RCA consoles

[dalangdon]

OK, so the GE coffee table console fell through. You win a few, you lose a few.

But then I saw a really cool RCA console.

But I've heard mixed reviews on these units, particularly the turntables. I'm not an audiophile by any means, but I don't want to put time and effort into something that is going to sound bad or be rough on records.

Thoughts?

 

[rickr]

Look for a 1960's Magnavox if you want a great sounding console stereo, a quality record changer, and a beautiful solid wood cabinet. You won't regret it. <:

 

[dalangdon]

I love those old Magnovox consoles, Rick. The mother of a friend of mine has strict orders to call me first when she wants to get rid of hers

But this RCA is pretty unique. It's very Danish Modern, and sits higher than a standard console. The speakers are across the bottom, and a door pulls down to reveal the control panel and record storage, another door pulls down to reveal the turntable.

It's sort of like this, at least shape-wise.

 

[veg-o-matic]

Who cares how it sounds? It looks great! Go snatch it up, and fast.

Seriously, how bad could it be? It's an RCA after all, not some little no-name company. Go git it.

veg

 

[countryford]

I have that

I have one just like the stereo in the pic. Its a really cool unit. The speakers are in the upper area and the radio and record player are located down below. I don't remember what it sounds like, since I have not had it going in over 3 years. The one I have is located in Minnesota at my dad's place while I am still living here in Arizona. I would say go for it.

 

[drewz]

Tube Unit, Great Speakers, Good Sound

These last tube units were 60, 61, 62, 63, & 64. These units sounded great, these were the last units before RCA Victor went to "New Vista Victrola" solid state, with cheapo speakers.

 

[danemodsandy]

Get. It.

My dad was with RCA, so I'm familiar with that unit. It was a seriously expensive model, and sounded great.

It's pretty rare now- hell, it was pretty rare then, because of the price tag. Surviving ones should be in the hands of people like yourself, who understand and appreciate vintage electronics.

 

[mulls]

RCA console

Hello friends,I thought some of you might enjoy seeing my 68 RCA console.
Tom
PS-I am the second owner,the first was a couple in Indy-he worked for RCA.Sorry the pic is too big-I am just learning how to post pics.

 

[mulls]

Inside pic

Here is an inside pic-This unit,of course,is solid state.Better for me,as I could not fix a tube set when it gave trouble.
Tom

 

[lightedcontrols]

dalangdon, I have the RCA that you have pictured and it's available for purchase. I can have it repaired here in Roanoke if you wish. Not sure what's wrong with it, if anything. If you're interested, I'll check it when we can get to it. Mark

 

[paulg]

VM changer

No changer woes with the VM changer.

 

[fonografmaniac]

that changer looks like a 1970's bsr. i've seen some 1970's bsr changers with those same knobs.

 

[panthera]

No changer woes with V-M

Now, that is just plain not true. V-M clearly stated in their service manuals that the changers were to be serviced every 40 years to maintain reliability.
So, there!
(I have been a V-M fan since my grandfather helped me take my first Triomatic apart and put it back together again).
I doubt that a BSR could make it four years, much less decades without falling to pieces. Total crap. Has a lot to do with the otherwise undeservedly bad reputation of RCA consoles.
Early solid-state was all pretty bad.
There's a reason Magnavox used piezo tweeters with their Astro-Sonic amps...
Some RCA consoles were beautiful, thanks for all the pics!

 

[mulls]

RCA turntable

Panthera and others,on the small chrome band around the spindle it says "PRESCION CRAFTED IN ENGLAND".I assumed it was a BSR but am ignorant of turntables.It works perfectly in all functions,but this unit was virtually unused.The amp and speakers also function perfectly.The sound is good,but certainly not comparable to a big Magnavox.
Tom

 

[panthera]

I am glad

to hear that it works, my harshness towards BSR is partially founded in the very very bad customer service I experienced with them when repairing Hi-Fi equipment in the 1970's. Gerrard, Dual, V-M, Collaro - all were happy to help. BSR made it very clear that they were strictly OEM and not interested in helping the retail purchaser.
I'll lay you even odds, this has a lot to do with the universally negative opinion of them to be found in the vintage Hi-Fi world.
Jerks.

 

[mulls]

BSR

Panthera,is this in fact a BSR table in my unit?I am going to try to find a new cartridge and needle for it.
Tom

 

[panthera]

Tom

If that photo is your unit, it is a BSR.
But that doesn't signify. To change the stylus and cartridge, you only need to know the old cartridge designation.
Unscrew it - carefully - from the shell, keeping the screws.
The four wires are very fragile, prise them off from the pins by pushing with a flat blade, not by pulling. Red is usally right plus, but note the order carefully.
Radio Shack's website still has most of these cartridges and stylii. If you have to substitute, be sure the tonarm is reset to the correct mass and anti-skating (may be under the turntable).

 

[paulg]

Yeesh, did I screw up?

Uh-oh time for a vacation. How EVER did I misteak a VM for a BSR?
BUT FIRST... I'm going into the basement to dig out my VM changers. The similarity to some of the last VMs is pretty close.

 

[paulg]

Precision Crafted In England

Oh well, my changers are too buried to check. If its precision crafted in England, BSR it is...
.. I never said I was perfect but PRACTICALLY perfect in every way...
Vacation time. Wash-in in KEY WEST?