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New member Username: Vinyland8trackgirlPost Number: 2 Registered: Apr-07 | Another question, as it appears this is the place to get answers: I have a Gerrard player that is in a GE Cabinet (tabletop type, not stand alone) and the speakers have all sorts of fuzz and buzz and sometimes one works and sometimes the other. It is the type of setup with the speakers that connect by hinges, but I don't think this is the problem...my parents had it hooked up to external speakers when I was a kid and I think I recall the problem starting then. Anything I can do to fix it? Thanks! |
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Platinum Member Username: Jan_b_vigneDallas, TX Post Number: 10279 Registered: May-04 | . If it makes noises with all sources (turntable only on this unit?) and without any signal, the capacitors are probably shot. How old is this unit? |
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New member Username: Vinyland8trackgirlPost Number: 3 Registered: Apr-07 | Best guess late 60s. |
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Platinum Member Username: Jan_b_vigneDallas, TX Post Number: 10283 Registered: May-04 | . Most audio components have a useful life of twenty years before the capacitors will need replacement. If you can determine what type of (electrolytic, polarized, etc.) capacitor and what values are used in the equipment, you can do the work yourself. However, do keep in mind that an errant hand, even in a unit that is unplugged, can still find a very dangerous voltage. If you aren't used to working inside an amplifier, I would caution against any new hobbies; it could easily be your last. As with your other post, I'm going to tell you that you have chosen audio components which most people have forgotten due to the technology of the time. If these were tubed units you were buying, there is some market for the older tubed amplifiers and tuners. However, the solid state consoles and portables from the late '60's are not, at this time, considered collectors items. I'm not going to tell you no one will work on these units, but you would find it easier to get someone to work on a 1969 Chevrolet than a 1969 Magnavox. Good luck, these are components that cannot be repaired by way of assistance from a forum. You're going to have to find someone willing to open the units up and do the work. Anyone who works on these units today will not come cheap and, if they do, pass them by. . |
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New member Username: Vinyland8trackgirlPost Number: 8 Registered: Apr-07 | I am sorry to hear people have given up on these units! I think they are so beautiful with such deep, rich sound. Two of my units are older tube models, the most recent one (with the turntable issue) is newer. Any manuals or books you can recommend to read up on vintage player repair? I am in the process of tracking down manuals for two of my players, but a general guide to maintenance and repair would be a great resource. Thank you for all your help! |
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Platinum Member Username: Jan_b_vigneDallas, TX Post Number: 10286 Registered: May-04 | . As I said, you are running uphill against the wind with the rain in your face. Realizing some people like a challenge, here are some sites I keep in my bookmarks. Most of these sites deal with higher end merchandise than it would appear you are buying. However, the tube based products do have some value to a certain collector. The solid state units less so because many of the transistors used in the early ss models have now been discontinued with no substitutes easily available. The most common problem in aging electronics, however, are the capacitors which simply dry out or leak. These are mostly generic parts which can be purchased from multiple sources. I must warn you once again, there are dangerous voltages inside electronic cabinets - most especially in tube based gear - that can be present for days after the unit has been powered down. Unfortunately, my favorite web site for beginners who want to stick their hands inside a component is now unavailable, it was titled "lessons in electrocution!" The next likely spot for trouble is a mechanical part that either wears or dries out, like idlers. Many of these parts are unavailable, were made specifically for a certain product or have become expensive to replace. Often the only source for parts is another unit used as scrap. You are then replacing old parts with old parts. You decide how much sense that makes on a case by case situation. You should realize that you are getting into a hobby that is similar to restoring old cars. Parts are often scarce and expensive and it takes a certain knowledge to work on these components that someone learned in the ways of IC based electronics and digital circuits will not possess. Your chosen adventure is not to restore old Ferraris and Corvettes but old Falcons and Darts. People really don't care much about these pieces of audio gear so you will do it because you want to and not for any monetary gains. You will loose money pursuing this hobby. Ceramic cartridge based tables are not valued by anyone other than for sentimental reasons. The cheapest way to restore these pieces is DIY. If you lack the knowledge, you can either learn or you can pay for someone else to do the reairs or possibly kill yourself with a dumb mistake. You get to weigh the advantage/disadvantage scales of that proposition. If you choose to find another hobby, you might consider old cars or old homes, both of which offer many of the same dangers and rewards. . http://www.oaktreeent.com/Stereo_Amps_and_Pre-Amps.htm http://www.hawthornestereo.com/used/ http://www.vintagelectron.com/ http://www.vintage-electronics.cc/index.html http://www.vintagetubeservices.com/ http://vinylengine.com/links.shtml http://audiotools.com/valve.html http://www.worldtubeaudio.com/ . |