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.....
Since I've gotten the amp and speakers working on this portable, I'm cleaning up the changer some more, hopefully that will fix the tracking problem with the original caramic cart (as I mentioned in https://www.classichificare.com/viewtop ... 2&start=20)
The stick-on label is curled up at one end, I've tried clamping it down overnight, hoping that would make it stick, but no dice. Any suggestions on how to making it stick?
Jack of all trades & Master of none in Wimberley TX
I would suggest you gingerly remove the label. I don't know what kind of glue they used at the factory, but it the label comes loose, it will never likely stick down again. After you get the label up and off the changer, see if there is residue left from the glue. Again, gingerly, remove the residue with a single-edged razor blade. Then I would use Elmer's construction glue or similar to stick it back on. Contact cement would work if you had some. Be careful not to wrinkle the label as it's almost impossible to straighten back out. Good luck.
Life can be tough. It can be even tougher if you're stupid.....
This past fall I replaced the foam surrounds on a pair of Larger Advent speakers. The kit came with white glue. I had no idea that it was effective on steel (the woofer basket) but that's what they provided. On your label, my inclination might have been to use contact cement, but white or yellow glues are certainly more forgiving when placing, and easier to clean up.
Thanks for the advice on the label, I'll try removing and glueing.
Here's something that might be helpful to some of you; in cleaning the top surface of the changer, I've been using isopropyl alcohol and car wax. But it takes a lot of scrubbing to remove some of the spots. I've had this gun cleaning solvent sitting over my workbench that I got from my Dad (RIP) long ago. I tried it out on the changer enamel and was amazed at how it quickly removed the grime! It leaves a bit of an oily film, but that comes off easily with the alcohol. Looks like it's only available as a vintage item nowadays!
Jack of all trades & Master of none in Wimberley TX
It's not dead, I made sure of that before ordering the stylus, but distorted, weak audio even after cleaning/replacing the connector pins.
