Vintage Stereos - Free and ready for pick-up

[Versatronic]

I have three console stereos in my basement (actually 4, but I'm hanging onto one of them). Veg, Lighted Controls, anybody? They're too nice to take to the curb on garbage day but I have no place for them in my abode.

The first is an RCA Victor that was left in my place when I bought it. Cosmetically, it's in great, near mint conditon. It's real wood through and through and pretty heavy. It really is a beautiful piece. Check out the picture. It's a good in person as it looks here. At the bottom where that chevron is, there is a red light that comes on when you turn this on.

 

[Versatronic]

RCA

I believe there are two easily fixed problems with it. 1) I believe it needs a new tube or two. 2) The cord that allows you to move the radio dial to tune in stations is broken, I believe and needs to be replaced. Also, I believe there was a 45 adapter that is missing with the piece. Look next to dial in the phono compartment. There is a recessed area and I believe a 45 adapter probably fit down in there.

 

[Versatronic]

RCA

Here's a shot of the radio. Beautiful, isn't it? See the round bulb under the word "orthophonic". When you turn on the radio, this bulb has a multicolored holographic heyday. It's wild. I never saw anything like it.

The turntables works but there's no sound out of the unit and I suspect a burned out tube is all. It's got 2 honking 10 or 12 inch woofers in it. I think they're 12's but I didn't measure it. Then there are two tweets. One point angled left and one angled right for big time sound dispersion. I never heard the sound quality of this, but I would think it would be pretty awesome. Don't know when it was made. There's a number inside that ends in 54. Maybe it was made in 54 but I can't say. It 50's or earlier.

 

[Versatronic]

Delmonico

My recollection is that veg has the little brother of this one. Has a few dings here and there. The radio works great. The sound is great. The turntable works but when I played the complimentary Inkspots record that came with it, it seemed to my ear that the turntable was not turning uniformly. Or it could have been the record was a little warped. So, cosmetically, it's pretty good but does have some dings here and there and the unit does work although the turntable may not turn exactly perfectly.

 

[Versatronic]

Inside of the Delmonico

Does the right side look familiar Veg?

 

[Versatronic]

A Steelman Console Stereo

This one needs the most love. This is all solid wood. There's are some dings here and there. It will need some love and attention to the exterior. I have the original papers for this plus a broshure for the entire Steelman line. This was purchased in the 50's.

 

[Versatronic]

Steelman guts

The turntable slides out on the left like a drawer. The right side flips up and into the unit to reveal the tuner. Looks like it may have been a fairly high quality unit at one time. But here's bad news. The original turntable was swapped out for a newer turntable. I forget what happens when I plug it in, but I remember that the new turntable doesn't even turn. So, this one is a fixer upper, but it sure does have a nice look to it.

Take one, take all. If you're traveling through central PA and want to adopt one, shoot me an email. Or make a special trip to adopt these diamonds in the rough. No hurry, I'm not kicking them to the curb any time soon.

 

[swestoyz]

Man, if PA wasn't so far, I'd be all about the RCA. Beautiful condition. You've got some nice sets there! Somebody, please grab these!!!!

Ben

 

[jasonl]

Yeah, that's a 70s BSR tt in the Steelman. I can't ID the one in the Delmonico. The RCA I think used their own tt's.

 

[kenwashesmonday]

RCA

RCA built their own record changers, but they are very similar to the VM design. In fact, a 45 spindle for a VM 900/1200 series changer will fit. The original one for yours had a red top that said 'RCA'. The idler wheel may be the same as VM but I'm not sure.

The RCA amp/tuner should be gone through, the electrolytic and wax capacitors should be changed so you don't let the smoke out.

Nice clean set!

Ken D.

 

[kenmore1978]

I believe

the Delmonico changer is a Garrard

 

[jasonl]

I've never seen a Garrard like that but I won't doubt it. Anyway, cool systems (except for that 70s BSR replacement.

 

[veg-o-matic]

Oooh. Love that Delmonico! You're right, Vers, I have his little brother.

Damn generous of you, but I already have two console stereos and three console TVs in one little condo!

In my next life, I'm going to be rich and have a huge house.

Someone please save these beauties!

veg