View Full Version : Califone 1130K stereo record player


radiotvnut
05-29-2015, 12:39 PM
I just obtained this stereo Califone 1130K classroom record player from 1981 and the main reason I wanted it was because there was one in the music room of my middle school. I recall that towards the end of the school year, our music teacher allowed us to bring in records and tapes to play (around '89-'90) and I brought in an old 78 rpm record (probably the first and only time that record player was ever set to 78 rpm). Today, the music that most kids listen to is too vulgar to bring to school (or, maybe that's acceptable today). Back then, the only rule was that we couldn't bring in any records or tapes that contained profanity in the song lyrics.

This one plays a record; but, will need the usual overhaul. Originally, it had a 13T stereo powerpoint plug-in cartridge installed; but, someone has a mono 89T plugged in the socket. The later versions of these models used a stereo Tetrad cartridge and that's probably what this one is going to get, since 13T's are very scarce today.

Califone made this model for years, starting in the early '70's under the Rheem-Califone badge and in a blue case and ending in the early '90's, with the 1130C (grey case, DC drive motor).

Now, I need to find one of the Newcomb stereo models.

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff341/radiotvnut/califone1130K%20001_zpsqfbsrucl.jpg (http://s538.photobucket.com/user/radiotvnut/media/califone1130K%20001_zpsqfbsrucl.jpg.html)

Electronic M
05-29-2015, 12:57 PM
That appears to be the exact model I had 15 years ago. Got it without speakers or cartridge, and cobbled in what I could get...It was the best sounding phono I had then....Still wish I'd kept it.

radiotvnut
05-29-2015, 03:23 PM
The one at my middle school sounded pretty good; but, would have sounded better with decent speakers.