Magnavox Magnasonic Console 128E amp & 129 preamp

[angelaudio]

Hello fellow Akers hope you all find yourselves well.

I just acquired this little console today and wanted to share some pictures and ask some questions.

the thing is absolutely beautiful and well taken care of to boot.

It has a Collaro changer on it which isn’t functioning right now for some reason so I wanted to see if anyone could chime in and help with what could be wrong.

The console seems to be all original and unmolested. All magnavox branded tubes in there (4 x 6v6’s, 2 x 5y3’s and one 12ax7).

This one is definitely a keeper but I would really like to get the changer working, otherwise I’ll only be able to use it to play aux.

Now, here’s the eye candy...

 

[century tek]

You do know that this is not stereo.

Mono is nice and that one is a nice set up. That amp model is one of many of the Magnavox mono's that people like to collect or at least find two of for stereo.

 

[gadget73]

Standard answer for all things record changer is lube issues. It turns sticky and then the mechanism doesn't do what it ought to do. If the motor runs, pretty good chance that taking it apart and cleaning all the old grease out and putting some fresh in will make it go. Might also need an idler wheel.

 

[grindfix]

Gary at V-M Audio Enthusiasts sells remanufactured idler wheels if yours is dried-up.
+1 on cleaning out dry grease is a first order. I use Permatex White Lithium grease in a tube. Most Auto Parts stores carry that. Sometimes, in tight metal to metal joints I mix-in some Moly lube.

 

[gadget73]

Silicone grease also works. The last several changers I did got Sil-Glyde from Napa. Its usually used for brake caliper pins, but Garrard and VM changers seem to like it just fine.

 

[grindfix]

Most of caliper greases I came across are pretty thick and sticky as they are designed for very high temperatures that brakes get within few quick stops. In brakes, that grease gets thinner but never turns liquid and will not run. If it's a same stuff as Green Permatex caliper grease, that stuff may be too thick for some spring loaded joints.

 

[gadget73]

Sil Glyde is more like spark plug grease in consistency. Its not the thick Permatex snot.

 

[angelaudio]

Right on. Thanks for the input folks.
I currently have the console in the living room. I’m playing mono recordings on Tidal seeing as how this is a mono Maggie. Still fun though! I’ll get to work on the changer sometime down the road, seeing as how it might take more than just a little elbow grease to get it running again.