I have a story to tell you. When my grandmother died she left my mother some money. Before that we only had a black-and-white TV. After researching some death records today I came across my grandmothers grave at Forest lawn in California. From that I got her death dateand I remembered that she left my mom some money that year for which she bought two RCA televisions one being this exact console. I really enjoyed seeing your video because I spent more time in front of the TV then I did in school at the time. I ate bugles and chips of every sort. It's a wonder I'm still alive.thank you very much for the video
I remember that model. I repaired a few of those "back in the day." Of course, when the TV failed and if it required to be brought into the shop, I'd have to pull the chassis and only take that because these were way too heavy to take to the shop as a unit. Normally, before doing that, I'd test the picture tube to make sure that it was ok, because if it was not, then I'd either have to take that too, or after informing the customer that the picture tube is bad (showing them on the tester's meters) and letting them know how much it was going to cost for a total repair. When the CRT was bad and the customer wanted to continue with the expensive repair, I'd take the chassis to the shop and connect it to my "jig" and complete the repairs. Then, to assure all is perfect, I'd connect the actual new picture tube to it and do all the alignment needed so that I could literally just replace their tube on site with the new one, connect the chassis and complete the job. Those sets has amazing color too. Back then, RCA was so good.
I agree about it being around a 1969 model. We bought a brand new RCA tv just like the on in this console featured here; it was a console tv by itself; no stereo, but the channel selector and the little black door which covered the color and tint knobs looked just like your tv in the stereo cabinet. It lasted almost 15 years including being shipped to Germany and back as we were in the military.
My buddy and I moved a Muntz combo console when we were in eighth grade. Figure about 14 years old. Wheeled it on a cart up a big hill about two miles from where he lived. We were tired. It had been raining all day. It was extra heavy being wet and slippery. We set about taking it down the walk out basement stairs. Me on the bottom walking backwards and he on the top. About part way down I didn't think I could manage anymore. But I had to because there was no way to set it down. So damn heavy and very frightening to realize you've got to succed. I've moved and picked up and carried too many heavy things. Thankfully I'm not disabled. But I've dealt with bulging discs and chronic back pain. I'm also somehow 2-1/2" shorter than I used to be... Be careful, but get at it and get it done!
It IS very cool and was obviously lovingly cared for for many years. Its styling is very 70s, so it was probably originally purchased at the precise moment these things were becoming UNCOOL vs. the component systems. It could even be from the last year they made console stereos (anyone know what that was?). Getting it for free in 1985 wouldn't have been much of a surprise, but today, those DO have a value on the collectibles market. Not quite what the sleeker, sexier 1960s ones do, but visually, it has its own unique "vibe" and deserves a prominent place, not in a bedroom or the basement, but in the living room, right under the wall mounted big screen. Also, it's possible to not too invasively install a $5 Bluetooth receiver, pretty much bringing it up to date. Hear music from your phone on those tube powered speakers and be glad you don't have that guy's wife!
From what I can see that is a pre 1968 model. 1966-1967 would be my bet. The RCA logo is still the old meatball logo. They went to the modern RCA one in 1968.
WOW how cool! '70's for sure! Big monster 70's furniture. Looks like the stuff my parents had in their living room. I think it was called Spanish Modern. Everything looked like old castle furniture. That is a lovely player! WOW the sound is amazing!
That was a great find. The tv can be upgraded to a thin flat screen tv. You won’t find parts for the old tv anymore. Just strip out the tv bezel and chassis and crt and a flat screen will fit nicely
Wow. For the life of me I can't think of the model of my parents' second RCA console stereo, which this unit very closely resembles. I do remember it having a multi-speed rim drive record changer, six speakers, (2 each woofer, mid and tweeter...all cones) and AM/FM tuner, in an angled style Mahogany cabinet like the photo. My parents ended up letting me have it. I remember all too well my parents' anger when I decided to tear the electronics apart. Oh were they mad! But, this is how my audio/video hobby began. I did manage to get the thing put back together...I spliced in a Radio Shack 5-band equalizer between the preamp and amp wiring to get it to sound better. Hey, it worked.
