1960 Zenith Stereo Restoration Part 1
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- Опубликовано: 28 июл 2024
- This old Zenith console stereo from 1960 was part of the vintage electronics find from last year. It functions but needs some work. I found a few bad tubes and the turntable needed a new cartridge and needle as well and a good cleaning. Support Hack A Week with a donation: hackaweek.com/hacks/?page_id=31
Thanks for watching and keep on hackin! 
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I'm really excited for this project! I love old electronics, especially stuff with tubes! Can't wait for pt. 2!
I got a job a little under a year ago fixing a stereo like this. That job turned into a short gig working for a machine shop. These are great stereos. Built like tanks!
Brilliant, another winner. I'm already looking forward to the next part. Thanks for putting in the time to make and publish this video.
Well made video, unlike so many other radio and phono clips in YT. Interior of the unit was surprisingly free of dust after 54 years. Liked.
Thank you for this video! I was able to restore and get a ‘64 Zenith (VoM) turntable turning and playing again thanks to this video. It also came with some of the original paperwork and advertisements, which I find very neat to read.
I like when people save vintage hi fi’s get them back running again 📻
Brings back memories. We had a 1958 Cantata that had this changer and a remote speaker cabinet. And the radio didn't last too long.
I don't quite know how I fell upon this video, but I have to comment.
I like many kids my age in 1963-64 had a stereo in our home much like this. My parents would not let me freely use it. It was special as it cost a bundle.
Time went on, and in 1969 I wired in a tape in port via the phono preamp. I played tapes and records relentlessly. I thought it was a great unit.
Then I went to my brothers friends home in Beverly Hills Ca. His parents had a McIntosh system with Altec VOTT speakers.
I was completely transfixed. I realized then and there, I had never heard music as it was recorded before in my life. I was blown away by the purity of sound. I also realized that the stereo console I had been listening to was a total POS. It was a true piece of junk. From the cabinetry (particle board) to the speakers and amp which could possibly muster 15watts.
So forgive me, but I would not waste a penny on one of these consoles. I do not believe anyone made a good one. Consoles were the state of the art for the home owner, but certainly not the audiophile. It is hard to imagine that stereo made its debut around the same time color tv did as well.
So I imagine this is all renovated by now. But it will never sound goodi. But. That's fine for many. Good luck. Thanks for the video. I am not a snob ( I know I'll get arguments on that) as I waited my entire life to own used McIntosh equipment. My Yamaha YP800 turntable is now 44 years old. I still have discrete quadrophonic lps. I would not trade any of it.
Hackaweektv, you are Brilliant!
Wow... A "Molex connector", and it looks exactly as the ones still in use in every PC today (2015)...
I knew it wasn't new but to see it in a 1960 "boom box" is still surprising.
Btw thx for great videos.
I just gave away away an older zenith console, a little more newer but not as nice as yours, noticed you are still an active content creator so decided to view and leave a comment, Liked very interesting vid
Awesome video, I found one similar at a thrift store on the curb, just needed a stylus and a drive/idler/platter cleaning. Thank you
Great memory. My family had a 1958'ish zenith cantata dual cabinet hi fi. Identical record changer. My dad used to tell us the eyes on the tone arm were so it would know where to land on the record. The tuner didn't last ong but the stereo lasted 22 years without servicing.
Hey, whaddaya know... I have an EMC 213, too. Nice little tube tester.
It's no Hickok, but for quick-checking it's easy and doesn't take up much space.
When you use the short-test function, move Only One switch up at a time.
Thanks for the tips!
4:35 I think that picture is meant to represent three different models of stereo - one compact, one midsize, and one 'full size' - all of which probably used the same changer, speakers, and electronics.
Dean, this is great… and thanks for all your videos!
After starting this comment, I realize I'm the at least the third person to mention checking capacitors, but I'll just throw my 2 cents in as well. My dad is an avid rebuilder of 60's/70's Acoustic Research speakers, and the caps *always* need replacement.
I'm doing exactly that. :)
Great video. Don't forget to consider checking / replacing capacitors, particularly in the power amp section. There's one
that can put the output transformer at risk if it fails....
The different speaker size outlines on the front of the service manual were special extra cost options recommended by zenith for "optimal listening"
Dean,
Great video. I didn't even realize zenith used VM turntables until your video, interesting indeed ! Looks like your TT is a model 1201 from 1957-1958. There is a website called "The Voice Of Music DOT Com" that has all the things one might need for these VM changers including cartridges. You Tube user Chris Cuff did a 4 part tear down on an older VM changer a while back. Thanks for sharing.
