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#1
09-20-2013, 02:15 PM
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Motorola tube console
I went by one of the antique stores and out on the porch, they had a Motorola console stereo that looked like someone "antiqued" the cabinet. Looking at the speaker grille, it appeared to be a 3-channel job. Opening the lid, I discovered that this model is a record player-only unit with the controls arranged horizontally, with record storage behind the controls. The record storage bin looks like it may possibly accept an optional tuner; but, who knows. To my surprise, the record changer (located to the right of the control panel) is a BSR/Monarch (looks like a UA8) and it has the gold colored tonearm and overarm, like what Motorola used at the time. Before today, I've only seen VM changers in Motorola consoles; so, I wonder what the deal was with them using a BSR in this model?
We were in my friend's car; so, no way to haul it today. However, I went ahead and paid them the $25 for the stereo and I'll pick it up as soon as I can round up someone with a truck. My friend was in a hurry; so, not much time to examine it very well at ths store. I need another console like I need a hole in the head; but, it's hard to pass up those old tube models (especially the ones that have a reputation for being of better quality). If this Motorola is like other Motorola's that I've had, it will be a good performer. Anyway, I'll tell you more about it once I get my hands on it.
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http://www.youtube.com/user/radiotvphononut 
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#2
09-20-2013, 08:43 PM
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I absolutely love my 3 channel Moto. It did not need a recap, just control cleaning. Even the original cartridge was good, just a new needle. It has excellent sound quality for the size of the unit. Better than any China junk out there.
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"It's a mad mad mad mad world" !! http://www.youtube.com/user/mwstaton64?feature=mhee
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#3
09-20-2013, 10:15 PM
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Quote:
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#4
09-23-2013, 04:46 PM
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Here it is, an SK24W from 1960. Uses a single ended 6BQ5 for the bass channel and SE-6BM8's for the other speakers. The output tubes and the rectifier tube appear to be Mullard sourced; so, that's a good thing if they are still good. The record changer is a BSR UA8, fitted with a Sonotone 8T cartridge and tracking at a light 18 grams; which, I know is way too heavy. The biggest thing I'm worried about is what to do about the cabinet that someone painted brown. I don't know if these cabinets were originally photofinished or if they had real finish on them. Looking at the amp, it uses all disc caps; which, is nice.
  
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http://www.youtube.com/user/radiotvphononut
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#5
09-23-2013, 05:16 PM
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Quote:
I have an optional AM/FM tuner that has a separate power supply. As mentioned before, it was designed to drop into the record storage bin. 
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#7
09-24-2013, 08:54 AM
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Quote:
In the mid to later 50's, Motorola used BSR, VM and Webcor. I never was too thrilled about Webcors.
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#10
09-24-2013, 07:08 PM
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That's what it is.
__________________
http://www.youtube.com/user/radiotvphononut
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#11
09-30-2013, 12:21 PM
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I've got a loose tuner and Amp for this, I think from the same year.
At least the amp controls look the same. I never did see the cabinet it came out of or the record changer.
__________________
"When resistors increase in value, they're worthless" -Dave G
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