That changer is one of the best of any brand ever made. One and a big one is the dust cleaning brush or felt tip at the center head of the cartridge holder. It does a number of things; one keeps dust off the needle; two, it rides the record so the the weight of the phono-cartridge is only weight on the needle; three, no anti-skating problems. There are other things about that changer that makes it one of the best of all time.
Those old stereo systems from back then must have been (nearly) impossible to load into the back of your car because of the size and specially the weight after you've purchased it! It must have been delivered with a van from the retailer along with a cart to roll this entertainment center into your home.
That’s a cool piece. But I can tell you it’s definitely older than 70s. It still has the old RCA lightning bolt logo on everything. Those were pretty much done by about 1967 or 68.
The "New Vista" name was RCA's subtle plug for their tiny metal-case vacuum tubes that often served the roles that have been filled by field effect transistors of various kinds since the early 1970s. I've always wondered how much "New Vista" equipment actually contained newvistors; I know the top-end TVs did, but I don't know if the stereos did, especially the ones that were mostly transistorized. I do know that some high-end FM tuners from that era had nuvistors, maybe Scott or Macintosh . Growing up in that era, I remember being impressed by how much more sensitive the last vacuum tube FM sets were, compared to the early solid state ones; I assume that junction transistors, in most configurations, just didn't have a high enough input impedance to preserve a faint FM signal.
The Nuvistor was a small and powerful triode or sometimes tetrode that was inclosed in ceramic and unlike glass tubes, no gasses were used. They were used in the Fisher 500 FM detector section and perhaps the 800 as well. The RCA " New Vista" televisions were great for people who lived in "Fringe" areas and were not close to a TV broadcast station. They had the ability to pull signals from a distance.
On the arm tracking force, the arm should have a dust pad on the front - and the cartridge actually floats along for the ride at a very light tracking force. Back then, RCA, Zenith and Magnavox consoles played as light or lighter than the bulk of magnetic cartridges of the day. Of course magnetic cartridges greatly improved, and ceramics were mostly known for the junk found in cheap stereos.
I have a 1963 Dumont ravel console. EL84 single ended amp with jensen P10 woofers and it'll blow the doors off . I'd love to take a shot at your tv though. I fixed many of those.
that turntable was used in a 1968 model I had, not sure if yours is the same year or not , but it was loud could have had a block party with it...if the CRT is still good I would restore the TV as well...
That was from the 1960's actaully. Yours looks about 1968/69. That stylus should be tracking at 2.5 - 3 grams. However, the Magnavox Astrosonic system blew that RCA out of the water. Now, as good as that sounds...from that same time period, an AR-XA Turntable with a SHURE V15-II Improved, pair of AR Speakers and a good Marantz Receiver would KILL that "for the masses" RCA.
I decided to re-watch this video again. OK. This was definitely not my parents' second stereo console. Theirs did not have a TV, and there was a center lid. Turntable, AM FM radio, that was it. Oh well. It looks like it. Thanks again.
Ah the ceramic cartridge... most were absolute drudge and wear out records three times as fast. Best substitute an entry level moving magnet cartridge that tracks five times lower and an aftermarket phono preamp which are cheap and easy to find these days. Your records and ears will thank you.
My parents have a stereo only version that's high end like your unit...It waas for sure a high end unit as you can tell from all the cheap units you see.You should be able to get the tv to work as it most likely has bad tubes!!
I see that and I immediately transcend into 1970s finished basment with wood panelling, orange and green asbestos tiles, stale smoke, and the corner bar complete with 2 stools, rarely used. Unfortunately, many consoles of the later 70's were pure sh!t with BSR turntables and solid state innards from Japan.
Hi. I just inherited on of these. Having trouble installing a new needle. Do you think you might be able to help me? I ordered a new needle on ebay but cant seem to install correctly. Thank you
Don't be too quick to write off that TV. those old RCA color sets can make VERY nice pics IF the CRT is good. Chances are the problem is not huge. You should see if you can post a chassis number (will be on the back) give some clue as to what you have. Should begin with CTC-. With an RF modulator you can use it with modern video devises. Nothing beats vintage programming on vintage gear. What ever you do don't be tempted to gut it an put in a POS flat screen. You may find some one local to fix.
