Can anyone ID this Console Stereo?
- Thread starter KeithD
- Start date
century tek
Addicted Member
What are you looking for? Tubes? Separate amp? Single ended? Push/pull?
If any of the above, I would get it home first before doing any listening and other tests.
If any of the above, I would get it home first before doing any listening and other tests.
It's basically free (listed for $1), but I don't want to haul something home that is loaded with problems. Owner stated in the ad the TT is not working. I want to see if it has a hum, radio static when tuning ,etc. I know much more about solid state receivers than tube stereos. I have only worked on a couple of tube amps (both were free, one in a Hammond spinet organ, the other a Steelman console with TT only), and was not able to completely solve hum issues. I sold both. If it's a good quality, good sounding stereo, I'd be interested in having it. If not, it can be someone else's problem.
Console is in very nice condition. Turned on and got both FM and AM reception. A bit of hum as things warmed up, but then quiet operation. After a little fiddling record player and changer worked.
Speaker codes = 220 (Jensen)
Cabinet is in really good condition.
Speakers from the back:
Amplifier with close up of schematic.
Owner's manual
I think I'll be going back to get it. A very nice piece!
Speaker codes = 220 (Jensen)
Cabinet is in really good condition.
Speakers from the back:
Amplifier with close up of schematic.
Owner's manual
I think I'll be going back to get it. A very nice piece!
macgolf
Ruby Tuesday
biscuithead
Me likes the eargasm retroplasm...
That is a beauty!
If you aren’t moved by that beautiful piece, you should leave it to someone else.
If you aren’t moved by that beautiful piece, you should leave it to someone else.
Thanks, it is a beautiful instrument, AND it was working. I know it should be re-capped, but I was surprised it did not have obvious sound issues on first play.
I got the speaker codes wrong. The two large speakers have the codes: 2810028 (round) and 2810027 (oval). Anyone know the manufacturer and date of these?
biscuithead
Me likes the eargasm retroplasm...
No obvious sound issues is a good thing.
281 is an unknown on the lists I’ve seen. Why is the manufacturer of the speakers important to you? I hope you don’t have intentions of pulling the speakers out of that gorgeous thing?
No, more interested in the date than the manufacturer. Just wondering if the speaker code is consistent with the opinion shared that radio/TT are 1963 time frame? Not a big deal, but there is so little information out there on Capehart consoles from the 60's, and I enjoy researching and understanding things.
This Capehart will have a nice place in our home were we can enjoy it! I'm sure I will have more questions about it as I seek to perform maintenance to keep it operating as it should. At minimum the volume pot is very scratchy, so that needs a good cleaning. Owner says it's been in her family for years, maybe since new (thought she said it has not been used for about 20 years.) Once I get it home and have a chance for more evaluation, I will probably start a new thread in the Tube Audio section.
Thanks for all the insights here!
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
This is not Capehart at their highest end (which was pre WW II), but this was when Capehart was still a quality product and owned by IT&T (which you know as GTE better). It should sound better than average, and be tube. And it is worth saving, as these are uncommon today. Expensive when new, not cheap.
Oh my that is nice, beautiful. Looks very well cared for. Congratulations.
Yes, very well cared for. Hardly looks used. I don’t think you can tell from the pictures, but the speaker cloth is tan with gold thread through it. Really gives a nice three dimensional effect. Cabinet finish is either mahogany or walnut. I really like the color. All of the stars lined up on this one. Great condition all around. I had been keeping my eyes out for a Fisher console on and off, but this was way too good to pass up. 
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biscuithead
Me likes the eargasm retroplasm...
Oooh that looks good with that dial lit!
So very glad that you got it and that it will have a good home. These really don’t cost much to maintain, just look for a local shop that works on these and start thinking about some preventative maintenance.
A lovely piece!
vwestlife
Super Member
Some Deoxit will fix those scratchy controls. If the record changer has a crystal cartridge, it could be drying up and losing output with age -- a common problem with them. Sites like http://www.thevoiceofmusic.com sell modern ceramic cartridges you can replace it with.
Thanks for that. This has a double needle cartridge. One side is for LP/45s and the other side is for 78s. Not really sure what kind of needle this would have. Have not taken a close look at it yet, but need to do that to see if the LP needle is in good shape. Don't currently have any 78s.
