Anyone recognise this radiogram? (Identified as Decca SRG717)

[Welsh Anorak]

I've been sent these pictures to see if it can be got going again and I don't recognise it, though the cartridge is a Sonotone 19-T1. I'm sure you'll put me right - what's lurking in the huge cabinet?

[snowman_al]

Decca 717 Radiogram (like it says on the tin ;-)

So likely 'tin whiskers' in it...

[DMcMahon]

There are service sheets for it available from the Forum downloads.

David

[Welsh Anorak]

Should have had a closer look!

[Nickthedentist]

Yes, well done. SRG717 to give it its full model number.

A nothing special machine from late 1966, all solid-state, plenty of dodgy AF-series transistors to zap and replace. 90 Guineas new, but apparently bottom of the range.

Deck is a weird one, listed as a Decca Autochanger D590500, but actually a Balfour Princess.

Cartridge is probably dead...

So, it's doable but unlikely to be easy or fun!

N.

[Edward Huggins]

And a dreadful autochanger to fix. The Sonotone cartridge in it is not the correct one for the tone-arm, let alone half-decent stereo. Good luck !

[Nickthedentist]

Originally Posted by Edward Huggins

And a dreadful autochanger to fix. The Sonotone cartridge in it is not the correct one for the tone-arm, let alone half-decent stereo.

Yes it looks all wrong, and very primitve for the date, but the data says the original cartridge is indeed "Sonotone 19T".

[Audio1950]

Originally Posted by Edward Huggins

The Sonotone cartridge in it is not the correct one for the tone-arm, let alone half-decent stereo. Good luck !

The Sonotone 19T is the usual cartridge fitted to the Balfour Princess, and is original to this model.

Barry

[Welsh Anorak]

Looking at the general state of the 'gram - and its size! - I'm rather reluctant to get involved with this one. I might just have a quick look though....

[Nickthedentist]

Yes, no point in writing it off without a glance first, assuming it's local.

The chassis and turntable could easily be removed to your workshop, leaving the cabinet and speakers where they are.

If the radio/amp work, then I suppose you're halfway there, and could even drop-in a more trusty autochanger. If not, then probably best to run, unless you like battling with unreliable 1960s transistors.

The cabinet looks sad, but may well be fine after hoovering/cleaning/teak oiling.

Nick.

[wd40addict]

There's been a few Balfours on here lately. What's the history of the company, was it set up by a disgruntled BSR/Garrard employee?

[Edward Huggins]

Originally Posted by Audio1950

The Sonotone 19T is the usual cartridge fitted to the Balfour Princess, and is original to this model.

Barry

Thank you for advising and correcting me on this one.
It just looks SO wrong in that tone-arm, especially as it's an early low-compliance, turnover (not flipunder) type.....
.....

[paulsherwin]

Originally Posted by Nickthedentist

A nothing special machine from late 1966, all solid-state, plenty of dodgy AF-series transistors to zap and replace. 90 Guineas new, but apparently bottom of the range.

The giveaway is the single 'tone' control. Almost all mid 60s stereograms had separate bass and treble controls, even if they didn't work very well.

If the output transistors aren't knackered and the deck basically works, you could get it working reasonably easily for little money - just replace all the AF11xs with 2N3906s and fit a cheapo Chinese cartridge, apply a squirt of 3-in-1 or Servisol here and there.... Whether it's worth bothering about is a different question though.

[wd40addict]

To answer my own question Balfour Electronics were based in Dagenham so much more likely to be a Collaro connection. Maybe someone was unhapy after the Magnavox takeover and left to do their own thing?