Childude2007 - wonder if you kept this and are still enjoying it or did someone buy it from you and maybe decided to get the TV working? It has been five years, so ..just curious. These tv/radio/record player units of this size are less common than the long stretches. Good to see, though the style isn't my favorite…it's still a great unit. Thanks.
How the hell, can you get 70s porn music from what's being played here?! Clearly, another stupid, foolish, hip-hop, fool who knows nothing about music beyond what you've been brainwashed and conditioned to listen to. Out.
Your model most likely is a late 60s one long about 1967-68. RCA switch to their regular capital letters on their products sometime shortly after. THe TV, most likely is a tube one. Hopefully if you get it fixed properly and tuned up, it could last you for years. I however wasn't impressed with these late 60s solid state turntables. If the amp was too powerful, the turntable sound had too much rumble. But if you get the TV working, the sound should be awesome.
A tech told me in 1993 RCA consoles only put out 25W max. I wondered because mine didn't have very much power at all. It was a New Vista as well. My car stereo was more powerful than the console I had.
Hi! I'm Tom. I've noticed that chilldude2007 might not have responded back to you back on April 18, 2010, on about your question (who is on that record) that he played. One day I browsed on here to find the artist and song on Jive records. I looked closely on here at the video and the artist is Glenn Jones - We've Only Just Begun. ebay has the 7'' record with the vocal side and instrumental on the other and the other song is from Hiroshima - One Wish. ebay has the lp with that song that heard on the radio at first on it, called, Another Place. The song you heard from hiroshima is called, One Wish.
Amazing, prestigious, pretentious, quality fine materials and workmanship, and butt-ugly, suited many of the middle class. Some of better 50s and 60 U.S. engineering in turntables and speakers in these ultimately had to be swept away for more advanced electronic components with sound the main aim, not matching decor, not cost of solid wood. The receiver and components came for the modern home, .and for college students wanting good powerful sound that could fit in dorm etc. a world apart from consoles for the home and low fi cheap stuff teens had for 45s on, much like the Crosley little suitcase turntables they sell now.
Before buying one and being disappointed, I'd like to know if RCA changers of this era can operate the 2 and a half-inch high VM 45 adaptors, rather than that cheap, molded, no-mechanics piece of crap RCA designed. If the 45 spindle can't hold and drop the records properly _without_ necessitating use of the balance arm, it's the wrong one for me. I insist on the option of the top record in the stack being able to repeat play. _Non-negotiable_.
I have a story to tell you. When my grandmother died she left my mother some money. Before that we only had a black-and-white TV. After researching some death records today I came across my grandmothers grave at Forest lawn in California. From that I got her death dateand I remembered that she left my mom some money that year for which she bought two RCA televisions one being this exact console. I really enjoyed seeing your video because I spent more time in front of the TV then I did in school at the time. I ate bugles and chips of every sort. It's a wonder I'm still alive.thank you very much for the video
I remember that model. I repaired a few of those "back in the day."
Of course, when the TV failed and if it required to be brought into the shop, I'd have to pull the chassis and only take that because these were way too heavy to take to the shop as a unit.
Normally, before doing that, I'd test the picture tube to make sure that it was ok, because if it was not, then I'd either have to take that too, or after informing the customer that the picture tube is bad (showing them on the tester's meters) and letting them know how much it was going to cost for a total repair.
When the CRT was bad and the customer wanted to continue with the expensive repair, I'd take the chassis to the shop and connect it to my "jig" and complete the repairs.
Then, to assure all is perfect, I'd connect the actual new picture tube to it and do all the alignment needed so that I could literally just replace their tube on site with the new one, connect the chassis and complete the job.
Those sets has amazing color too.
Back then, RCA was so good.
I agree about it being around a 1969 model. We bought a brand new RCA tv just like the on in this console featured here; it was a console tv by itself; no stereo, but the channel selector and the little black door which covered the color and tint knobs looked just like your tv in the stereo cabinet. It lasted almost 15 years including being shipped to Germany and back as we were in the military.