Nathan
Great info! Thanks for the link to VM and thanks for watching!
love the vid, wish I had that tube tester you had given to you, just in the mids of re constructing a valve amp my self, will have to get my self one of them tube testers, I ve bought ALL new valves for my on. love the cobra head eye on the tone arm.
I used to have a pair of old tube ran amps. Wish there was a youtube back then, I might still have them
great video! I have, I think, what is a slightly newer model and I've been having trouble getting rid of an annoying clicking sound that is linked to the little motor that has separately sized tiers for the different speeds. I tried cleaning the rubber spindle that directly contacts the platter as you said, but it didn't help. I was hoping you might be able to suggest something further?
Very cool. I can remember testing tubes with my dad at the local electronics store. Brings back good memories. Those tube amps always seemed to have a particular smell too. Guess the dust would heat up. Thanks for the video.
Great video! Do you have any recommendations or leads on vintage tube tester restoration/calibration services? Thanks! Learning a lot from you....
So i know this is an older video but i have an old Zenith Record player. Model C906-1 a Genuine Diamond Stylus model. It's much like the one in this video. Stand up and everything, lovely sound from the FM/AM radio. however, my platter won't turn, the arm will not move on it's own and it won't drop a record. It has the same sort of cogs and gears underneath the turntable. which were really sticky and locked. However, once i cleaned that up it still won't turn. Also no sound comes from the needle. I don't know where to start. Any tips would be helpful. Thanks!
Interesting about how those 6BQ5s tested out. My 1964 Zenith 25LC20 color roundie has a 6BQ5 audio output, the tube tests almost dead on emission, yet the TV puts out decent sound. Depending on how critical the circuit is, tube electronics were pretty forgiving. You'd never get that kind of leeway with solid state components.
Thank you a lot, those videos are awesome.
I have found a similar console (it's actually a M2608) in really good condition and reasonable price. I'm thinking to grab it. Became curious about the outputs you mention at 12:00, which come from the cartridge and could be attached to a modern source. How could I do it? Taking away the turntable cables and soldering a RCA cable to it?
Hello! I just recently purchased the Zenith Phonograph HF16R. It plays well and sounds alright to the best of my ability to listen lol. The hang-up I have at the moment is that when turned on the amplifier heats up pretty bad. I only notice the tube where the power cable runs into is the one overheating. Just wanting your suggestion on where to start to repair it. Thanks!
The best thing to do with any Electronics named zenith is to take it back to Sears where you brought it
B & B Appliance is still is business too! Going strong in the N. E. Ohio area still. One is about 5 miles from me in Orriville Ohio. Good stores too.
Hey there, so I have the 1961 model of this and im trying to hook up newer speakers to it and a sub as well... but my main problem is the antenna. I cant find the damn thing, and I need to boost its amplitude! Help please
Hello! I’m currently working on an Olympic console and I just freed up the mechanism that allows the drive wheel to move up and down to align with the motor shaft that changes the speed. My question for you is...... what is the correct lubricant to use to keep this moving freely. Thanks! Dan
Usually these consoles are transformer sets but also a lot of them have a capacitor across the line or from the line to ground those can short and cause issues but usually you can tell it isn’t a series string set with one side tied to the chassis by the tube designation numbers being all different numbers equaling to 117-120 volts to avoid having to use a filament transformer this has a 6.3 volt filament transformer as well as a high voltage secondary for the plate voltage for the tubes probably running about 250-350vdc
hey have you considered solid state tubes?
very good video. enjoyed
The main purpous for the Springs on the TT are to prevent Accoustic Feedback
I would love to get a little tube tester like yours,but the problem is when you buy used you don't no what you are getting,good luck with your nice steel.
the speakers were mounted at slight angles so ythe sound emanates over a larger area
If you want to use the phono amp as an AUX input you'll have to disable the RIAA equalization in it. You'll probably need to attenuate the aux signal, too.
I have that record, one of Frank's very best voice-wise
Great video. I have my parents Zenith console from the mid ‘60s. It still works fine. I also have a late ‘60s Zenith table model with a VM changer that I took apart and cleaned and lubed. It works great, but there is a loud pop when it shuts off. Would that be the switch? BTW are you in Cleveland? I’m in the Akron area and remember B&B very well. Thanks for the video.
