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Magnavox Collaro W821

Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2026 2:31 am
by Hi-Fi-Mogul
This changer is a few years newer than the W801 I recently serviced.

The motor rotor spun by hand was off, and when I opened up
the motor, the bearings were bone dry.
After cleaning and added turbine oil, the rotor spins like a top when rotated.

I was peeved some smart design engineer at Collaro changed
the motor AC power plug so that the motor, plug, and switch
cannot be removed as one unit.

That was a nice feature of the W801.

The W821 has a new auto-locking/un-locking tonearm clip
which is a positive change.

The cycling mech is the same as the W801, with a
different motor design than the W801.

This unit has a functional E-V 275 stereo cartridge in the tonearm.
I had a stylus already in stock, so I installed it.

Full table test out tomorrow.

Re: Magnavox Collaro W821

Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2026 11:15 am
by William
It is interesting to see they still used a 4-pole motor and to see they simplified changer mechanism. I think the 600 series is still my favorite.

Bill

Re: Magnavox Collaro W821

Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2026 3:08 pm
by stbasil
What's the tracking pressure?

Re: Magnavox Collaro W821

Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2026 12:16 am
by Hi-Fi-Mogul
Tracking for the E-V 275 is 2-4 grams.

Cycling and speed test-out today with power all good,
and cartridge sounds good.

I found the changer needed the set-down position adjusted,
so that the end of record play would engage at appropriate
position.

Another Garrard 3000 series appears to be heading my way for
service.

If it has to be 100+ F for 10 days, at least I can make
some dough staying inside and working on these changers.