The guy’s wife must have been crazy not allowing him to bring that fine vintage piece of electronics into the house
My buddy and I moved a Muntz combo console when we were in eighth grade. Figure about 14 years old. Wheeled it on a cart up a big hill about two miles from where he lived. We were tired. It had been raining all day. It was extra heavy being wet and slippery. We set about taking it down the walk out basement stairs. Me on the bottom walking backwards and he on the top. About part way down I didn't think I could manage anymore. But I had to because there was no way to set it down. So damn heavy and very frightening to realize you've got to succed.
I've moved and picked up and carried too many heavy things. Thankfully I'm not disabled. But I've dealt with bulging discs and chronic back pain. I'm also somehow 2-1/2" shorter than I used to be... Be careful, but get at it and get it done!
It IS very cool and was obviously lovingly cared for for many years. Its styling is very 70s, so it was probably originally purchased at the precise moment these things were becoming UNCOOL vs. the component systems. It could even be from the last year they made console stereos (anyone know what that was?). Getting it for free in 1985 wouldn't have been much of a surprise, but today, those DO have a value on the collectibles market. Not quite what the sleeker, sexier 1960s ones do, but visually, it has its own unique "vibe" and deserves a prominent place, not in a bedroom or the basement, but in the living room, right under the wall mounted big screen. Also, it's possible to not too invasively install a $5 Bluetooth receiver, pretty much bringing it up to date. Hear music from your phone on those tube powered speakers and be glad you don't have that guy's wife!
From what I can see that is a pre 1968 model. 1966-1967 would be my bet. The RCA logo is still the old meatball logo. They went to the modern RCA one in 1968.
WOW how cool! '70's for sure! Big monster 70's furniture. Looks like the stuff my parents had in their living room. I think it was called Spanish Modern. Everything looked like old castle furniture. That is a lovely player! WOW the sound is amazing!
That was a great find. The tv can be upgraded to a thin flat screen tv. You won’t find parts for the old tv anymore. Just strip out the tv bezel and chassis and crt and a flat screen will fit nicely
Wow. For the life of me I can't think of the model of my parents' second RCA console stereo, which this unit very closely resembles. I do remember it having a multi-speed rim drive record changer, six speakers, (2 each woofer, mid and tweeter...all cones) and AM/FM tuner, in an angled style Mahogany cabinet like the photo. My parents ended up letting me have it. I remember all too well my parents' anger when I decided to tear the electronics apart. Oh were they mad! But, this is how my audio/video hobby began. I did manage to get the thing put back together...I spliced in a Radio Shack 5-band equalizer between the preamp and amp wiring to get it to sound better. Hey, it worked.
That changer is one of the best of any brand ever made. One and a big one is the dust cleaning brush or felt tip at the center head of the cartridge holder. It does a number of things; one keeps dust off the needle; two, it rides the record so the the weight of the phono-cartridge is only weight on the needle; three, no anti-skating problems. There are other things about that changer that makes it one of the best of all time.
Those old stereo systems from back then must have been (nearly) impossible to load into the back of your car because of the size and specially the weight after you've purchased it! It must have been delivered with a van from the retailer along with a cart to roll this entertainment center into your home.
nice console I would have a repairman look at the tv restore this beauty back to its old self
I like the way RCA sounds as the way Magnavox sounds
That’s a cool piece. But I can tell you it’s definitely older than 70s. It still has the old RCA lightning bolt logo on everything. Those were pretty much done by about 1967 or 68.
What a monster ! I love it. Top of the line...
I woulda told the wife too bad lol
Same.
The "New Vista" name was RCA's subtle plug for their tiny metal-case vacuum tubes that often served the roles that have been filled by field effect transistors of various kinds since the early 1970s. I've always wondered how much "New Vista" equipment actually contained newvistors; I know the top-end TVs did, but I don't know if the stereos did, especially the ones that were mostly transistorized. I do know that some high-end FM tuners from that era had nuvistors, maybe Scott or Macintosh . Growing up in that era, I remember being impressed by how much more sensitive the last vacuum tube FM sets were, compared to the early solid state ones; I assume that junction transistors, in most configurations, just didn't have a high enough input impedance to preserve a faint FM signal.
The Nuvistor was a small and powerful triode or sometimes tetrode that was inclosed in ceramic and unlike glass tubes, no gasses were used. They were used in the Fisher 500 FM detector section and perhaps the 800 as well. The RCA " New Vista" televisions were great for people who lived in "Fringe" areas and were not close to a TV broadcast station. They had the ability to pull signals from a distance.
