RCA 7-HF-5 Ca. 1956-57

[Hi-Fi-Mogul]

I've had this little lady done for some time, waiting on
a buyer.
Since that's not happening, I'll take it to the record shop
on consignment.

The helpful owner will make some floor space for it to
be set up on its gorgeous legs that cleaned up fine.

It was in rough shape cabinet/legs wise, and I cleaned it
up the best possible, without further pulling off more finish.

The interior cabinet though, was really nice.

It's got a 50C5 PP amp design that RCA used frequently
in this age.

A 6.5" woofer and two offset 3.5" tweeters.

I put in a Pfanstiehl P-228 stereo cart jumpered to mono.

This RP-205 changer is one of the nicest I've ever redone.
It plays very smoothly.

[TC Chris]

How does it sound?

Chris Campbell

[Hi-Fi-Mogul]

Chris,
The bass that normally is pretty good in these is
lacking more than I expected.
Of course, with the lid down, it's better.

I'm pretty sure it's due to the new P-228 cart.

These RCAs came with either a Sonotone 2-T or Astatic 81/89
power point type carts.

They not only had over 1 volt output, but the bass
response was very good.

[electra225]

The Magnavox record player I redid also has the Sonotone 2-T cartridge. I agree with bass response with the 2-T. That was partly whey I didn't replace the cartridge with a stereo one.

Does the RCA use 35C5 or 50C5 output tubes? If so, did you try replacing them with the 35EH5 or 50EH5 versions? You might get a tad more gain, hence a tad more bass.

Some of these days, just for grins, I'm going to replace a 35C5 with a 50EH5 and see what happens. With the higher line voltages these days, I don't think there would be a downside, and the "EH" might provide a touch more gain. I have asked this question and can't seem to get an answer. If I try it myself, then I'll know.....

[William]

Those are nice looking units, Mr. Mogul, and that cabinet style even comes in a 45 player which keep watching out for but no luck so far.

Bill

[Hi-Fi-Mogul]

This lady sold after one week in the record shop.

[electra225]

You are lucky to have a viable record shop nearby. Also fortunate to have one that will work with you.

[TC Chris]

You are lucky to have a viable record shop nearby. Also fortunate to have one that will work with you.

I pass one every day on my commute, about 2 blocks from my office. In the a.m. I'm usually running late so I don't stop. In the p.m. I'm headed home, and always promise myself to stop in tomorrow for sure. In three years now, it's always tomorrow for sure.

Now I've got something to look for. The NYT had a nice piece on Thelonious Monk and maybe I can snag some LPs if they have a jazz section. Just what I need, more recordings!

Chris Campbell