All,
Perhaps I discovered the issue as to why my unit sounds like the speaker is blown when I play it in phonograph mode (but sounds fine in AM). I believe that the cartridge in there is not of the proper output spec, and the cause for the sound is the tube being maxed out. The little lightbulb went on when someone from another board suggested this; and I realized that I have the volume cranked damn near full to get an acceptable output. Supposedly the Collaro tone arm can take damn near anything, and the amp would like something in the 1-2v input range. Suggestions ?

Thanks yet again,
Steve

:All,
: Perhaps I discovered the issue as to why my unit sounds like the speaker is blown when I play it in phonograph mode (but sounds fine in AM). I believe that the cartridge in there is not of the proper output spec, and the cause for the sound is the tube being maxed out. The little lightbulb went on when someone from another board suggested this; and I realized that I have the volume cranked damn near full to get an acceptable output. Supposedly the Collaro tone arm can take damn near anything, and the amp would like something in the 1-2v input range. Suggestions ?
:
:Thanks yet again,
: Steve

Hi Steve,
I was looking at a schematic for a 1947 Zenith console. It appears back then the output of the cartridge went to an oscillator, where its signal was impressed on to a carrier the oscillator provided. It almost looks like a reactance tube.
Modern cartridges can go directly to the volume control. Clearly a modern cartridge would not work on the console I was looking at.

All the Best,

Bill Grimm

Steve,
If you can ID the part number type into Google to find an exact replacement or equivalent. I was unsuccessful with a 1945 RCA tone arm, so rebuilt it using more modern stuff inside the old case. Plays fine, still looks original, uses the standard stylus of the original. There are other Forum contributors more well versed on the subject than my one time experience.

marv

:All,
: Perhaps I discovered the issue as to why my unit sounds like the speaker is blown when I play it in phonograph mode (but sounds fine in AM). I believe that the cartridge in there is not of the proper output spec, and the cause for the sound is the tube being maxed out. The little lightbulb went on when someone from another board suggested this; and I realized that I have the volume cranked damn near full to get an acceptable output. Supposedly the Collaro tone arm can take damn near anything, and the amp would like something in the 1-2v input range. Suggestions ?
:
:Thanks yet again,
: Steve

What model is it (the phono/radio) ?

The cartridge may well be the cobra type. They are still available and are of a special breed...

Z-

Sorry...
Radio - Stewart-Warner 11-6V
Phono - Collaro Conquest (not original TT)

:What model is it (the phono/radio) ?
:
:The cartridge may well be the cobra type. They are still available and are of a special breed...
:
:Z-

:Sorry...
:Radio - Stewart-Warner 11-6V
:Phono - Collaro Conquest (not original TT)

There are a few 6Vx models, but the second one shows a TT connection so I will use this one as a reference. The phono cartridge goes to the volume control and the 1st AF tube so I suspect you need around 1.5V to get full output. If you need to crank the volume all the way up it is either the phono cartridge is dead (most assurely if it's an original crystal cartridge) or a magnetic type is installed (which needs a preamp). You can look at the cartridge, there should be some markings, stamping or similar indication for the cartridge model.

Just let me know what is installed and I'll tell you what your options are.

Z-

Thanks !
The cartridge is an Astatic 314TS I believe.

Thanks,
Steve

::Sorry...
::Radio - Stewart-Warner 11-6V
::Phono - Collaro Conquest (not original TT)
:
:There are a few 6Vx models, but the second one shows a TT connection so I will use this one as a reference. The phono cartridge goes to the volume control and the 1st AF tube so I suspect you need around 1.5V to get full output. If you need to crank the volume all the way up it is either the phono cartridge is dead (most assurely if it's an original crystal cartridge) or a magnetic type is installed (which needs a preamp). You can look at the cartridge, there should be some markings, stamping or similar indication for the cartridge model.
:
:Just let me know what is installed and I'll tell you what your options are.
:
:Z-

I was wrong. I did find markings on the cartridge, but the first symbol is worn away; so Im not sure if it is 'S-77', or '6-77', or '8-77', but it is SOMETHING like that.

Sorry for the correction,
Steve

:Thanks !
: The cartridge is an Astatic 314TS I believe.
:
:Thanks,
: Steve
:
:
:::Sorry...
:::Radio - Stewart-Warner 11-6V
:::Phono - Collaro Conquest (not original TT)
::
::There are a few 6Vx models, but the second one shows a TT connection so I will use this one as a reference. The phono cartridge goes to the volume control and the 1st AF tube so I suspect you need around 1.5V to get full output. If you need to crank the volume all the way up it is either the phono cartridge is dead (most assurely if it's an original crystal cartridge) or a magnetic type is installed (which needs a preamp). You can look at the cartridge, there should be some markings, stamping or similar indication for the cartridge model.
::
::Just let me know what is installed and I'll tell you what your options are.
::
::Z-

:Thanks !
: The cartridge is an Astatic 314TS I believe.

Fine (the 8-77 is most probably a date code).

The 314TS is similar to a Ronette and has an output of 3V (yes, it is a crystal). There are equivalent available from many vendors (although, output will only be around 2V, you will not lose too much outputwise). The cartridge is tracking at around 8g which is fine (less wear on records).

Try Mark on eBay (jzapple1, I buy from him, reliable seller) or as a last resort as Ed Saunders (ewsaunders.com)

This caretridge can be rebuilt, but it will be cheaper to find a replacement as it is not really critical in your case.

Good luck.

Z-

Thanks again. I will see what I can find. I believe the EV68's were pretty common/cheap to find, so perhaps I'll start to look there.

Thanks again,
Steve

::Thanks !
:: The cartridge is an Astatic 314TS I believe.
:
:Fine (the 8-77 is most probably a date code).
:
:The 314TS is similar to a Ronette and has an output of 3V (yes, it is a crystal). There are equivalent available from many vendors (although, output will only be around 2V, you will not lose too much outputwise). The cartridge is tracking at around 8g which is fine (less wear on records).
:
:Try Mark on eBay (jzapple1, I buy from him, reliable seller) or as a last resort as Ed Saunders (ewsaunders.com)
:
:This caretridge can be rebuilt, but it will be cheaper to find a replacement as it is not really critical in your case.
:
:Good luck.
:
:Z-