So rare I can't find info; or am I blind and stupid? Westinghouse Solid State Stereophonic

[Lcmchefslife]

Ok, so first is first. I'M new but not new. Been lurking in the shadows reading, learning, experimenting, putting into effect, contemplating, etc., a lot of things here on AudioKarma that I have come across throughout my home theater journey.
Finally have come around to the point of trying to learn more about me Westinghouse PAS7120A Charcoal Grey Solid State Stereophonic Tutrntable. I've tried Googling the model number...maybe 1 hit that didn't lead anywhere. Also tried Googling Westinghouse solid state sterophonic which brings up a picture of a similar model except mine has blue lettering on label and the speed controls are different.
I would love to have some more insight about this unit, hear your thoughts (pro or con), ideas on repurposing, thoughts on refurbishing, audiophile debates, etc.
Thanks
CAM

 

[hugo454]

"Rare" may be a bit too generous a term.

 

[Lcmchefslife]

"Rare" may be a bit too generous a term.

Or possibly "lost in time" I understand its not exactly a sought after item but the fact that I can't find any information on it drives me nuts

 

[motorstereo]

Looks very similar to a GE Wildcat which means it's not worth wasting any resources on.

 

[Bone Yard]

Nice find, I'm a big fan of portable turntables, check out the Sharp VZ-2000 or the Marantz PMD-6000 for the cream of the crop.

The Westinghouse was most likely private-labeled, bought in bulk by Westinghouse from Taiwan or Hong Kong and a name plate was stuck on the front. Westinghouse used to be a huge appliance brand, this was most likely part of their catalog that the local mom and pop store would stock along with washer, dryers and kitchen stuff.

These were entry-level but still an exciting item for first time record owners. Unfortunately they haven't held much collector value, the build is more budget and the sound isn't amazing. If it had some cool colors or modern design elements that would help but I used to see stacks of these when thrifting in the old days.

It might be a fun model to mess around with and get working but I bet it had a rubber rim drive wheel that turns the platter, these get hard, disintegrate or get ruts in them making playback impossible. These type of units are also known for destroying records so only play your beat up ones, we used to watch in horror as the needle would scratch from the center to the parking post when the record was done.

One of my personal favorites is the AIWA P-174, a little more love was put into the design and the bright colors really make it pop, keep an eye out for those, or similar models, if you like the older styles

 

[goodolpg]

There might be some extremely rare audio pieces that sold in such small quantities there might not be much info available for them.
But that isn't one of them.
It seems like most often when very little info is available for an audio piece, it was bottom end or rack system components.