Hi I wanted to ask how you re installed the turntable platter. I have the same model Zenith changer and the platter stopped spinning so I cleaned the rubber bearing but now the platter will not go back on due to the curved spindle. Any help would be greatly appreciated thanks
Do you know how to put the Platter back on? I have a 1959 Zenith SF185r and it does not seem to want to go back on
when you remove the white molex connector from the turntable you should never pull it from the wires like you did the wires could break off of the prongs in the connector block and you will have a very hard time fixing that but all of these vintage consoles do not need much maintenance but just lubrication and just tweaking sometimes . great video
Cool video , I have a RCA vista victrola , my turntable won't start rotating without a little help from me with push start.
After it warms up it seems run fine with a new record , no push start needed. Im hoping its just the rubber on the rotating wheel , I'll try cleaning it with alcohol like you did. Have you heard of rubber conditioner to soften it ? To make it more sticky soft . I hope its not the motor.
How much does one like this go for ? I have a MK2606 similar to this but a year or two newer with the micro touch. Plays decently and radio also works. Also have all the manuals with it too!
This was very very helpful. I have two consoles; one is late 60's D931 w/ radio and other late 50's w/o radio. The turntables not working but step motors you show work fine. What do you think
I got the C clamp of but there is a white ring stopping me from removal that was above clip.
Nice,.. Similar to a Zenith SFD2560E I just picked up.. Great video,.. Nice explanation, but not too much talking, LOL great..
Hi dean, I was just wondering you had to do any other mods to get that ceramic cartridge to work. I am reading other places that additional modification is required. if not, do you recall the cart model? Thanks!! and Awesome video.
I heard zenith was the first to made stereo fm as a standard feature
great video but how did you know the cartridge was worn out? It sounded pretty good. Who is to say that the original owner or the last owner of the stereo didn't have the cartridge replaced in the 80's, 90's or 00's?
Hey there, I have a 1963 model but the automatic tone arm wants to return, causing it to click off. The player itself spins and everything. Was curious if you knew a way
you can disable the automatic feature and just put the needle on manually? Best
My idler wheel has a thud. Is there a way I can bring it back to usable condition?
Hi. Great video. Where did you obtain the needle cartridge from?
gee! my grand-parents had one of those beasts
Hi, I have a zenith I have had since I was 15 it means a lot to me. Very sentimental. The radio works, but the turn table stopped working. I have had some local guys look at it but they cannot fix. Wondering if you can help?
Would I be able to use your videos to repair the record player on my Zenith x966? The record player doesn't spin
Since it came out in 1960, I'd be curious to know if Zenith ever offered an FM-stereo upgrade.
+Madness832 Me, too...I've seen '60-'62 model Zeniths with optional tube sockets and jumper diagrams for FM Stereo adaptation. Zenith's FM broadcast standard was approved as the US FM Stereo standard 1 April 1961.
Factory-authorised local Zenith dealers had mono-to-stereo retrofit kits that used the above-mentioned optional chassis features.
I got a zenith old 1957 portable turntable. YP 6B. Do you know anything about them or how to work on it. It has 4 screws on the top. It has a humming and 16 speed does not work. Any videos or demos on fixing it. Can I fix it
I like the cool fonts your manuals use -- all typeset by hand.
Just picked up a zenith like that, but record player turns off as soon as it is turned on. Thinks there is no record. Wont stay on. Any idea?
Dirty mechanism underneath.
My Father had one of these that is now my Son's. It has the tubes inside. It plays, but not very well. It used to be amazing. Is there any hope in getting one repaired and is the cost prohibitive.
Great video, but one thing you didn't touch on is when end of travel on tone arm and it has played the record, how does it get back home. I have a rca vlt 29L there is no scate adj. On top. But i think i figured that out. But i did something on the return to home after record has played. It does stop, lift and sits back down but it never returns home. The tonearm stays at finish of record. Can you tell me what returns it to home? A black spring came loose and i put it back where i thought it would go but it didn't help. Can you help? My unit on bottom looks very close in configuration as yours. Kerry
It's a mechanism underneath. You'll have to get it set up level where you can watch it in action to troubleshoot it.