On the arm tracking force, the arm should have a dust pad on the front - and the cartridge actually floats along for the ride at a very light tracking force. Back then, RCA, Zenith and Magnavox consoles played as light or lighter than the bulk of magnetic cartridges of the day. Of course magnetic cartridges greatly improved, and ceramics were mostly known for the junk found in cheap stereos.
cool stereo,i like those rca changers of that era.
BEAUTIFUL!
Back then they called it RCA:Home Entertainment Center.It had a Color TV in the Center.
Very much like my Dad had, back In the 70’s.
I have a 1963 Dumont ravel console. EL84 single ended amp with jensen P10 woofers and it'll blow the doors off . I'd love to take a shot at your tv though. I fixed many of those.
Now that's old school ! Very cool !
that turntable was used in a 1968 model I had, not sure if yours is the same year or not , but it was loud could have had a block party with it...if the CRT is still good I would restore the TV as well...
Beautiful record player
That was from the 1960's actaully. Yours looks about 1968/69. That stylus should be tracking at 2.5 - 3 grams. However, the Magnavox Astrosonic system blew that RCA out of the water.
Now, as good as that sounds...from that same time period, an AR-XA Turntable with a SHURE V15-II Improved, pair of AR Speakers and a good Marantz Receiver would KILL that "for the masses" RCA.
It's likely 1966-67.
I Always Had A Console Stereo until I was In My Late Teens I wish I Could Talk You Out Of That 45 Record My Wife And I Played That At Our Wedding
Best sounding coffin.
I decided to re-watch this video again. OK. This was definitely not my parents' second stereo console. Theirs did not have a TV, and there was a center lid. Turntable, AM FM radio, that was it. Oh well. It looks like it. Thanks again.
Ah the ceramic cartridge... most were absolute drudge and wear out records three times as fast. Best substitute an entry level moving magnet cartridge that tracks five times lower and an aftermarket phono preamp which are cheap and easy to find these days. Your records and ears will thank you.
you could so put a flat screen tv in that would look mint
My parents have a stereo only version that's high end like your unit...It waas for sure a high end unit as you can tell from all the cheap units you see.You should be able to get the tv to work as it most likely has bad tubes!!
You can replace the T.V. with a 'Flat Screen' of the same size !
Richs entertainment at that time
we had a 1972 rca tv with turntable
Fantástica esta RCA hoje os aparelhos reprodutores de audio e vídeo ou TV são uma porcaria. Forte abraço! Rio de Janeiro Brazil
Are you going to be posting videos again soon
Loved your credenza videos
Learned a lot on those
The style was called Mediterranean
I see that and I immediately transcend into 1970s finished basment with wood panelling, orange and green asbestos tiles, stale smoke, and the corner bar complete with 2 stools, rarely used. Unfortunately, many consoles of the later 70's were pure sh!t with BSR turntables and solid state innards from Japan.
It's very baeutiful.I love it.
parabens seus videos sao inesqueciveis° imortais deveria ser un patrimonio cultural mundial
By the way, where are you were part of the country? I am in San Diego now we lived in Connecticut at the time.
Glad you liked the vid. This console came from Kansas City Mo.
It's a total blast from the past. You didn't mention the radio has auto-scan. I loved that feature. ;=)
What was the name of that song on the radio. I love Smooth Jazz
That TV looks like retrochad's CTC 21 judging by the control panel.
some wd-40 or supertech may fix the changer I did that with a Magnavox changer and it helped in a heartbeat
Hi. I just inherited on of these. Having trouble installing a new needle. Do you think you might be able to help me? I ordered a new needle on ebay but cant seem to install correctly. Thank you
good old times
The TV is why it's so heavy obviously.
Nice....... just picked up a Phillips 237881 last night .
Nice set, I hope you can get the tv working.
Have not seen you on in a while
Still doing victrola’s?
I still have mine. But the TV, radio, record player and speakers need work.
Love the stereo not the nails.........man have the wifey trim those things you could peel apples!
I just bought a console that has that same record player just not the radio. Any idea what cartridge/needle it takes?
WOW!
