Help ID this Magnavox Console

[Hi-Fi-Mogul]

Hello all,
I haven't seen this in person yet.
The young owners want the changer
serviced.

Any ideas on the model/year ?
I think this 600 record changer went through 1965.

Next week they'll send me a photo of the innards
to determine SS or tube electronics.

Thanks !

[electra225]

It is a 1961 big Imperial. It has the S-600 changer, that started with the 1961 models. It probably also had a tuning meter instead of the eye tube found on the 1959-1960 models. It would have the 81 series bi-amp amplifier in it, with 15" woofers and horn tweeters. I believe that is the same model Bill has. Maybe he will chime in here.

[William]

Yep, it's as Greg stated and yes, I do have that Big Imperial French Provincial model. Although, at some point there was a discussion that mine might be a 1962 model? One thing I can say about mine, it is a great performer and will blow you out of the room.

Bill

[electra225]

I see the contraption that holds the "hood" up is disconnected on the one posted. Mine won't hold the lid up, either unless you tinker with it just right. Does yours work right, Bill, and do you have any idea how to make one work better?

[Hi-Fi-Mogul]

Thanks gents for the information.

Wow, I've heard those bi-amps are
something else.

I already informed the owner that some
basic electronics service will be in order.
It's good to know it's a tube set-up.

Dave1138 and I are in the process of a
restoration of another VERY nice brand of console.
We'll let you all in on it, once it's done.

This Magnavox may be the second nice console we'll get
to restore later in the Summer.

[electra225]

They are not hard, just a lot of parts to deal with. Pay special attention to the cathode bypass components in the amp. My cathode bias resistor was burnt internally, causing a nasty hum. Then there are the 220K reistors in the amp. They are typically found drifted high. I replace them without even checking them in most cases. Magnavox used some extremely chintzy components in their amps. The Goodall caps they used are about as junky as bumblebees. The resistors drift high many times. Plenty of room to work. Beautifully built otherwise. Bill has the only good one. Mine sounds like a clock radio as far as bass response goes. I have a couple of mods that was done to his '62 model that I am going to try. Make sure you get the right schematic. They are a little different year to year. Good luck.

[William]

My hood won't stay up either. I tried adjusting the spring tension which is done at the back of the unit. It worked once and has failed ever since. I use a paint stir stick to hold mine open. Of all my restored consoles, my Magnavox Berkshire and my Magnavox big Imperial are the best sounding. The big Imperial has a sound of its own. Very clear and more bass than I can use.

Mr. Mogul, both Greg and I and I'm sure others here on the forum are looking forward to you restoration on the big Imperial. Two things that I am especially curious about. Date codes on the tubes, and are the speakers fully enclosed within the cabinet?

Thanks for sharing the photos on the big Imperial and I am looking forward to what you are working on now.

Bill

[Firedome]

When and which models did Mag start enclosing the speaker compartments?

[electra225]

As far as I know, only the Concert Grand and certain big Imperials in the tube era.

[William]

I can only speak about my Big Imperial. It has enclosed speakers within the cabinet.

Bill

[electra225]

My Imperial has open speaker enclosures, but they will get closed as soon as I can get it done.

[Hi-Fi-Mogul]

Okay guys, here's some photos from
the Imperial owner.

1. What is that chassis attached to the rear panel ?

2. It looks like I have a lot of wires to remove so
I can get the changer out.

What recommendations for keeping track of those wires ?

3. Is the tuner chassis sitting above the power amp ?

I could find no schematic for that 6403-00 chassis number.

4. Next week, I'll go to see the Imperial in person, and
get some other chassis/tube info numbers.

This project may start in August, we'll see.

[TC Chris]

FM multiplex device?

Chris Campbell

[electra225]

It's the multiplex adapter. Mine is mounted inside the cabinet, right directly on top of the output tubes. I'd say that one was installed after the console was built. That is not its correct orientation. The only thing to do with all the wires on the back in order to remove it is to make a diagram so you'll know how they go. That is another Magnavox tradition that takes getting used to. Dangling wiring is another. It can be made neater, but it is never really well-organized. The tuner sets above the amp. I have a diagram for a 6401 tuner if that would help you. There is really not that much to do inside the tuner. A few caps to replace. IF you aren't having a specific issue, you may get by without a drawing for the tuner. You should remove the tuner before you remove the changer. On a CG, you have to remove the changer to remove the tuner. Good luck!

[Hydrolastic]

Hello guys. That's a lot of work it looks to me. Very dirty. The amp is the same as the continental and the day or so mine was running showed some good HP. The 15" speakers are funny in mine as they are both different and the measure at 3.7 ohms instead of the 8 ohms in the CG, Despite one side looking identical. The 81 series amp is no slouch in my book. I was able to find a nice empty cabinet for mine. and in the next few years I plan on putting the two together and making one nice one. Someone here was saying the imperial was their nicest sounding console. Hydro

[William]

Aaron, that would be me. My Imperial really kicks butt. It's the best sounding stereo that I have restored so far. For what others have said, lack of bass, mine is the complete opposite.

Bill