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My first player - Magnavox Micromatic (Collaro) - first record ever played

Fletch

Fletch

Well-Known Member
I picked up a Magnavox console from 1973 with a Micromatic Record Player - I here they were made by Collaro. I'm such a complete NEWB I didn;t even know how to use it. The biggest problem is it is missing the snub spindle. It currently has the tall spindle which I assume is for playing multiple records which I have no idea how to use. Luck being on my side the unit came with the manual in perfect condition. That helped but it looks like I need the snub spindle - the only piece missing.

Anyway - first record ever spun was KC & The Sunshine Band - self titled. I think I picked that one just in case there was something wrong with the unit and it scratched the record.

Well, it worked. I used the manual mode. Some of the bristles from the brush on the needle fell of so that need to be cleaned a bit. How do I check the needle to visually see if it alright. I do not believe this was used by the original owner more then a few times. It's cherry!!

Of course - the pics:
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Nudies:
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Can you tell I like pics?

Any help - comments?
 
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Nice console! Great pictures. Without taking the cartridge to someone who has a microscope it's kind of hard to see any wear. If you are serious about playing lp’s you might want to look into getting a new cartridge.
 
Or at least replace the stylus on the cartridge that you have.

I used to work on Magnavox stuff. I never saw a short spindle on your style of turntable.
 
Well, I used the orginal stylus as I could not wait, don;t have the extra $$, and I figured I couldn't 'hurt' the record. It sounded good to me but I know it could sound better. It's more of a testing o the waters as I have never had a TT. LAst night I timed the table and it took well over a minute to stop spinning. I think I may take of the platter just to make sure I get all f the dust out.
 
Why Fletch, that is absolutely gorgeous! :thmbsp: It was always pretty rare to find a console that was as elaborately decorated as that one.

If you can verify for sure that it wasn't used that much, I wouldn't worry about the stylus for now (assuming it's diamond).

If you do want to replace the stylus (no need at all to replace the whole cartridge) find out how to remove it (if you have questions, you can always post close-up pictures of the cartridge and stylus and several of us can tell you how) and visually compare it to several sources on the 'net, including eBay.

A new stylus for that cartridge will probably be very inexpensive. :yes:

EDIT: I agree with holmesuser01. There probably never was a short spindle for that changer. You never know though. If the long one doesn't pull out fairly easily, it's meant to be permanent and you just play records manually by sliding them down the long spindle as you obviously have already done.

Doug
 
Hey, I just noticed the little 4 channel decoder there above the 8-track! :banana:

It's probably what was called a universal decoder meant to work fairly well with all of the different matrix systems (EV, SQ, QS).

That means there must be jacks for some rear speakers? Or jacks to feed to a separate amp for rear speakers.

Then you can advance to quadraphonics!:yes::thmbsp::D

Doug
 
That Magnavox 8 track unit is one of the BEST! :banana: AC motor for less wow and flutter and excellent frequency response for 8 track. I had a stand-alone deck exactly like that at one time and loved it. Enjoy!
 
Thanks for all the replies. The unit has a rear speaker terminal for the quadrophonic and then a seperate connection for "ext" speakers. THe external speakers do not work on the left channel. I;ll need to open it up again. In reference to the 'quad' option. Does this only apply to playing 8-Tracks. That is what it looks like but I have no 8-tracks.
 
First, back to the spindles. After rereading your original post, more carefully this time, I see you said you have the user manual. Does it indicate in there that there should be a short spindle for manually playing records?

And you're right, it is a Collaro. The giveaway is the large round control at the left front.

As far as the quad decoder, normally they wouldn't have made it so only the tape deck is decoded. It should work for the turntable too. Does the manual say anything about this?

Doug
 
Interesting.

I have 1959 Magnavox tube stereo console (in a mahogany case) that has a similar shape, with the speakers shooting out at a slight angle. The changer is also a Collaro.

I also have a Magnavox tube tabletop radio with the same cosmetics as my hifi - the exact same radio can be seen on the Dick Van Dyke Show in the Petri's kitchen.

It would appear that Magnavox had the same product designer(s) in 1959 and 1973!
 
Doug G: The manual describes how to replace the tall spindle with the stub spindle and shows a detailed drawing of how to do it. That's why I keep thinking that it should have come with one. In addition I have not the faintest idea how to operate it in manual mode. The tall spindle has a step that cannot be passed. In other words, it;s a multi changer so there is no way to simply slide down a record and play it in manual mode. Hope that makes sense.

I;m going to check the external speaker switch and do a thorough cleaning. I think that may be where the problem is. It;s either that or I inadvertantly moved a wire last time I was in there which I have done before. There were about 5 cables that needed to be disconnected just to get the amp out. I definately what to try the quadrophonics though. That just sounds too cool.

I have finally listened to George Carlin's "Seven Words You Cannot Say On TV" and "Filthy Words". I almost pissed myself lauging so hard!!!! Found a best of collection for 95 cents.

Oh. let me add that Dire Straits sounds AWESOME on vinyl!!!

Beatcomber: Any pics? I've spent a few hours looking for anything even remotely like my unit on the internet. Nothing though. Interesting to see how many models they produced back then - seems like dozens of different models through the years. They definatley don;t make anyting like this anymore. My mom bought one of those all in one "vintage look" POS at Target for $300 and I cringed. She likes it. :)
 
Well a little DeOxit pen with a few dozen flips back and forth and I have the external speakers working($50 Insignias). They compliment the consoles speakers very nicely. I'm listening to some Kenny Rogers now. Diggin the Kenny!! I 'borrowed' my parents record collection. Some Elvis, Kenny, Dylan.
 
Console-ation prizes

Hey Fletch,

I recognize that console:wave:! I haven't had a chance to dig into mine very far, but I am looking forward to hooking up some external speakers as well. I will check the DC voltage level first, of course!
 
Thanks - small internet huh? At least when it comes to vintage.

I have swapped out the Insignia's for a pair of EPI 100's - they need some work but the high end helps out with the overall sound. I should have the manual scanned tomorrow assuming my dad's scanner works. He has a habit of breaking things and then not fixing them or telling me about it.
 
Thanks for remembering the manual scan, man

Yeah, I know what you mean about the high frequency rolloff. I have a cool pair of Chryslers that I intend to hook up over the weekend:

http://www.micksmothers.net/gallery2/v/Billy/Crysler+Speakers/

These have great range and are very efficient. I have an issue with the tweeters in one cabinet, but I will eventually sort that out, probably when I work on the crossovers.

PS Easy on the Dad - I are one:naughty:
 
HELLO FLETCH!!! My name is Julie and I have the EXACT same console that used to be my mother's! I don't know where to get it looked at to get everything working properly. I live in Minneapolis, MN and have a friend in Knoxville who gave me this link to your posting. Can you give any insight on who might want to buy it from me? Is this website a place to post for sale items like this one? I would like to get it working and then try to sell it. It is beautiful and in perfect condition - except I need to get the electronics looked over before I play anything on it or work the radio. I would greatly appreciate any advice or information you could provide to me. I am totally lost on what to do or where to turn for answers. I love it that someone else has one just like we have! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for any assistance you could send my way. Gratefully, Julie :)
 
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