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RCA 4VF534 Console restoration

DavidBalding

DavidBalding

Member
I have recently inherited my late grandfather's RCA 4VF534 console that was produced in 1963. I have fond memories of listening to it as a kid as as such have just got it home and have already fired it up for my kids. My hope is to restore it back to it's original "sound", look, and feel. I have no idea when or if it's been "recapped". All I know at this point is that the turntable was replaced with a late 60's or 70's changer (RP 231-3). I've spent the last week looking for parts for the changer but have decided instead to find the original changer (RP 218) and place it inside. I have taken pictures of it's current state (All tubes glow) and will share what I have found and what I will do to bring it back to it's shiny glory. I have no idea where it was purchased or the history of it as it's was grandad's and since he passed away in May of this past year there isn't anyone to ask. All I do know is that they do not make stereo units like this before. Even in the past few days of having Christmas music playing through the FM and the tape "input" with a make shift cable to stream music from modern day music, I can attest that the "full, rich, and warm" sound still is being produced from it. Even my wife, who has heard me talk about tube radios for years and in that they produce the richest sounds, has stated that she has never heard something that fills the room and not sound "tinny" in its sound production. In final, any advice that can be given in bringing it back to it's original sound, meaning no static when tuning the volume knob, FM and AM retuning for peak performance, and perfect vinyl sound, would be greatly appreciated. This is NOT a project to resell as there is no amount of money that could be offered such a timeless piece of history or sentimental value. I hope to pass this down to my oldest son when I pass on from this world and all in all hope that it will bring joy and happiness to my family as it had for my grandfather when he was on this Earth.

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Yeah I believe it was the camera. I'll use my Canon SLR for photos next time around instead of the phone camera.
 
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zackthedog said:
Very nice! Maybe it's just the photo, but a couple of those output tubes look a little pink on the plates--not sure I'd run it until you get it restored and checked out. Good luck!
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Yeah I believe it was the camera but you are right, I want to recap it before it is played too much. What causes a "pink" tube?
 
DavidBalding said:
I have recently inherited my late grandfather's RCA 4VF534 console.. I have no idea when or if it's been "recapped".... and will share what I have found and what I will do to bring it back to it's shiny glory.

..In final, any advice that can be given in bringing it back to it's original sound, meaning no static when tuning the volume knob, FM and AM retuning for peak performance, and perfect vinyl sound, would be greatly appreciated.
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Hello @DavidBalding I see you got your new thread started, congrats!. So you do in fact have a RCA-RS177J power amp which has a nice following and well documented here with regards to restoration, modification etc.

I feel comfortable in stating a lot of folks will be able to help you along with your project so be patient and best of luck.

Let's start with what is your aptitude when it comes to working on tube gear? I ask this as this will give folks a better idea of what advice to offer

On another note, based on the pics, it looks like the amp is nice and dusty which leads me to believe it hasn't been touched or removed since it was installed and thus original and hasn't been recapped.

I've attached a schematic for the "H" in a previous thread one of AK's esteemed tube guru's says they're basically the same


RCA_RS-177H.gif
 
DavidBalding said:
Yeah I believe it was the camera. I'll use my Canon SLR for photos next time around instead of the phone camera.
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I'm not sure a different camera will help as the other two would also look pink. Turn all lights out and observe those two tubes after a couple of minutes. There should be no pink which is actually called red plating. Red plating means that the tubes are either bad, or the coupling capacitors connected to the sockets are bad.

If you swap them them with the other one's and they red plate, it is the coupling capacitors that are bad.

Actually, at its age, all capacitors should be replaced anyway.

Scratchyness in the controls means that they are dirty (carbon build up) and some deox should take care of it.
 
Dswankey said:
Hello @DavidBalding I see you got your new thread started, congrats!. So you do in fact have a RCA-RS177J power amp which has a nice following and well documented here with regards to restoration, modification etc.

I feel comfortable in stating a lot of folks will be able to help you along with your project so be patient and best of luck.

