View Full Version : Motorola tube console
radiotvnut 09-20-2013, 02:15 PM 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.
mstaton 09-20-2013, 08:43 PM 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.
Jon A. 09-20-2013, 10:15 PM 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.
A hole in the head probably would have been cheaper too. Some of the shadier medical schools might have done it for research purposes.
radiotvnut 09-23-2013, 04:46 PM 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.
http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff341/radiotvnut/MotorolaSK24W001_zps1650f726.jpg (http://s538.photobucket.com/user/radiotvnut/media/MotorolaSK24W001_zps1650f726.jpg.html)
http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff341/radiotvnut/MotorolaSK24W002_zps03d76c93.jpg (http://s538.photobucket.com/user/radiotvnut/media/MotorolaSK24W002_zps03d76c93.jpg.html)
http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff341/radiotvnut/MotorolaSK24W003_zpsc3b40e99.jpg (http://s538.photobucket.com/user/radiotvnut/media/MotorolaSK24W003_zpsc3b40e99.jpg.html)
dieseljeep 09-23-2013, 05:16 PM 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.
http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff341/radiotvnut/MotorolaSK24W001_zps1650f726.jpg (http://s538.photobucket.com/user/radiotvnut/media/MotorolaSK24W001_zps1650f726.jpg.html)
http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff341/radiotvnut/MotorolaSK24W002_zps03d76c93.jpg (http://s538.photobucket.com/user/radiotvnut/media/MotorolaSK24W002_zps03d76c93.jpg.html)
http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff341/radiotvnut/MotorolaSK24W003_zpsc3b40e99.jpg (http://s538.photobucket.com/user/radiotvnut/media/MotorolaSK24W003_zpsc3b40e99.jpg.html)
That stereo was mid-line and a great performer. The cabinets were photo-finish and were well constructed.
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. :yes:
Looks like a quality piece. Must be a pain to lug these consoles around though !
dieseljeep 09-24-2013, 08:54 AM Looks like a quality piece. Must be a pain to lug these consoles around though !
I took a closer look at the pictures. That has to be the fanciest BSR changer, I've ever seen.
In the mid to later 50's, Motorola used BSR, VM and Webcor. I never was too thrilled about Webcors.
Bill R 09-24-2013, 12:31 PM Who autographed the changer next to the Motorola logo?
marty59 09-24-2013, 06:42 PM Looks like the "Golden Voice" script there.
radiotvnut 09-24-2013, 07:08 PM That's what it is.
DavGoodlin 09-30-2013, 12:21 PM 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.
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