Just bought a beast of a Zenith console from Goodwill tonight for $15

I have the 1966 version of this same unit. Does anyone know of a resource to have the pre-amp/tuner repaired. Mine distorts and I'm assuming some caps need to be replaced. I can find guys that will work on older tube stuff but everyone shys away from the early solid state stuff unless it is high end component gear.

Thanks for your time.
 
zenith 960 series consoles

NICE !! I just gave AK'er Relaximus one of these - not nearly as pretty as yours, but it is sweet :thmbsp:

the speakers in that console are GREAT . . . single 15 per side (either Fisher or CTS - mesh dustcap, accordian surround, Jensen RP103 horn tweeters, and dual 3 inch cone tweeters mounted in front of the 15's . . . also one of the coolest record changers ever produced with the flip-up 45 spindle. . .

enjoy it !

Thank you, Markus!
You just gave me the answer I've been seeking all nite! Just got a Y962 console & I couldn't see the four 3 1/2 " tweeters, so now I know they are hidden!
And yes the 45 adaptor is killer! I've heard from a few people that Zenith built those changers "in-house" - mine is a 3rd generation, dated 1967, but in a 1968 console (oem) A bit of a mystery... They stopped installing that changer in 1969 & returned to VOM I think.
 
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What tuner chassis is in that?

here's the chassis from my Y962. it's the same in the Y960 or all the 960s for that matter, from 1967-69

23YT124
 

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Wow, I overpaid... Is there somewhere I can find a listing of all of Zenith's console models? We just picked one up today off of craigslist that looks nearly identical to this one and I'm trying to identify it, as well as obtain original instructions as it will need some work.

I checked the back of the unit but the only part of the model number I can make out is, "MM26...", the rest had been previous covered by duct tape(?) or was against the wall. Suffice it to say, the rest of the number is partially covered/worn off. I can also make out a part of the chasis number, "10M9T2..." Anyway, the overall condition is OK. The radio works but will need a new antenna (any suggestions), knob calibration and a general cleaning (any recommended practices?). The turntable appears to be shot and this model, though ready for a tape deck did not come with one. I plan to connect my iPod with an additional amp is necessary.

I can post photos tomorrow but in the interim, any information is appreciated.

Thanks.
 
MM would make it a 1964 or 1965 model and would be a Hybrid tube and solid state.
Why do people always say the changer is shot, I have never seen one that could not
be repaired, do you really expect it to work perfectly after 45 years without service?
The tape deck was an extra cost option.
 
VERY James Bond.
Hope you can get it all working again soon. You have to use that tape deck. It's just too cool.
Just noticed the record changer on the turntable. Haven't seen one of those in action for over forty years. They used to work like a charm. Until there were too many records piled up on the turntable and the friction between all those LPs became less than the friction from the stylus on our bakelite tonearm, which was about 8 ounces and looked like the handle on a hatchet and had no counterweight.
But you've got the counterweight. You've got shortwave there, too, right?
 
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Gorgeous console. Nice find. Congrats!

I just bought a Z960 myself. CL find. Original owners. Almost perfect.

I had a cd player running through mine last night and the sound is truely amazing for a console.

The seller was asking 150 for mine and i offered 120. After i got it home i liked it so much i felt so bad for lowballing him that i sent him a check for the additional 30.

Does anyone know what the appropriate cartridge is for the Micro Touch 2G in this unit?

Is it the Zenith 124-166?

I haven't been this excited about a audio purchase since i found my panasonic rx-7700 boombox!
 
Brilliant. This absolutely is the model we have. The only difference - our Zenith badge is on the farthest right louver. Now we need to have it serviced. Found a well recommended place, now we just need to get it there. Thanks everyone for all of the responses!
 
That looks a lot like my Zenith.

IMG_0025.jpg
 
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Tape Input Hum

Hey everyone, so it's 2 years later and our console (Zenith mm2670) has been fully professionally (Deltronics) refurbished (internals) and externally (my work). It looks great and has been working fabulously (warm bass, clear volume, accurate tuning) until a few weeks ago when it started humming. Specifically when we select the Tape input. We’ve been plugging our iPhones into the console this auxiliary output (RCA 2/1 stereo cable connection) and it’s been working great but now the hum. We thought a bad/worn out/bent cable might be the cause. However, when we remove the cable and simply shift from FM (perfect sound) to the Tape input the humming starts. The tuner still works great (accurate and clear) as does the turntable. My guess is there is an issue with the RCA inputs; e.g., they've bent/broken as the console is pushed close to the wall and often times pushed into it by our boys, forcing the cable into the wall. Before I open it up again and/or pull everything out to take back into Deltronics I was hoping to get some ideas as to what we may be dealing with. I'd love to be able to make the repair myself.

Thanks.
 
Zenith console model A952 anyone know info on Has micro touch 2g and Am Fm Tuner find ones close but not exact...
 
That’s a nice all wood one. I’ve never seen one with a RTR. That looks like a definite TOTL model.

I worked in an appliance store in the mid 70’s and we sold a lot of Zenith consoles. At that time they usually had wood laminate tops, and the cheesy plastic “quasi wood looking” decorated wood grills. For what they were, they actually sounded quite presentable. Zenith used decent speaker components in the day. Definitely better that their electronic components. In an all-in-one, good speakers and average electronics are much better than the opposite!

Your acquisition is definitely a big upgrade over the items we sold in the era that I worked in...that’s a beauty!
 
I’d use deoxit on all of the pots, and work them back and forth (unit off, obviously), and spray the rca jacks and make sure they are clean too. Hopefully this will fix it. If it has switches, etc., hit them too. This is often the culprit...

I’d also swap out the rca cord you spoke of, it might have a short in it now. They are prone to shorts when overly handled. Use a higher quality cord between the receiver and the tape deck (monster, etc.).

Those old RtRs also are notorious for having bad capacitors in them. Do the first two above first, if that doesn’t fix it, it could be electronic components in your tape deck. Hopefully not, but likely still servicable.
 
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Just noticed the last communication by the OP was ~8 years ago...duh...

But I still stand by my diagnosis!!! 8 years later it definitely needs a cleaning!
 
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