Rock-Ola 1494 Sound

[gordo]

Hi All,

I am rebuilding a stereo 1494 jukebox (the wallmount type).

Everything is working well, however, the sound should be better (I think). It is a bit muffled.
The AVC switch only reduces the volume.

The amp has been rebuilt, new speakers are installed and the connections all appear good.

I bought a new replacement needle, however, it does not fit as the cartridge is not original.

My next move is to replace the cartridge and needle (I don't know if there is a way to check this).

Can anyone recommend a good replacement cartridge for this jukebox?
I am playing 45 rpm records in stereo.

Kind Regards

Gordon...

[Ron Rich]

Hi Gordon
Are the "replacement speakers" correct ? As for carts. check the FAQ's above for suppliers--or perhaps someone who knows will chime in --- Ron Rich

[gordo]

Hi Ron,

The guy who rebuilt the amp informed me that the speakers are a 'reasonable quality brand' and will be fine for the amp.

This jukebox originally had only 2 speakers, however an additional 2 (base speakers) have been added.
He provided me with a diagram how to wire them up.

Gordon

[Ron Rich]

Hi Gordon---OK--didja axk him about the cart.? Ron Rich

[Ron Rich]

Gordon,
BTW--where did you manage to fit 2 MORE speakers in that small cabinet ? What about "rattles" ??
Ron Rich

[gordo]

Hi Ron,

No, I was not able to question him about the cart.
He is a guitar amp builder, so has limited knowledge on jukeboxes etc.
His main work is rebuilding valve guitar amps for bands, both local and international.

The extra speakers are built into a stand attached to the bottom.
Someone did a pretty good job and added wheels and a leather look finish to the sides.
I considered removing it during the rebuild, however, it grew on me and looks OK.
No rattles.

I disconnected the additional speakers and ran the juke on 2 speakers only.
It is definitely better with the 4 speakers connected.

All I can think of is that the needle/cartridge are past their use by dates.
I checked the connectors are good and soldered well.
John Durfee has a Cartridge TN4/P132 that looks like it will fit.
If no-one else advises differently, I will probably go with that.


Cheers

Gordon...

[robnyc]

Sept 12, 2018 9:05:34 GMT gordo said:

Hi All,

I am rebuilding a stereo 1494 jukebox (the wallmount type).

Everything is working well, however, the sound should be better (I think). It is a bit muffled.
The AVC switch only reduces the volume.

Gordon, whenever I read or hear a question such as this I suggest trying a speaker or two that are known to you as having good sound. The 8" size in there is Ok if you have at least a whizzer cone on each. 

Another test is to connect a tuner or ipod,phone etc to the input. However, R-O puts some tone shaping at the cart input and it's affect is dependent on the very high impedance of that type cart. A low impedance source will not be affected by the filtering. If you are feeling adventurous, you could disconnect the package circuit at the grid on the input tube and replace it with just a resistor of 1 megohm or more.

Ceramic pickup's are in general a bit duller than a decent magnetic. The one suggested is variable in quality from one to the next, but probably as good as obtainable and able to deal with that unbalanced arm.  

You might try asking on Phonoland as these machines were popular in Europe and they might have a suggestion regarding a cart.

The AGC should reduce volume on a loud record. Due to the goofy use of thermistors feeding back DC to the tube cathodes to control level, there was no squelch. So the input gain has to be set so that there is not too much overshoot at the start of a loud record. I've had several R-O's from that era with that setup, while it did simplify the circuitry, the lack of squelch limited the AGC's ability to really level different records. There was also some L-R volume tracking deviation at different levels of AGC action.

That machine was about the only model that I'd wanted to own, but never did. There was one at an op on Tenth Ave, but the internal wiring a been hacked up and cabinet vandalized. He wanted $100.

A sweet little machine.


RobNYC

[gordo]

Hi Rob,

Thanks for your advice.

I removed the earplugs off an old MP3 player and connected it to the input on the amp.

WOW! What a difference. Much clearer sound.

So, I guess my problem is either needle, cartridge or wiring between the tonearm and amplifier.

I think I will purchase the Cartridge TN4/P132 and see it it improves my sound.

Thanks again.

Regards

Gordon...

[gordo]

I fitted a new needle and cartridge. The sound is now much better and clearer.

Regards

Gordon..