Don't be too quick to write off that TV. those old RCA color sets can make VERY nice pics IF the CRT is good. Chances are the problem is not huge. You should see if you can post a chassis number (will be on the back) give some clue as to what you have. Should begin with CTC-. With an RF modulator you can use it with modern video devises. Nothing beats vintage programming on vintage gear. What ever you do don't be tempted to gut it an put in a POS flat screen. You may find some one local to fix.
A quality piece of audio equipment, not like the junk that gets crapped out of China on a weekly basis these days.
Childude2007 - wonder if you kept this and are still enjoying it or did someone buy it from you and maybe decided to get the TV working? It has been five years, so ..just curious. These tv/radio/record player units of this size are less common than the long stretches. Good to see, though the style isn't my favorite…it's still a great unit. Thanks.
Phil R (crickets) - it's gone and so is the owner. :-)
Did you ever get the television to work again . I bet the Television is a easy fix to get it working again . I would buy that set .
Perfect choice for the record.. '70s porn music LOL!!
How the hell, can you get 70s porn music from what's being played here?!
Clearly, another stupid, foolish, hip-hop, fool who knows nothing about music beyond what you've been brainwashed and conditioned to listen to. Out.
try and fit a flat screen in or try i see if tv could get fixed just for nostolgic reasons strange this set up tv always never lasted wonder why
Did you ever get to fix the TV?
Your model most likely is a late 60s one long about 1967-68. RCA switch to their regular capital letters on their products sometime shortly after. THe TV, most likely is a tube one. Hopefully if you get it fixed properly and tuned up, it could last you for years. I however wasn't impressed with these late 60s solid state turntables. If the amp was too powerful, the turntable sound had too much rumble. But if you get the TV working, the sound should be awesome.
A tech told me in 1993 RCA consoles only put out 25W max. I wondered because mine didn't have very much power at all. It was a New Vista as well. My car stereo was more powerful than the console I had.
interesting but who was on the 45????!!!..the record company was Jive
Hiroshima - One Wish
Glenn Jones - We've Only Just Begun instrumental
Yes OneWish a beautiful song came out in 87
Too bad this guy's wife does not appreciate quality.
what are those 2 songs called
Hiroshima - One Wish
Glenn Jones - We've Only Just Begun instrumental
i am looking for console stereo
Nice sound.
Man nice unit. Love your sexy bedroom voice. You anywhere near Chicagoland?
whats the name of the record your playing sound good .
Hi! I'm Tom. I've noticed that chilldude2007 might not have responded back to you back on April 18, 2010, on about your question (who is on that record) that he played. One day I browsed on here to find the artist and song on Jive records. I looked closely on here at the video and the artist is Glenn Jones - We've Only Just Begun. ebay has the 7'' record with the vocal side and instrumental on the other and the other song is from Hiroshima - One Wish. ebay has the lp with that song that heard on the radio at first on it, called, Another Place. The song you heard from hiroshima is called, One Wish.
Amazing, prestigious, pretentious, quality fine materials and workmanship, and butt-ugly, suited many of the middle class. Some of better 50s and 60 U.S. engineering in turntables and speakers in these ultimately had to be swept away for more advanced electronic components with sound the main aim, not matching decor, not cost of solid wood. The receiver and components came for the modern home, .and for college students wanting good powerful sound that could fit in dorm etc. a world apart from consoles for the home and low fi cheap stuff teens had for 45s on, much like the Crosley little suitcase turntables they sell now.
I bet you live to far from me . Im closer to the wisconsin illinois border.
Le interesaria venderlo????
I no longer have it.
You're way too rough with it.
swanky!
1:05 - FUNNY SH!T
WATCH YOUR MOUTH!
LAND SAKES ALIVE!
Before buying one and being disappointed, I'd like to know if RCA changers of this era can operate the 2 and a half-inch high VM 45 adaptors, rather than that cheap, molded, no-mechanics piece of crap RCA designed. If the 45 spindle can't hold and drop the records properly _without_ necessitating use of the balance arm, it's the wrong one for me. I insist on the option of the top record in the stack being able to repeat play. _Non-negotiable_.
just think if u could fix the tv or put in a modren set ....
Your luck his lost some women can make you or break you...