Magnavox homeless shelter found in trash. - Videokarma.org TV - Video

Carmine · #1 09-17-2009, 08:25 PM

It is long enough to sleep in...

Found this Magnavox stereo theater headed for the trash. The radio works (poorly), none of the usual Astro-Sonic™ power. Instead it sounds like a 9 volt transistor radio.

I noticed the HV 2nd Anode disconnected (that would have been fun if I didn't) so I popped it back on and fired up the TV. Didn't catch fire as I expected, but didn't do much more than hum either. Tubes lit including the CRT. I noticed a mfg. date of 4-65.

Cabinet is not so good, but not destroyed either. Oh yeah, did I mention all the insulin (I hope) needles I found inside the chassis and controls?

The turntable had some nonsense about "Made in England" so I smashed it to bits because I'm mad at the Brits right now (for making Steve McDonald cheat on Michelle Connor, but I digress).

If somebody wanted this baby, I could be convinced to part with it

Other wise I think it might end up as parts, then sent to a bio-hazard unit for legal disposal.

One thing I'd like to rob is the wire mesh covers over the speaker cloth... My Astro-Sonic™ does not have them, and the fabric will actually flutter and make horrid noise when I crank out Ice Cube, or Sinatra. I wonder if this was a factory fix for the same problem?

Finally, I give you the traditional shot of the unit in the bed of a Dodge pick-up.

freakaftr8 · #2 09-17-2009, 08:36 PM

OMG I have the exact same Combo!! The TV needed extensive work. It may have a shorted flyback. They seemed to be crappy in that chassis. I had to swap with a u616 chassis out of a early 65. How's the CRT? Should be a 25GP22.

freakaftr8 · #3 09-17-2009, 08:45 PM

Oh and the stereo might have a flaky speaker selector switch, which causes the horrible sound output. That stereo shoud be loud and proud! Mine rocks! The TV puts out a decent picture when working good and swap out that 6LM8 with a 6GH8! Way better contrast ratio!

DaveWM · #4 09-17-2009, 08:45 PM

Wow, I would love to have that for parts, would be an easy retro fit for my B&W version.

Looks like it has some nice speakers. I just did a full recap on that same astrosonic tuner amp, caps and a few leaking transistor, sound great. The speakers are cap coupled thru a couple 200uf caps.

Man I need to have some finds like that.

good call on that speaker switch.

DaveWM · #5 09-17-2009, 08:50 PM

here is my B&W

hmm oh well cant post says its already posted but when I go to that thead its gone. anyway its pretty much the same, nice cabinet (after refinish) just black and white.

Carmine · #6 09-17-2009, 08:53 PM

The CRT is a 25ap (according to a sticker I noticed on the back). The one currently in the set is a Sylvania replacement, but I didn't actually check the number.

I worked the speaker control back forth, without any change. Oddly, the radio is a lot louder on AM, so I figure it's actually a receiver problem, not something lucky like a switch.

As for what I plan to do with it... most likely strip it out as parts for my functional (and non-needle infested) Astro-Sonic™. However, the TV won't be of much use to me, so I'd probably give away those parts.

I'd trade it whole for something that interested me...

DaveWM · #7 09-17-2009, 08:58 PM

then it is prob one of the coupling caps, there are a bunch on that receiver, on mine there was one tha actually was split wide open.

Unfortunitly your too far (I am in central florida). I hope some one get the TV parts and saves them.

***Eric H*** · #8 09-17-2009, 09:22 PM

There was a very nice Maggie like this (a little shorter) in a Thrift near here, I could have picked it up for probably $40 but as usual, no room.

I did pick up two of the "Phantom" remotes that were inside the cabinet, don't think they were for a color set.

bgadow · #9 09-17-2009, 09:57 PM

Wow, the speakers look almost a big as the crt! Never been able to see a Maggie combo like this in person.

sampson159 · #10 09-17-2009, 10:15 PM

i have a working combo in my garge with a nice cabinet and a working remote tv .the stereo is unreal in these things!can amp it up and rock the block.just sitting there: i cant get rid of it.like the white rca ctc16.....love to get rid of that one too!waiting for someone to come and get it......another one of my saves.i need the space!!!

joemama99 · #11 09-17-2009, 10:23 PM

My friends parents bought one of those new when we were kids.The stereo really jammed.Don't wreck that micromatic turntable!The way it sizes a record for the needle
dropdown is great.Great find!!

zenith2134 · #12 09-17-2009, 10:30 PM

Regarding the needles: clean it, refinish the cab and save it !!! You know i could never say 'trash the thing'

And yeah it is pretty great. Someday I'd like to make a hifi console with modern source gear (sacd, nice vinyl) and a tube power amp. SS pre. 10" bass speaker on either side and upfiring aluminum tweeters.

Carmine · #13 09-18-2009, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sampson159

i have a working combo in my garge with a nice cabinet and a working remote tv .the stereo is unreal in these things!can amp it up and rock the block.just sitting there

I will back that up! I don't know about this model (haven't checked the stats) but I know the version I have in my living room with similar woofers and horns is unreal, and the TOL according to the brochure that came inside. I paid $10 for it at a Sun City, AZ estate sale because everyone thought it was "too big". When I returned to MI, I loved this thing so much I strapped it in the bed of my truck, got a camper shell, and shipped them both back home with me. The truck and stereo are two of my favorite souvenirs.

Fast-forward 7-years...

I've been doing some major landscaping at my house. The lot is 155' wide... Last week loaded up some CDs, clicked the Maggie onto AUX, opened the living room windows, and I could hear the bass from one end of the lot to the other. Inside the living room, the volume was intolerable.

Carmine · #14 09-18-2009, 07:40 AM

I thought I would mention that I generally hate modified equipment, but this Maggie was a pretty ugly style when new.. I removed all the plastic-wood BS and re-finished the cabinet in mahogany to match the other furniture in the room.

Here is a before pic.

*zenithfan1* · #15 09-18-2009, 07:51 AM

I take it that you wouldn't part with the stereo section huh? That's what I need to get my '65 Maggie singing again. I might be able to revive my stereo but haven't tried in a while, might have to now.
Shawn, interesting tip about swaping that 6LM8 with a 6GH8. I'll have to try it when she's running again (tv works but no sound of course)