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Packard Bell Model RPC-26S Tube Console

The Garrard AT6 isn't a bad little turntable. I got one recently and kept the ceramic cartridge on it. I have been listening through a proper ceramic phono stage into my main system. The ceramic cart doesn't sound half bad and tracks at a reasonable 3gr.

You could put a magnetic on it (as the AT6 has a 4 pole motor with shielding) and use a separate preamp. The turntable is an autoslim chassis which is pretty easy to get going. Mine had a hard idler that I soaked in DOT3 brake fluid for a week which softened it up well enough to allow the automatic functions to work without stalling.

I would be very hesitant to hack the cabinet in order to install a different turntable. Each turntable is going to have a different cutout that it'll fit into and your cabinet is cut for a Garrard autoslim. You may be able to fit another table over the hole, but the height of the space may not be enough to close the lid. Also, that cabinet needs a period correct table IMO. A technics or something wouldn't look right to me.
 
likebike23 said:
The Garrard AT6 isn't a bad little turntable. I got one recently and kept the ceramic cartridge on it. I have been listening through a proper ceramic phono stage into my main system. The ceramic cart doesn't sound half bad and tracks at a reasonable 3gr.

You could put a magnetic on it (as the AT6 has a 4 pole motor with shielding) and use a separate preamp. The turntable is an autoslim chassis which is pretty easy to get going. Mine had a hard idler that I soaked in DOT3 brake fluid for a week which softened it up well enough to allow the automatic functions to work without stalling.

I would be very hesitant to hack the cabinet in order to install a different turntable. Each turntable is going to have a different cutout that it'll fit into and your cabinet is cut for a Garrard autoslim. You may be able to fit another table over the hole, but the height of the space may not be enough to close the lid. Also, that cabinet needs a period correct table IMO. A technics or something wouldn't look right to me.
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Yeah, but that's a changer. Should be more than enough height to drop in a slightly more modern Dual or similar without modding the cabinet.
 
markshan said:
Yeah, but that's a changer. Should be more than enough height to drop in a slightly more modern Dual or similar without modding the cabinet.
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Depends, the changer is sunken in because there is a hole that the mechanism goes into. I'm working on a VOM console that has 5 1/2" of height to put a turntable in, that's cutting it close with a lot of the tables I own. The other dimensions will come into play because that Garrard is small (13"w x11.5"d). The plinth on a lot of full size platter tables is often 17" or more wide.

I don't think that the Garrard is so horrible that you have to go on a quest to find a turntable that will fit and look right in there. It's much easier to just fix the Garrard. As I said, it can take a magnetic cart and track reliably at 2 1/2 to 3 grams. Also, the Garrard is a decent sounding little table that has a lot of fans. I own 2 Autoslim chassis tables and enjoy them.
 
My intent is to keep it all original. That plan might change depending on the outcome of the record changer reconditioning.

it appears the pre amp has an aux in. What I typically do is use a Sonos streaming device into vintage receivers aux, that way I have the flexibility of controlling my listening from my phone. The fm tuner on this guy works great which has been my source at this stage.
 
corpblues said:
My intent is to keep it all original. That plan might change depending on the outcome of the record changer reconditioning.

it appears the pre amp has an aux in. What I typically do is use a Sonos streaming device into vintage receivers aux, that way I have the flexibility of controlling my listening from my phone. The fm tuner on this guy works great which has been my source at this stage.
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I recently serviced an AT6 exactly like yours. If you need any pointers or get jammed up just reach out and I'll help as best I can.
 
likebike23 said:
I recently serviced an AT6 exactly like yours. If you need any pointers or get jammed up just reach out and I'll help as best I can.
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The turntable works but needs a little adjustment.
I should probably replace the idler wheel, but I did have some rubber renew which softened it up and it is pretty quiet.
It plays well until the very end of the record where it starts to skip a little, so needs a little more downforce or tracking adjustment.
I'll look for the record changer manual for how to adjust it properly.

Update - I did add a minor amount of downforce adjust and that eliminated the skiping. Automatic function working well but platter does slow down during start and end when it is moving the arm, thus the wheel is slipping. It is so nice that I'm going to invest in a new idler wheel. Only problem is vom requires sending in the old one and I don't want to be with it for a couple of weeks. LOL

Update #2 - Decided to order a new idler from VOM. Although it is working well, the console is so nice that I want to make the automatic function work as perfectly as possible.
 
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Now time to pull out the tuner/pre-amp for a cleaning, but I can't figure out how to remove it.
It is working well and I'm relucant to do anything else to it, but would probably be wise to get the 60 years dust out of the pre-amp also.
I have the rest of it all well cleaned up
Any advice on how to remove it?
 
corpblues said:
..... I am going to clean in up a bit more ....then enjoy it for a while, then decide what to do with it. I'm thinking keep it, my wife is thinking otherwise, lol.
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@corpblues

If you do wind up keeping it maybe for posterity sake move the thread to the "Tube" forum so others in the future will have access for reference purposes re; the units in the cab, pics etc.

She's looking good, good work so far!!!
 
I'm going to offer a bit of a dissenting opinion; consoles, even MCM, are a super tough sell. If we were talking Fisher electronics and JBL drivers then a 4-figure value might be a possibility, but I'm seeing a $200 amp and $100 of ancillary electronics. Even with MCM tax I think you're into the $500 range on a good day. Not trying to rain on anyone's parade, just managing expectations.
 
RossW said:
I'm going to offer a bit of a dissenting opinion; consoles, even MCM, are a super tough sell. If we were talking Fisher electronics and JBL drivers then a 4-figure value might be a possibility, but I'm seeing a $200 amp and $100 of ancillary electronics. Even with MCM tax I think you're into the $500 range on a good day. Not trying to rain on anyone's parade, just managing expectations.
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Somebody must be buying them...

https://wrensilva.com/

https://symbolaudio.com/audio/modern-record-console/

Us pickers who hang at AK wouldn't dream of spending the cash, but there is absolutely a four digit customer for that thing restored to full functionality.
 
I kind of agree with RossW on this based on some personal experience with a really nice Ampex console. Of course it was a few years ago and the Packard Bell is unique with it's speaker configuration, so maybe it will bring a high price. The OP has a huge potential buying audience in the DFW area which works in his favor and, as markshan pointed out, there are non-AKers that are willing to spend the bucks on a nice console. It is a cool piece and I wish the OP success.
 
A6B317E2-E5A6-434A-8651-28D555D90B01.jpeg

Say what you will…

Moved it into the house and currently using a Sonos connect to stream into the tape input, sound is amazing. Bass thumps, stereo imaging is great and it gets VERY loud. The speakers seem to be well matched to the amp. This system rocks! I’m not overly impressed with the receiver (it’s fine) but using a streaming device into it, it really woke it up. This is a make me sell it console

I’ll be enjoying this and I’m in no hurry to sell it. (Spouse might have different thoughts lol)
 
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