1971 Zenith Stereo Console Video

[48bencix]

Here is a video of my 1971 Zenith Stereo Console. This is a thrift shop find, and only one channel was operational when I got it. I took the back off and unplugged the printed circuit boards and sprayed them with Radio Shack contact cleaner. I also played with the record changer to get it to operate correctly. This is a solid state system and has not been re-capped. I have an 8-track player on top connected to the tape inputs. An Ipod could be connected or even a flat screen tv which could be mounted on the wall above.[this post was last edited: 6/1/2013-14:19]

 

[classiccaprice]

I did that with my tv on my 1962 Philco console... It's a great surround sound for my tv.  Here it is on retro renovation a couple of years back...

 

http://retrorenovation.com/2011/04/05/7-idea-to-house-your-modern-plasma-tv-into-a-retro-interior/

 

[drewz]

Martin very nice, that model was Zenith's Flagship model from 71 to 81 with very little changes. Mostly changes were in finishes and new Allegro features.

I wanted to buy this model for my mother & father's 50th wedding anniversary in 1980 but even then it was $$$ I think it was about $950. I could not afford that so I had to get them a middle line Allegro model.

 

[tolivac]

Very nice Zenith console Hi-Fi-saw one sort of like yours with a Magnavox one-both in front of a house near where I live with "Free" signs on them-went back to get a neighbor with a pickup truck---but alas-both consoles GONE!Just hope the TRASH folks didn't get them!Found a Magnavox mono consolette hi-fi at a yard sale-but a problem-seller didn't know-----TT's won't play records unless they have a headshell and cartridge!Told him it was unusable-it was in nice shape.Would have bought it if it was complete.

 

[112561]

I almost hate to mention it, but headshells are available online, Magnavox/Collaro, and a good ceramic stereo pickup, of course for safe playing of modern vinyl. 

 

[DADoES]

 
The Whirlpool & Zenith dealer where I worked had sold one of these units to a customer ... before my time there so I'd never seen it but I was told about it with the touch buttons and all the lights.  Thanks for the demo!

 

[whirlcool]

My parents had the Walnut "Danish Modern" version of this stereo. Quite handsome looking. It sounded pretty good and they were happy with it. I was happy with the "2G Tonearm" playing nice with my record collection. I used to hook up my Wollensak 5900 R2R tape deck to it.

But then when I heard component stereo, I was really hooked.

I don't know what ever happened to it. When my father (the last of my parents) passed away my sister called and said that we should go through the house and take anything we want from our parents. But she and my brother had already done that and there was very little left. My sister didn't have the stereo, my brother didn't have it. My sister & brother both claim they have no idea where it went.

 

[ovrphil]

Cool

Martin, thanks for presenting this and the video (which was too short, lol).What a cool set; would definitely like this myself.

Will - beautiful set, too. I'm thinking in this direction, once I acquire a stereo console. Your setup reminds me that ideally, I would like to work out a wood frame for the flat screen tv, that is complementary to the stereo wood. Link to retrorenovation enjoyed, thanks!

Tolivac: ouch, so close. I have missed a few sales on CL for reasonably priced good looking and working consoles...fyi, saw a CL freebee for a Magnavox stereo console in Greenville, SC(2.5 hrs from me), but it was probably spoken for. Those go fast.

Component stereo is in a different class of listening and I agree, there's no comparison...wouldn't mind having both, but wouldn't gut a stereo console for components.

Thanks again Martin.

 

[tolivac]

Hi-Fi collecting in general-component Hi-Fi is the best option-but not so anymore-Hi-Fi components that were in "trade in" piles at Hi-fi dealers are dried up-and no longer available at reasonable prices.Places no longert ake trades.So the old components end up thrown out-or if they are lucky on EBay and Craigsllist-I just don't like using these.And components rarely show up at yard sales and swap shops(thrift shops) here.So remember a Scott LK48 intergrated amp-tubed that I bought at McGuires-a Hi-Fi chain shop in DC area at one time for $50-worked great-It got lost in a flood.Would like another-but similar scott amps are over $1500 today!The Magnavox Concert Grand console my Mom had-she donated it to Salvation army or something similar when she bought a new Hi-Fi system from Circuit city-just the basics-a CD player,inexpensive TT(can't remember the brand)Onkyo receiver and a pair of low cost Infinity speakers-last I saw of it was years ago-don't know what happened to it.Now she lives in an assisted living place-don't think she has it anymore-she was happy with a Bose table radio with a CD player connected to it.So for me right now Hi-Fi collecting is on the back burner-will get equipment if I run into it.
Usally I HATE dealing with ordering stuff over the computer-have done it-buts its a HASSLE to me.I so miss "Needle In A Haystack" store that was in DC-they could get ANY stylus or cartridge-if not in stock-they could order it-then you picked it up-just liked dealing with real stores rather than futzing with the "computer" ones-thanks for the suggestions-the search goes on.The man that had the Magnavox record player says he will check with the person that supplied it to him and see if they have the cartridge and headshell.I have LOTS of records to play on any TT!Some came from radio stations-a jukebox would be handy for the 45's I got from one station-was at their transmitter site-old radio stations records usually end up stored at their transmitter plants.

 

[ovrphil]

Like 48Bencix

Tolivac -it's true, and resellers flood the floors of the Goodwills and thrifts here, so competition for the best stereo equipment is keen - often, it comes down to being there just after they put the goods on the sale shelves. Your mom had a Magnavox Concert Grand? Nice! Those are so desirable...never heard one; only know how collectors, etc. are always looking for one (or the TOL Fisher consoles).

so, anyways...I wasn't going to add more to 48Bencix(Martin) thread, but perusing Craigslist, I came across his stereo(looks exactly like it) for sale. Anyone willing to part with four-hundred or best offer?

http://memphis.craigslist.org/atq/3789417973.html