Hi Dean, I just bought myself a Zenith Cobra-magic and I’m having some electrical issues as well. I’m told it’s a 1962 but I’m not 100% certain. I looks almost like yours but it’s a single open top. Anyway I’m having issues with it shocking me (for now the plug solution you mention works) but i was wondering your thoughts on replacing the Power cord? There is also some buzzing happening when it plays so I’m assuming it’s a capacitor issue. I have someone I’m working with on replacing the electronic parts and we can’t find what we think we need do you have any tips or places to look?
Google is your friend. Add "vintage radio" to your capacitor search.
Hello Hackaweek TV, I have the same Zenith as you do in the video minus the am/fm receiver, I had a question if you could help, when I turn the player on a super loud hum comes from the speakers (very very loud) it will not turn down with the audio controls and you can still hear music if you turn the volume up but it is faint compared to loud tone that is going on wether the volume is up or down. Any help would be appreciated.
Probably some bad capacitors in the power supply circuit.
Is there anything you won't tackle? Over here in Blighty the start of the 750 build us eagerly anticipated. Any ideas on dates for that lil ole project? Keep going chap.
Yeah... brain surgery. :) A few more weeks and I'll be starting the CB750 project. I need some warm weather for garage heat.
Looks to be a good video.
Where do you order new tubes?
Dean is it practical to reshape a metal gas tank by attaching fiberglass?
Not really but you can try it with epoxy resin. You'll need a really clean surface that's been scuffed with sand paper.
I NEED HELP i have a 1961 montgomery ward record player console and the needle is broke and I can't find anywhere to like figure out how to fix it
Hi! I have one of these and the motor seems to not be working. Any suggestions on how to replace?
Try lubing it with some light weight machine oil like 3 in 1
companies were honest back then they saw no reason to hide things
I have a similar model that I recently had professionally cleaned but it turns at about 30 rpm. I don't see an rpm adjustment or anything so I'm at a loss for what the issue is. Anyone have any thoughts?
The rubber drive wheel is probably worn down. They're available from several sources. Google it. :)
Earned a sub. 👌🏻
I have that same console. I don’t know much about it. It gets very tired after half song and the sound quality goes down. The base dies. Sound goes flat. Even the volume seems to fade up and down. I’d appreciate any help.
Probably failing capacitors and a few bad tubes.
HackaweekTV thank u very much for the response. Have any suggestions which capacitors to check? BTW plz never delete these three videos... I need em!
Hey! Thinking of buying one of these that I found for $45!! But it’s not in working condition. Realistically, is it worth it??
Depends on how willing and skilled you are at fixing it. The sound is great.
Is this person still on RUclips for 2020
Yes. Working on a new video.
The only thing with Vintage Stuff
Like That It's Nice When All The Tube &
All That Other Stuff Works But When
Those Tubes Go It's The Shits
When They Dont Work.
The cart rage is not ceramic it uses a form of fm modulation
Hey there! I own the 1959 model of this very console... same turntable, same Cobra tone arm, etc.. I noticed that you showed how to adjust the beginning "landing" position of the arm (which I'd already figured out from another YT vid... ) BUT.. could you possibly elaborate a little bit further in regards to adjusting the "I've reached the end of the record; now I need to return to home position" to the right spot? Once I adjusted that tension screw for the landing position, my "I've reached the end; return home" position was no longer correct... I now have to physically pick up and move the tone arm very far towards the spindle to get it to trigger the "return to home" function. Feel free to respond either here (in public for all to see) or via a direct private msg. Thanks so much for sharing!!
Best thing to do is set it up so that you can watch the mechanism that initiates the return, then look for and adjustment.
I have a zenith Z920 I got from my grandparents. The turntable is locked. I got it to play once, then it locked again! Help.
Clean and lube every moving part!
You can replace those main amp tubes with a pair of EL84's, Should sound real nice.
I have two NOS/NIB Zenith 6BQ5/EL84 tubes and one vintage Zenith 12AX7 tube on the way. :) They're all tested.
Cool, Looking forward to part 2 :)
No belt?
Hello there , Hackaweek ineed. Brother man, I just got mine and I was wondering how much it is really worth for top dollar?
No idea. I just enjoy using it.
mine was sluggish till it warmed up..model X-924
electro voice 26 cartridges do go bad after just sitting more than if the stereo gets used
Are these worth anything
That was a C clip. an E clip. had a small tab, giving it an E shape.
I have that record
857 eia.... makes it a VM turntable...
I found a nice model number y940
Better use silicone on rubber , not alcohol or cleaning fuel.
It's not a string amp
It's transformer
First