, and I can't seem to figure out how to safely get it unstuck. Also can't find the manual anywhere. Any tips?

[@TheGuitologist]

That’s the overarm. Try a bit of oil at the base of the arm. See if that frees it up.

[@3713msg]

That overarm is from a Voice of Music changer, not a Collaro.

[@stiffrichard2816]

I have a 19'69 version of this, the Flamenco. It sounds amazing. The TT motor isn't working well but otherwise pretty good. If anyone wants it, write me. I'm in NY.

[@northpaw]

Exuse me sir but could you please contact me in some way, I have a Magnavox Astro Sonic Console, turntable works fine, radio kinda works, but I am missing the needle, I have already looked for a model number and I can't find anything

[@larryshaver3568]

there's a pointed piece on the switch that may be causing the problem with knob not turning all the way

[@wintersbattleofbands1144]

Don't take the clips off. They flip vertically. Clean the drive system, you contaminated it (motor steps, idler wheels, inner platter rim). Oil the motor bearings.

[@sterlinsilver]

I have one nearly identical to the larger one which I use every day. The model no. Is 1ST639

[@johnh9991]

Love your work very cool to see the restoration process. Any idea how much these things are worth?

[@larryshaver3568]

EV 2620 or 2622 may also be good replacement needles

[@TKELCH]

Maybe the owner had a cat that sat on top of the stereo produced the fur you found.

[@larryshaver3568]

the needle you really need for that cartridge is ev2619

[@TheGuitologist]

Thanks. I'm assuming that's an EV needle. This needle I bought cross referenced somehow on that website when I was searching and it was the same one I'd already gotten for the other changer, so I thought, 'ok that must be it'. Not exactly. Eh, I made it work anyway. :) I'm going to save your comment though and check out the EV needle you pointed out when it's time to replace again. Thank you!

[@larryshaver3568]

@@TheGuitologist some of the ev 2620 and 2622 have a tube that is about 1/32" too short so i tried a 2619 and it worked notice-ably better

[@larryshaver3568]

i have one just a few years newer[1967 or'68 and it suddenly decided to not work properly. Any Idea what would have caused this?

[@TheGuitologist]

Lubrication.

[@larryshaver3568]

that's odd even when it suddenly stops working after having worked?

[@larryshaver3568]

I think I found what really happened there is a spring missing under the platter

[@LittleDarkAngela]

Hi I have a magnavox astro-sonic stereo high fidelity imperial series 1rp704 console. The turntable started making a noise and dragging...can anyone help me with some info!!!!!!! Thank you

[@danadunning3123]

What oil do you use for lubrication ? I need to clean my console Magnavox console console.

[@TheGuitologist]

amzn.to/2RYqLWp

[@brandonbaldwin746]

on the older one with the big arm it does lock the arm into place and in order to lock it u just set it on the arm rest and push down on it and it locks it down. I own 2 of them stereos and they do lock down when u push down on it above the arm rest while it's sitting on the arm rest just push down but not very hard or forceful just push down snug and it lock into place. try it. the older ones was made like that.

[@larryshaver3568]

I've got a changer slightly newer than the one on the right that seems to work quite smoothly in the changing cycle

[@TheGuitologist]

Both of these are smooth as silk. I like the independent changer wheel in the bigger one, but the smaller one is very nice as well. Works great.

[@TheBigfoot567]

I just bought a Magnavox Astro-Sonic console that looks very similar. Sliding top with speaker switching on left side. Mine is Model # 4ST677. Only some static heard when clicking the speaker selector. Turntable looks same as yours. One owner family seller. Great video, but that first album......wow, horrible.

[@pinapedazo]

Thank you so much for such great videos on these pieces, I've watched all three in the series! I have the Magnavox Stereophonic Hi-Fidelity (the second one you worked on)...a Craigslist find for me too. My issue is the turntable does not spin. Can you give me some tips for that? Also how exactly did you remove the turntable from the stereo (there are small clips I don't want to break to remove). Once again ty so much for ALL the tips n tricks :)

[@TheGuitologist]

The clips underneath the table should just flip up into a parallel position to the bolts they are mounted on.They are made to flip into horizontal and vertical position to allow easy removal of the table. If the turntable won't spin, it's either the center spindle grease that is frozen up or the motor needs new grease, or both. If it isn't turning at all, I guarantee the entire mechanism will need a thorough clean and re-lube.

[@pinapedazo]

The Guitologist From your video that's what I was thinking :) Also curious, have you ever done a video about how you connected your iPhone to the console?

