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Is this one worth restoring?

Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2024 7:38 pm
by stbasil
Hi all,
This 2-piece vacuum tube Magnavox was posted on Facebook Marketplace, seller has marked down to $200, which is still too much, but I was wondering what the model is, and a date? Looks like cone speakers, not horns, but what size are those woofers? Seller says the turntable doesn't work, but I am sure I can take care of that. It'll need recapping, too. But I am curious to know what you Maggie experts think about this model--is it high-enough quality to restore for personal use? I asked the seller for the dimensions, but no reply yet. I was hoping that the 2-piece design would give me some flexibility in placement.
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Re: Is this one worth restoring?

Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2024 11:17 pm
by TC Chris
We need a model no. to make specific comments. I'll just note that I have a slightly earlier mono model ("Magnasonic") and it has a beefy parallel P-P amp and 2-12" woofers with 2-4" tweeters mounted coaxially in front of the big ones. My response to "worth restoring" questions is always "yes"because the devices are survivors. They aren't making them any more. But of course, the price has to be right.

Chris Campbell

Re: Is this one worth restoring?

Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2024 11:41 pm
by electra225
Welcome aboard! We hope you will make yourself at home and dive right in! We are a friendly, laid-back bunch. There is a lot of talent on this forum to share. We hope to see you often......... :D :D

Anything that says "Magnavox" on it is worth restoring and enjoying for many years to come. ;) ;)

Re: Is this one worth restoring?

Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2024 11:57 pm
by stbasil
The model number is 1SR276 F. Sorry I did not put that in the original post! I did not realize that info was in the seller's listing :oops:
And, I got the dimensions: 23"W 16.5"D 29.5"H

Re: Is this one worth restoring?

Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2024 12:44 am
by William
Hi stbasil. The stereo you have posted is from 1959. It came in two models, with or without the tuner and being your model number is SR-276 you have the tuner. It is rated at 20 watts of power, has 15" woofers, 8" midrange, plus 5" tweeters. It is called the Belvedere and the extra speaker is model S-35. I you go to the "downloads" here on the forum you will find a 1959 Magnavox Catalog that will show you the model and a brief description of the unit. It also shows up in the 1959 Magnavox Brochure. I hope this helps.

Bill

Re: Is this one worth restoring?

Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2024 1:22 am
by stbasil
Great information! Thanks so much for everybody's help! Now, I just have to see what my wife thinks about this--I'll have to move the Olympic to another room, or try to sell it!
Bill Long

Re: Is this one worth restoring?

Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2024 1:35 am
by electra225
We have members here on our little forum who are adept at "stacking". Plus, we have another wise saying "There is ALWAYS room for JUST ONE more"....... ;) ;) :roll: :lol: :lol:

I have six Magnavox stereos, one of which is a Stereo Theater. The wife likes them during holiday time because they make a good base for her to put out all her Christmas geegaws..... :oops: :cry:

Re: Is this one worth restoring?

Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2024 5:18 pm
by stbasil
When I first started looking at this system, I was thinking the second speaker enclosure was "active", having it's own power amplifier. But, after reading the literature, it appears the second speaker is passive, meaning you should run a decent gauge zip cord from the main unit. Which is it?

Re: Is this one worth restoring?

Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2024 8:12 pm
by Hi-Fi-Mogul
Some internet posts state the 1SR276 uses 2 channel stereo AMP 175.

Schematic is in the downloads here.

The chassis will have the amplifier number ink-stamped on it.

Re: Is this one worth restoring?

Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2024 10:18 pm
by William
Yes, the amplifier is in the main unit so all you will need, if it is not already provided/attached with the aux. speaker, is some speaker or extension cord wire. Maybe 18 gauge.

Bill

Re: Is this one worth restoring?

Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2024 1:13 am
by hermitcrab
welcome to the forum... and I would not hesitate to restore that beauty

Re: Is this one worth restoring?

Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2024 12:56 pm
by William
Hi Bill. So, did you aquire the Magnavox? I do not think you would be disappointed with its performance and once restored it would give you many years of enjoyment.

Bill

Re: Is this one worth restoring?

Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2024 3:14 pm
by Brettzky99
Any push pull tube Magnavox With front facing 15" woofers is worth restoring.

Fairly easy and deep chassis to work on and recap. Lots of space for new caps underneath, check for out or spec resistors...Magnavox's usually have a handful. Replacing the original crossover caps in the speaker cabinets will improve the range

Re: Is this one worth restoring?

Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2024 11:38 pm
by electra225
Also check the cathode bias resistor. It should be exactly on value. I have found three burned internally. That is pretty hard on output transformers....

Re: Is this one worth restoring?

Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2024 12:04 am
by stbasil
Bombed out on getting this one, but just posted about a potential Astrosonic 100.