RCA console has no RCA jacks!

[Kingfisher]

I recently purchased an all-tube RCA stereo console (circa 1963) from an estate sale for $48. It has tape and phono inputs but has some weird 3-prong sockets and connectors instead of RCA jacks (how ironic). Should I just replace the sockets with common RCA jacks or is there some alterations that need to be done to the circuit? I would like to be able to run a cassette deck or CD player through through the tape input but I am concerned this console may only be used with specialized equipment.

 

[sloober]

Now that is funny!

 

[coman61]

Hard to tell what you have there by what pics you have posted. You may be able to install regular RCAs if those 3 pins represent L+R and ground. I have never seen those before. Are you sure that the unit is even stereo. More pictures may help.

 

[byoung334]

Look at the wiring under the chassis. You will see you have right, left ad common ground. Just install your own RCA jacks.

 

[Kingfisher]

More pictures

The middle pin is connected to bare wire and is a ground. The other two pins are connected to black and red L and R channel wires. I was just concerned the voltage of modern equipment connected to something so old might be different. If I am correct, Tape, Tuner, and Aux inputs are all the same type of circuit while phono inputs are different because they are used to amplify a stylus. I am in the process of "modularizing" this console (because I accidentally dinged up the cabinet while moving it). I have included a picture of the original cabinet (autoharp not included).

 

[Fast_Eddie]

That's a nice looking little amp. You might try your hand at replacing the capacitors. The electrolytics will be pretty well done by this time.

 

[vincei]

I had a RCA amp with that connector, I just added some regular RCA jacks at the end of the wire and plugged in the 3 prong to the chassis. The uninsulated wire is ground. I later replaced it with regular RCA's when I completely redesigned it.

 

[MelodyMaster]

I was just concerned the voltage of modern equipment connected to something so old might be different.

Except for phono, the very approximate - 10db - 16db standard in place since the 1930s, and still used on solid state, was set by the actual gain of a tube preamp and output stage. There won't be any radical differences in voltage.

 

[Thespeakerdude8]

I have an RCA amplifier that uses these types of plugs. I can't remember for sure, but I think the far pin is ground and the two closer together ones are left/right. I'll check on the tuner cable when I get to the garage.

 

[Kingfisher]

I have an RCA amplifier that uses these types of plugs. I can't remember for sure, but I think the far pin is ground and the two closer together ones are left/right. I'll check on the tuner cable when I get to the garage.

I am positive the middle prong is a ground, as it is connected to uninsulated wire. The backside of the sockets in both the tuner/preamp and amp are grounded at the middle hole. That part's really a no brainer.

 

[larryderouin]

Can we get some pics of the ding on the cabinet??

I beat the hell outta the lid edge on my 1969 FISHER Royal Electra getting it in my truck and didn't realize it till I got it home. Couple of 1" brads, wood glue, wood filler, 200grit sandpaper, elbow grease, Maple stain, and some satin clear poly did the trick. Can hardly tell it splintered the edge damn near off.

Larry

 

[Kingfisher]

Can we get some pics of the ding on the cabinet??

I beat the hell outta the lid edge on my 1969 FISHER Royal Electra getting it in my truck and didn't realize it till I got it home. Couple of 1" brads, wood glue, wood filler, 200grit sandpaper, elbow grease, Maple stain, and some satin clear poly did the trick. Can hardly tell it splintered the edge damn near off.

Larry

The cabinet is gone. Totally dismantled. I'm cutting up a few pieces of the wood from it to build an enclosure around the tuner/preamp. I will probably throw on some stain to make it look nice. I haven't decided whether to use a window screen or something else on top for proper tube ventilation. I found a free beitman schematic for this model online. Apparently, it came with 2 amplifier options: a smaller amp (2 x 6bq5's) and a larger (4 x 6bq5's). I have the larger:thmbsp: Since this console came out of a nice home in a wealthier neighborhood, me thinks it was RCA's top line. I have seen RCA tube consoles before but this one seems to have a lot of bell's and whistles (How I love that magic eye ) Also, all the tubes and electrical parts are dated 1962, which means it was probably on the market in early '63. Only a year or two later RCA and other companies began transistorizing everything.

 

[MARTYBe]

IS THIS THREAD STILL going?

 

[century tek]

IS THIS THREAD STILL going?

16 years old? Maybe not but as people reply to you and me, YUP, still going!