[@TheGuitologist]

No video of the iphone connection. It's just a 1/8" phone plug to stereo RCA cable ran to the "TAPE IN" on the chassis. I drilled small holes in the cabinet to run the cables.

[@alexmoreland3355]

@@pinapedazo Were you able to fix your turntable by cleaning and re-greasing?

[@briantran9175]

Thank you so much for such great videos on these vintage pieces. I have the magnavox micromatic. How do I connect my phone to my console as using it as an amplifier? Thank you very much

[@larryshaver3568]

ev 2623 is actually the one you'd need for the older stereo

[@tonyperek7292]

Magnavox seemed to be a very popular brand back in those days:however, the only thing I didn’t like about their changers is that you couldn’t repeat a record automatically. I wonder why Magnavox’s changers wouldn’t repeat.

[@larryshaver3568]

the changers made till mid-1958 with the sensing flag did

[@contrabandjoe7974]

cigarette smoke is the worst thing ever.. I bought a vox amp from a smoker last year, it was so bad I had to let it air out in the garage for a couple of months and it still smelled some. Not sure what removes smoke stain/smell from tolex and other substances... drier sheets??

[@audiotechlabs4650]

ContraBand Joe Denatured alcohol is useful. Test in a unseen area first just in case it messes with the tolex/glue. Some people have said Simple Green spray cleaner will also work.Wash with soap and water after and let dry. Inside is a whole different animal. Thankz

[@contrabandjoe7974]

I use simple green for other stuff, never thought about that for the amp. will give it a try. I typically dont buy gear from a smokers home but this was too good of a buy.

[@TheGuitologist]

Time. Cleaning it and waiting. Eventually they'll stop smelling. The tar has to all be washed off though. Anymore, I clean so much stuff, I try to just stick to warm water and dish soap because it's least likely to be toxic. I try to avoid cleaners in spray bottles if I can for that reason. I'm getting to that age where my long term health will be affected by this kind of stuff, the products I use.

[@larryshaver3568]

i used an old toothbrush and fels naptha soap on an idler pulley it sparkles and turns at perfect speed

[@yoshi6091]

How do I safely transport one of these?

[@TheGuitologist]

Press down on the turntable and lock the table to the cabinet using the screws or plastic sliders (depending what model you have) and tie the tone arm down with a twist tie. Also consider removing the sliding top doors entirely for transport.

[@yoshi6091]

Thanks for your prompt reply. I'm also assuming it needs to be transferred as it's placed, top to bottom, not on it's side. Is that correct?

[@TheGuitologist]

Yes. Leave it upright. That'll be best.

[@rogertyler3237]

Amazon Has Needles Too.

[@larryshaver3568]

yes the wow and flutter went away in a big way. those motors are very powerful but need to be oiled occasionally

[@larryshaver3568]

I have a very similar changer but mine was a lot cleaner when it came

[@TheFRiNgEguitars]

ugh! What does cigarette smoke not damage, including human beings? I've had my share of refurbishing smoker gear, what a pain!

[@1mctous]

Even the 45 adapter was covered in nicotine!

[@bones007able]

Obviously the wrong needle, that company you ordered from should have known better ... no wings for these models , they are all flip over

[@larryshaver3568]

mice may have been in that

[@seansweeney3532]

I get these all the time... they're a positive TREAT to work on over the real monsters... the worst ever being a relative of Dual called "Perpetuum Ebner" or P/E... with the most comically insane over-engineered west German changer mech. Both the Dual and P/E use a system based around a thing called a "stuerpimple"... and they might as well have called it the G spot... it's sent many techs to the loony bin... because they get to a point where adjustments are no longer possible... and the real reason for this abomination is, that it was the only way these makers could avoid patents on the other more tried and true, basic changer mechanisms... so they were forced to reinvent the wheel, but forced to do so using a FORK... AND a STUERPIMPLE... and next in line were the Garrards... slightly better engineered, and Repairs are at least POSSIBLE... but they'll send you down a week long rabbit hole as well. Mostly the micros only ever need adjustments... having two idlers makes them infinitely more reliable... aside from the drive idlers, which are very prone to becoming rock hard and irreparable... the rubber actually breaks down. And unlike the zenith, VOM, BSR and Garrard, cannot be GROUND DOWN to good rubber. I know this from experience... when they go, they're gone, and nothing short of a new one works.

[@wintersbattleofbands1144]

Buy the correct flip needle instead of hacking off the wrong needle. A LOT of bad advice given here.