1965 Magnavox restoration project

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The magnetic cartridge is heavier than the original ceramic cartridge was, so we need to add more weight to the counterbalance at the rear of the tone arm. Also, most magnetic cartridges, track lighter than ceramic type. The specs on this magnetic call for one gram to one gram and three quarter. The Micromatic "90" series is capable of tracking at one and one half gram. So that is what it is set at now.
If you purchase a magnetic cartridge for a Micromatic "90" make sure the the styus pressure spec for the cartridge can be set for one and a half grams.

I used ceiling fan lead weights, and Epoxyed them to the bottom of the original lead weight, to increase the counter balance.

I purchased the pre amp at a local audio store, and plugged it into the "switched" outlet on the back of the tuner. The pre amp is on, whenever the amp is on, but it does not hurt anything. Just as long as it is not powered up, when the stereo is not being used. That is the important thing.

I finished this job about a year ago, so the rear panel is on the back of the stereo, so cannot take any photos of the amp, multiplex, tuner, and pre amp. However Jason, it is very simple to hook up a pre amp. The phono leads go into the pre amp, and the leads from the pre amp go into the "phono" ports in the tuner. The pre amp is visible in the "rap" video of the inside of my console stereo. It is just a little black box, strapped in place with a couple of heavy nylon straps.

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Usually 1/2" mount cartridges has a bracket on each side for the screws. Did you cut them off of that one so you could stick it in the tonearm? Or is that a P-mount? Looks like you did an awesome job of it. In the video, I can't see the cartridge or the weights. All that's noticeable is the lack of the flipover needle.
 
Yes Jason, I forgot. I did cut those little brackets off the magnetic cartridge.
 
In today's dollars, that stereo would have cost $3561.72.

Ouch. Then again, they were built to an entirely different standard of quality than what you see today.

I don't even think you can buy console stereos like that anymore..
 
Did your wires hook up to the new cartridge with the same amount of terminals? I did this on my Zenith console but the magnectic cartridge had 4 terminals and the ceramic had 3 terminals. I had to jump the ground wires together to get both sides of the stereo to play. With just one wire the left channel would play. Change the wires the right would play. Junctioned the ground to both terminals and both play. I picked up the preamp at radio shack. Just love the sound of the old consoles.
Jon
 
VERY NICE Magnavox HI-FI!! Like the tubed amp better than the SS ones-GOOD MOVE-and the parts(transistors) for the oig SS amp would be NLA,same with subs.and like the idea of the magnetic cartridge retrofit-improve the sound even more over the orig ceramic cartridge.Awesome restoration!!!
 
soon

just rented a 1950's bungalow in the process of moving things in have about the same stereo got to find a few strong men to help me move her in pix to come soon
 
Hey Jon, I replaced the wiring to the cartridge with four wire with new connectors for the magnetic cartridge.

My bad on the comment I made on the pre amp too! I was meaning to say the power supply for the pre amp is held in place by a couple nylon straps. The pre amp itself it bolted to the bottom of the console, just like the tube amp, and multiplex unit. I did this restoration last year, and I had forgot, until I re watched the video of the inside of the console.

BTW: Harold Hagen of "Always Jukin" magazine did the restoration on the vintage tube electronics for this project. I did not do that part myself.
 
The Evil Twin!!

Well George, that sure looks familiar! Looks like yours is in beautiful original condition. (except fot the changer of course) BTW: I see the Micromatic 90 models for consoles on ebay all the time, if you are looking for one.

Thanks for posting the photos. Now you know how much yours cost new, and what it would cost today!
 

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