Magnavox Astro-Sonic

[matt_s78mn]

I got the chance over the weekend to play around with a mid '60's Magnavox Astro-Sonic stereo console. The controls needed a shot of deoxit but other than that all I could say was WOW. That thing sounded absolutely incredible. I didn't have any vinyl with me to try out the changer, but the tuner was just amazing. Good bass and lots of power to back it all up. I've gotta find myself one of these to drag home!!! This made me think of a good question. Which console stereos were the best sounding? I've heard that the Motorolas were good too but have never tried one. The ones I've used were Zenith, Admiral, and GTE/Sylvania. Of those I thought the GTE/Sylvania sounded the best.

[DaveWM]

can you get a pic of the tuner, I have a couple magnavox astros, and yes they do sound nice. Mine is pretty early, they need good eff speakers. On mine I had a noisey transistor on one, and both need coupling caps. But they are very easy two work on. Mine uses coupling transformers and cap coupled outputs. the Micro matic changer is very neat the way it sizes the records. I put a new needle in it and it sounds very nice.

[matt_s78mn]

Sure next time i'm over there I'll snap a few pics.

[G.B.]

I have one vintage 1965.. Sounds great with anything You put to the input... I am looking for a pilot light # 67 mini lamp ... If anyone has a tip on how to find ? Also looking for stylus that is true 78 & 45 LP...

[radiotvnut]

Most astro-sonic's from the beginning up until the early '70's were decent performers. The later consoles were just cheap junk with particleboard and plastic cabinets with BOTL electronics.

Zenith, Magnavox, Motorola, RCA, Sylvania, Philco, and GE all made decent sounding solid state consoles. Of course, these same companies made lower end stuff; but, even the lower end stuff back then sounds better than the silver crap made today. I've even seen some Warwick built Sears consoles from the '60's that were decent performers.