My girlfriends grandmother gave us her old Soundesign Stereo (Model 5885) and Turntable (Model 0904A), but I can't find anything about it online. She didn’t have any speakers for it, and I guess that’s the first step. Any idea what kind of speaker I can attach to it? Or does anyone have a copy of the old service manual for either? Or any advice on setting something like this up. Thanks in advance.
No Clue What To Do
- Thread starter Cmajzun
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ttbccw
Active Member
You might not find a lot of info on Soundesign units online. They were budget type equipment of their day. I've had some in the past, not bad. A pic of the unit should help, since finding the exact model online might be impossible. I would bet any bookshelf style speakers would work, but a pic would confirm.... actually, a couple pics would help. Front, back, turntable...
I don't know how familiar you are with stereos...so I don't know what you know already.
I don't know how familiar you are with stereos...so I don't know what you know already.
Here are some pictures of the unit. Speaker wise I’m not looking for anything big. A single speaker, like a sound bar, would be great. Thank you!
olddude55
Super Member
The speaker outputs are RCA instead of threaded or spring terminals. You're gonna need to plug speakers into this unit with these:
I'd start looking in thrift stores and Craigslist for Soundesign speakers. They'll have the the connectors you need. Keep the cost as low as possible, there's no point in spending much on this unit.
You could buy male RCA jacks and solder them to regular speaker wire if you're handy with a soldering iron, but again don't get too deep.
Couldn't tell for sure from your pics but it looks like the cartridge or stylus is missing from the end of the tone arm.
I'd start looking in thrift stores and Craigslist for Soundesign speakers. They'll have the the connectors you need. Keep the cost as low as possible, there's no point in spending much on this unit.
You could buy male RCA jacks and solder them to regular speaker wire if you're handy with a soldering iron, but again don't get too deep.
Couldn't tell for sure from your pics but it looks like the cartridge or stylus is missing from the end of the tone arm.
patient_ot
Super Member
Please don't take this wrong way OP, but unless you have everything at hand and ready to plug in, I really don't think this unit is worth messing with. It was bottom of the barrel stuff back in the day. If you're going to start hunting for used equipment anyway, you shouldn't have trouble finding something better since the bar is so low to beat here.
ttbccw
Active Member
Any speakers will work. The amp isn't too powerful so it can probably use any speakers. Even old computer speakers with the RCA connection added. It does look like, at least, the stylus is missing from the turntable. I also assume the turntable plugged into the 12v connection on the back for power?
Too bad she didn't have the speakers.
Too bad she didn't have the speakers.
mashaffer
Super Member
Should be able to find appropriate speakers on craigslist for very little money. If all it takes is a stylus and some cheap speakers to get it going why not? Don't spend a lot on the speakers but keep in mind that the speakers were the weakest link in most of these systems so with half decent (and efficient) speakers you might well end up noticeably improving on the original.
What is the stylus? And where can I find one? Are they model specific?
mashaffer
Super Member
The needle on the phono cartridge. You will need to find the model of cartridge installed on the table and then check places like needle doctor etc. for replacement styli (needles). A closeup of the cartridge might be enough for the very knowledgeable folks here to tell you what you have. Otherwise you may have to carefully dismount the cart to find the model number.
MRL_Audio
RIP 2022
Not so. This has little power and needs appropriate speakers to match. Trying to hook them up with low efficiency speakers will lead to a disappointing experience.
I'll bet this needs new belts and some cleanup to work.
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