is working great, unlike the other stuff! Unfortunately, the EV-158 cart is bad, confirmed now that the new stylus is installed. It's not dead, I made sure of that before ordering the stylus, but distorted, weak audio even after cleaning/replacing the connector pins.
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Any thoughts on how this changer would perform with a magnetic cart, possibly a Sure M91 (I have a spare body, have to confirm it's OK). Wondering if hum might be an issue since it originally was fitted with ceramic? Will the changer function with 2 grams tracking (spec in service manual is 3 grams)?
I plan to possibly use it with my Heathkit AR-15 receiver after I restore it (that's another story!).
Jack of all trades & Master of none in Wimberley TX
I would not expect hum issues. What kind of tonearm bearings are involved? I've never actually inspected a Collaro for that. They were a higher-end changer in their day.
I wouldn't be concerned about hum, due to the four pole motor. My Concert Grand changer, a Conquest, is not happy much under four grams. Maybe if the needle was perfect it would be better. I think it would be interesting for you to try a magnetic and let us know how it works.
To be fair and in the interest of full disclosure, the needle in the Electro-Voice model 26 ceramic cartridge in the Collaro Conquest changer in my Concert Grand did not track well under 4 grams. Admittedly, the needle has seen better days. I'd say, on the Conquest changer in the CG, that it would cycle the changer okay under 4 grams. I also believe that with a good needle, mine might track better under 4 grams. Your results may vary....
I don't know of anyone, offhand, who has tried a magnetic cartridge in a Collaro changer. I have a GE changer that came with a magnetic originally, but has been changed to a ceramic due to hum issues. It runs a four-pole Alliance motor, but still hums like a barbershop quartet with a magnetic cartridge, and even hums with a ceramic if you don't ground it carefully. My guess would be that results will vary from changer to changer.....
Just as an aside, I was under the impression that Collaro changers started using 11" platters in early 1964. The 9" like you have is typically 1963 and older. Would you have date codes on that changer you could share? It would be interesting to know if they used the 9" platters later than I am aware of.
Life can be tough. It can be even tougher if you're stupid.....
I read that as last week of 63, first week of 64, but that's just my uninformed guess. The service manual for this model has a couple of pages of configuration options, some with 9" and some with 12" platters, various color and mute switch variants, etc. Probably a 9" platter since the unit is a lower end product.
Jack of all trades & Master of none in Wimberley TX
I'd say you were right on the dates. That would make that changer one that was produced when they were making the change from 9" to 11" platters. Magnavox used their older stuff until it was gone, many times selling it right along with the new stuff. I have a 1963 Magnavox tube stereo that shared a cabinet with a new solid state model. And, it has an 11" platter. I thought it might have the wrong changer, but now I see they could be either way during the transition...
Thank you. I learned something today...
Life can be tough. It can be even tougher if you're stupid.....
It's not dead, I made sure of that before ordering the stylus, but distorted, weak audio even after cleaning/replacing the connector pins.
