I have been toying with the idea of buying a new record player to hook up to my RCA 1950s something console HI-FI. It is model number shc3. I know that modern record players have rca phono jacks for hookups. My RCA HI-FI uses a 3 pronged connection to hook the original RCA record player into the HI-FI inputs. Is is possible to hook up a new record player into my unit? Can I use the old record player connector and hook it up to a new player? Is there some sort of adapter available? Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Steven

With the 3 prong connection, is this hi-fi stereo or mono? If stereo, then you need to figure out which prongs are for the inputs and which is the common prong. You can either try to find a matching plug for this socket (try eBay) or you can mount RCA jacks on the back of your set. Connect the center contact of each jack to each channel's pin on the original socket. Connect the common pin on the original socket to the outer contacts of the RCA jacks. Mark each jack so that it corresponds to the channel it handles.

If you use a magnetic phonograph such as the type that use the high quality SHURE cartridges (I forgot the numbers of the cartridges...perhaps one is M55?), you will need a pre-amplifier. The input on your hi-fi is likely for a crystal cartridge, which puts out more voltage. You can try hooking the phono directly to your hi-fi. If music is extremely quiet (even though you can get a loud hum by touching the right or left channel input connections), then you need a pre-amplifier (unless you have other trouble).

A high quality pre-amplifier was made by DYNACO. I have it, but don't remember the model number. It has push-pull tubes which are fed D.C. filament current so that there is absolutely no hum present. I think it uses 12AT7s or 12AU7s. I forgot. This pre-amp has inputs for magnetic and non-magnetic items, and has bass, treble, and filter adjustments. It also has its own volume control. You may be able to find this and other pre-amplifiers on eBay. You can try Fisher or McIntosh or Heath or Stromberg Carlson. More modern transistorized units may also be found. In the 1970s Pioneer was a fine company to buy from.

Thomas

Thomas,
Thanks alot for your instructions. It is a great help.

Steven

:With the 3 prong connection, is this hi-fi stereo or mono? If stereo, then you need to figure out which prongs are for the inputs and which is the common prong. You can either try to find a matching plug for this socket (try eBay) or you can mount RCA jacks on the back of your set. Connect the center contact of each jack to each channel's pin on the original socket. Connect the common pin on the original socket to the outer contacts of the RCA jacks. Mark each jack so that it corresponds to the channel it handles.
:
:If you use a magnetic phonograph such as the type that use the high quality SHURE cartridges (I forgot the numbers of the cartridges...perhaps one is M55?), you will need a pre-amplifier. The input on your hi-fi is likely for a crystal cartridge, which puts out more voltage. You can try hooking the phono directly to your hi-fi. If music is extremely quiet (even though you can get a loud hum by touching the right or left channel input connections), then you need a pre-amplifier (unless you have other trouble).
:
:A high quality pre-amplifier was made by DYNACO. I have it, but don't remember the model number. It has push-pull tubes which are fed D.C. filament current so that there is absolutely no hum present. I think it uses 12AT7s or 12AU7s. I forgot. This pre-amp has inputs for magnetic and non-magnetic items, and has bass, treble, and filter adjustments. It also has its own volume control. You may be able to find this and other pre-amplifiers on eBay. You can try Fisher or McIntosh or Heath or Stromberg Carlson. More modern transistorized units may also be found. In the 1970s Pioneer was a fine company to buy from.
:
:Thomas