Needle type for Micromatic turntable

[jsfchris]

I have a Magnavox Astro Sonic, model RP628. The record player is a Micromatic. It does not have a needle and I’m looking for help for what type it takes and how to put it on. The underside of the tone arm is shown.

 

[beat_truck]

Send your information and pictures to https://www.thevoiceofmusic.com/

They will know what you need, and their prices are about as good as you will find.

 

[johnjhazel]

I have a Magnavox Astro Sonic, model RP628. The record player is a Micromatic. It does not have a needle and I’m looking for help for what type it takes and how to put it on. The underside of the tone arm is shown.

beat_trucks answer is the best. That is an Electro-Voice or Astatic cartridge. What is the number on the side ?

 

[johnjhazel]

I had that turntable and cartridge in my Magnavox console that I got at a Thrift store in Florida for $50. I got a new Pfanstiehl needles at an electronics store. But, that was in 1994 and I do not remember the needle number. It was a oool console except it was early solid state and it sounded 'grainy' as hell. I would love to hear a tube Magnavox console. Some were single ended. Some push-pull.

 

[aje123]

Here is your needle you need. I have the same one. It has the website we’re I got it.Good Luck

 

[johnjhazel]

Same seller same model on eBay:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/365-DS73-S...359112?hash=item2f3eb2a988:g:ZhkAAOSwme9eVuIC

 

[aje123]

Yeppers, Thanks John
Electro voice Cartridge

 

[KentTeffeteller]

I had that turntable and cartridge in my Magnavox console that I got at a Thrift store in Florida for $50. I got a new Pfanstiehl needles at an electronics store. But, that was in 1994 and I do not remember the needle number. It was a oool console except it was early solid state and it sounded 'grainy' as hell. I would love to hear a tube Magnavox console. Some were single ended. Some push-pull.

Big issue with the Magnavox consoles, they use ceramic cartridges (EV originally). Their biggest weakness. And they're getting anywhere between difficult to unobtainable to find. And also, was that Astro-Sonic properly serviced? They need all those old electrolytic capacitors replaced before they sound proper. When they work right they sound good, and when their changers are overhauled properly, just fine.

But they're no Ampex, no tube era Pilot, or no Fisher. And with Magnavox, the cheaper models are not what will sound best. $400 1961 $$$ is the beginning of good, in terms of tube era, the creme de la creme is the Concert Grand, and the one notch down Imperial line. A Concert Grand was also priced in the $1200 range for a plain jane cabinet and biamped. And again, until they've been properly serviced, you won't hear them at their best.

 

[johnjhazel]

Big issue with the Magnavox consoles, they use ceramic cartridges (EV originally). Their biggest weakness. And they're getting anywhere between difficult to unobtainable to find. And also, was that Astro-Sonic properly serviced? They need all those old electrolytic capacitors replaced before they sound proper. When they work right they sound good, and when their changers are overhauled properly, just fine.

But they're no Ampex, no tube era Pilot, or no Fisher. And with Magnavox, the cheaper models are not what will sound best. $400 1961 $$$ is the beginning of good, in terms of tube era, the creme de la creme is the Concert Grand, and the one notch down Imperial line. A Concert Grand was also priced in the $1200 range for a plain jane cabinet and biamped. And again, until they've been properly serviced, you won't hear them at their best.

Did the early solid state amps sound really good when new(or properly serviced) ? How did the sound compare to the tube amps ?
Only asking about Magnavox here. Mine had the 15" woofers and the metal horns.

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Did the early solid state amps sound really good when new(or properly serviced) ? How did the sound compare to the tube amps ?
Only asking about Magnavox here. Mine had the 15" woofers and the metal horns.

The Tube Magnavoxes were a little bit better. But this is the Push-Pull $400 and upward 1962 models. The single ended were mainly used in economy models. The cheaper models were not as good. You want Magnavox at their best, begin with the better models. The best Magnavox consoles are Concert Grands. And priced to reflect that.

 

[johnjhazel]

The Tube Magnavoxes were a little bit better. But this is the Push-Pull $400 and upward 1962 models. The single ended were mainly used in economy models. The cheaper models were not as good. You want Magnavox at their best, begin with the better models. The best Magnavox consoles are Concert Grands. And priced to reflect that.

Were the models with the metal horns the top models ? Any idea who made those horns ?

 

[KentTeffeteller]

No, horn alone won't tell you that. If it is not an Imperial or a Concert Grand, it's a lower model Magnavox. Which makes it middle class at best. Most Magnavox horns then were Heppner often as not. If it is phono only, lower end, if receiver based, lower end. Middle of the line Magnavox will have preamplifier/tuner control center chassis, and separate push/pull power amplifier chassis. And higher quoted music power over cheaper models in the line. And the larger woofers are found in upper end models as you go up the line. When you get to Concert Grand (tube era only) those have separate amplifiers for bass, and for midrange/treble and all monoblock. And the weight to match. You'll also get a little nicer record changer as you go up the line.

 

[johnjhazel]

No, horn alone won't tell you that. If it is not an Imperial or a Concert Grand, it's a lower model Magnavox. Which makes it middle class at best. Most Magnavox horns then were Heppner often as not. If it is phono only, lower end, if receiver based, lower end. Middle of the line Magnavox will have preamplifier/tuner control center chassis, and separate push/pull power amplifier chassis. And higher quoted music power over cheaper models in the line. And the larger woofers are found in upper end models as you go up the line. When you get to Concert Grand (tube era only) those have separate amplifiers for bass, and for midrange/treble and all monoblock. And the weight to match. You'll also get a little nicer record changer as you go up the line.

Something else that I noticed was that the larger(and I guess more expensive) had 'timbre' as well as bass and treble controls. Mine had the 'timbre' control. Thanks for all of the info !

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Yes, that extra knob is a major way to tell you have a better grade Magnavox. This law of Greenville, Tennessee "6 knobs best, 5 knobs cheaper".

 

[beat_truck]

I had one of the last-gasp Magnavox consoles that I bought really cheap. And cheap it was. Particle board, plastic, and a BSR changer with a plastic platter that ran about 7% too fast and had W&F probably in the 5% range. It had ~6" side firing speakers and no mids or tweeters. Sad that they put their name on that piece of ****.