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Vintage Audio (record players, hi-fi etc) Amplifiers, speakers, gramophones and other audio equipment.

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Old 29th Apr 2018, 12:25 pm   #1
G30rg3sh0rt
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Default Two non working Dansettes

Hello
I have a Dansette Conquest Auto and a Bermuda which are both non working.
Both of the valves looked damaged so i bough new ones and replaced them however it still makes no sound.
I have a feeling that the problem with the conquest is the cartridge which the terminals had fallen off the wires so i just have to solder them back on and plug them back into the cartridge, however I'm completely stumped by the Bermuda. I've tried using a wire from the tape out in the back to a separate amplifier however no sound was created as well.
Is there any parts that usually go bad which i could test with a multimeter or any tests i could run to test if the amplifiers inside them are faulty.
Could you also help with with which valves i need. I got a replacement EL84 for the Bermuda and a 6AQ5 for the Conquest as the other 6AT6 looked fine. I believe these are the correct valves but if they aren't please can you assist me on which ones i need.
Thanks so much
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Old 29th Apr 2018, 1:26 pm   #2
Edward Huggins
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Default Re: Two non working Dansettes

It seems that you have an early model 2 valve Conquest. The valves are all the correct types. It's easy to jump to obvious consclusions, but it could be that both cartridges have failed. You will be able to get a more modern stereo-compatible, medium-output cartridge for the Conquest, but the high-output cartridge you need for the Berumuda are no longer made. You will need to buy a modern clone/copy type. We can advise as to the types you need. Both will be quite expensive £35-40 each. it is also likely that the valves you replaced may have been OK.
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Old 29th Apr 2018, 5:11 pm   #3
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Default Re: Two non working Dansettes

Before you go buying new pickup cartridges, I would get the amplifiers working first.
If you touch the wires on the back of the pickup do you get any buzzing noise from the speaker..
What experience do you have with working with valve equipment, and what tools test equipment have you got.
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Last edited by crackle; 29th Apr 2018 at 5:23 pm.
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Old 7th May 2018, 8:31 pm   #4
G30rg3sh0rt
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Default Re: Two non working Dansettes

So far I've used a multimeter to test the components but they looked and seemed fine. I've had other amplifiers and audio equipment apart before but not valve amplifiers.

I did have on the Conquest however, I put in the new valves and turned it on, smelled warm then massive sparks came from the valve so I have doubts that they work anymore.
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Old 7th May 2018, 9:41 pm   #5
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Default Re: Two non working Dansettes

There were several different amps fitted in the Dansette Conquest. What's the valve line up in yours?
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Old 8th May 2018, 9:06 am   #6
Edward Huggins
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Default Re: Two non working Dansettes

From what I can glean here, the OP has an early 2 valve Conquest version - using 6AT6 and 6AQ5. As to "sparks coming from the valve" I cannot tell why, as valves do not usually spark and, if so, then will have likely died. I still have a feeling that if the OP had "grid tested" the amps for functionality, he would have found that in both players the cartridges would have been at fault and the valves possibly were quite OK. As this is first time the OP has worked on valved equipment he should read the useful Sticky above here on reviving old record players. Alternatively he could get these looked at by specialists in Norfolk.
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Old 8th May 2018, 9:49 am   #7
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Default Re: Two non working Dansettes

Quote:
Originally Posted by Edward Huggins View Post
Alternatively he could get these looked at by specialists in Norfolk.
Or perhaps a specialist in Suffolk like yourself?
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Old 8th May 2018, 11:30 am   #8
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Default Re: Two non working Dansettes

Graham, I am more than willing to drive over to Beccles on a no obligation basis and assist if the OP so wishes!
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Old 8th May 2018, 2:14 pm   #9
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Default Re: Two non working Dansettes

That sounds like a good idea. I'd be interested to hear what you find.
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Old 8th May 2018, 4:33 pm   #10
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Default Re: Two non working Dansettes

Quote:
Originally Posted by G30rg3sh0rt View Post

I did have on the Conquest however, I put in the new valves and turned it on, smelled warm then massive sparks came from the valve so I have doubts that they work anymore.
That's not terribly usual unless the smoothing cap has gone dead short or the valves are in the wrong sockets (Other causes may also be to blame).

A lamp limiter can help to prevent fireworks and preserve expensive parts.

If I were you I would take Edward up on his generous offer

Cheers

Mike T
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