Let's start with what is your aptitude when it comes to working on tube gear? I ask this as this will give folks a better idea of what advice to offer

On another note, based on the pics, it looks like the amp is nice and dusty which leads me to believe it hasn't been touched or removed since it was installed and thus original and hasn't been recapped.

I've attached a schematic for the "H" in a previous thread one of AK's esteemed tube guru's says they're basically the same


View attachment 2434890
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This will be my first tube project. I'm well versed in soldering, using a meter, and troubleshooting but have no previous experience with vacuum tubes. So in that regard any input and help will be greatly appreciated.
 
Attached is the RS-177J schematic. There are a few differences from the H schematic, notably in the feedback circuit.

Interestingly, my H came from the same model (4VF534) console as your J.
View attachment 2435244

EDIT: Sorry it's not the clearest...I removed it as it's pretty much illegible. Biggest difference from H is that the feedback cap is 330pF instead of 100pF.
 
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Maxamillion said:
Attached is the RS-177J schematic. There are a few differences from the H schematic, notably in the feedback circuit.

Interestingly, my H came from the same model (4VF534) console as your J.
View attachment 2435244

EDIT: Sorry it's not the clearest...I removed it as it's pretty much illegible. Biggest difference from H is that the feedback cap is 330pF instead of 100pF.
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Thank you. Yeah I found the schematics for the RC-1211 A but hadn't looked for the amp yet. Is there a way to test the tubes for damage without a tube tester? Have tried to find a tube tester to purchase but they are a bit pricey.
 
I did find the schematics on SAMS. I've never heard of it and was wondering if this is a good source of information before I fork over 22 bucks per manual.
 
Sams was pretty much the standard source of schematics for all manner of equipment from the 50s through the 80s at least. They do occasionally have some errors but overall they do a pretty good job. When there is a conflict between a component value in the unit and whats on the schematic, go with whats in the unit if it appears to be original.

Thats also old enough I'd bet someone has it and can get it for you free. Which one is it in? I may even have it, though my collection is pretty hit and miss after about 1958. It should be old enough to pre-date the copyright stuff though. The stuff published before some point in the middle 60s (1964?) is out of copyright so public domain.
 
gadget73 said:
Sams was pretty much the standard source of schematics for all manner of equipment from the 50s through the 80s at least. They do occasionally have some errors but overall they do a pretty good job. When there is a conflict between a component value in the unit and whats on the schematic, go with whats in the unit if it appears to be original.

Thats also old enough I'd bet someone has it and can get it for you free. Which one is it in? I may even have it, though my collection is pretty hit and miss after about 1958. It should be old enough to pre-date the copyright stuff though. The stuff published before some point in the middle 60s (1964?) is out of copyright so public domain.
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It is in 618-3
 
Sams 683-13 - I don't think I have it, but I have access to the Antique Wireless Association Library - I can see if there's a duplicate - there are dozens of boxes of duplicate Sams folders - (which I'll mail for a donation to the AWA). This is from 1964, still in copyright But might be a few weeks - I volunteer on Tuesdays, probably won't be there next week.
 
Tom Bavis said:
Sams 683-13 - I don't think I have it, but I have access to the Antique Wireless Association Library - I can see if there's a duplicate - there are dozens of boxes of duplicate Sams folders - (which I'll mail for a donation to the AWA). This is from 1964, still in copyright But might be a few weeks - I volunteer on Tuesdays, probably won't be there next week.
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Thanks for looking and yes well worth for a donation.
 
Hi David,
I have an RCA changer numbered RP218-1. I would guess that it is the unit you need. I got it when I bought all the contents of an RCA console a couple of years ago. I only wanted the amplifier and have had the tuner and turntable on the shelf since. You are welcome to it if you can use it. Just shipping. It is in very nice cosmetic condition.
John

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nerdorama said:
Hi David,
I have an RCA changer numbered RP218-1. I would guess that it is the unit you need. I got it when I bought all the contents of an RCA console a couple of years ago. I only wanted the amplifier and have had the tuner and turntable on the shelf since. You are welcome to it if you can use it. Just shipping. It is in very nice cosmetic condition.
John

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YES! I have been searching for two weeks for one and have had no luck in locating one. Thank you!
 
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