RCA Victor 8-TV-323combo unit

[KentTeffeteller]

Gentlemen,

In the 1949-1951 years many a deluxe console had 2 changers. One for 78/ 33 1/3 RPM duty and a separate 45 RPM changer. One way you can easily date a post WW II console. Post 1952, 3 speed changers became more common.

RCA refused to manufacture 33 1/3 LP records or players until 1951, mainly due to the fact that they were losing sales and recording artists. Arturo Toscanini can be thanked for this wise decision. In 1951, his RCA Victor contract was up for a renewal. He was disgusted at Eugene Ormandy having uninterrupted symphonic works when his records were 45 RPM and 3 minute record changes.

Only when RCA gave in did the War Of The Speeds resolve to a Truce. RCA agreed to manufacture 33 1/3 RPM LP records, Columbia agreed to offer 45 RPM singles. Some history if long winded and pedantic. Related to your console as it dates from that period. If David Sarnoff had less Ego, we would have had this happen earlier. It decreased record sales in those years.