Hey guys,

Sorry for being totally illiterate, but I recently aquired a Magnavox Astro-Sonic with a Model #4ST662 & Serial #2190987.

I know absolutely nothing about it. It has been in my family since 1963 (i have all letters and documentation) and I am planning on moving into my new house and taking this great piece of furniture along. I really want to know its value and how i can go apart testing it to make sure it performs with good quality.

Thank you for all your help in advance.

Richard Slack

Hi Richard,
In Magnavox consoles, the model number is generally useless in locating a schematic and service data. What you need is the chassis number, usually stamped in black ink on the back or side of the metal amp chassis. On your set it may be "AMP-???" or similar. With that known, it is usually possible to find a SAMS Photofact for it. There will be a different number (and a different Photofact) on the tuner chassis, assuming yours has a separate tuner sub-chassis.

Since your Magnavox dates prior to 1963, I am assuming it is tubed. No doubt it is an excellent performer. It probably has a Collaro record changer (which were very good ones), painted in gold metallic and branded for Magnavox with the words "Made in England" on it. It may also have the great 15" Magnavox woofers.

The most common problems you might expect in your Magnavox are leaky electrolytic filter capacitors and paper coupling capacitors to the power output tube grids. For best long-term service it is wise to replace these. Leakage or shorts in either can damage your output tubes, output transformer and/or power transformer.

As far as value goes, consoles of that era are under-valued in the current marketplace. You will certainly not get rich selling it, best policy is probably to keep and enjoy it. Unfortunately the value of the separate components is often greater than the value of the whole, which is why so many of these are being robbed of their amp chassis and speakers.

:Hey guys,
:
:Sorry for being totally illiterate, but I recently aquired a Magnavox Astro-Sonic with a Model #4ST662 & Serial #2190987.
:
:I know absolutely nothing about it. It has been in my family since 1963 (i have all letters and documentation) and I am planning on moving into my new house and taking this great piece of furniture along. I really want to know its value and how i can go apart testing it to make sure it performs with good quality.
:
:Thank you for all your help in advance.
:
:Richard Slack