Decca compact 4 sound system - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

annie56 · 23rd Jun 2020, 12:29 pm

Hi, I have not been on here often but I have acquired a Decca Compact 4 sound system, it all works,the radio and cassette that is. I purchased a new stylus for it but when I put a record on it, it played but it sounded tinny, I have been trawling the internet for an instruction booklet but to no avail, so I thought I would as you guys who know about these things, for help

Techman · 23rd Jun 2020, 12:32 pm

Could be a cartridge problem, particularly if it's a bit low in volume too.

annie56 · 23rd Jun 2020, 12:49 pm

Thanks for the speedy reply, do you know where I could get one from as will give that a try.

qualityten · 23rd Jun 2020, 1:26 pm

It's a 70s BSR turntable.

Info about cartridges is given on post #11 of this very full thread: https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=75401

ben · 23rd Jun 2020, 2:40 pm

The compact 4 (ironically named, since it's about the size of 3 washing machines!) IIRC has a BSR c141 with SC11/ SC12 cartridge, which rarely if ever fail. What type of stylus did you order (ref. number?) Post a picture of the cartridge/stylus so we can check it is fitted right.

What speakers are being used with the unit? Do the radio and tape play okay, quality -wise?

annie56 · 23rd Jun 2020, 3:12 pm

Hi, the speakers are what I had on my compact 3 and the cassette and radio work fine. The guy I bought the stylus from said it was a KS41C which is compatible with the sonotone 3559 which is what is on the cartridge itself, I will try and send a photo as not very good on any sort of technology, I've sent some photos but probably done it all wrong

Techman · 23rd Jun 2020, 5:57 pm

Those old Sonotone cartridges are notorious for playing up. If it already had an original stylus in it, then you should really have confirmed first that the cartridge was fully working before spending out on a replacement stylus. A replacement will be a medium output ceramic type that will fit the pickup head. Luckily there's plenty of cheap ones out there at that particular specification - if you need one, that is.

ben · 23rd Jun 2020, 7:32 pm

That is indeed a Sonotone cart. If it had been a BSR SC11/12 we probably would not be having this conversation

I cannot see from the pictures if the rubber 'ears' that the metal shank sits on are intact. Have a look and post a close up photo if you can.
If they are then these carts can be repaired (internal contacts tarnish) by those in the know. If not, just get said BSR cart. Or the chinese flip under copy.

23rd Jun 2020, 12:32 pm	#2
Techman Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 5,000	Re: Decca compact 4 sound system Could be a cartridge problem, particularly if it's a bit low in volume too.

23rd Jun 2020, 12:49 pm	#3
annie56 Diode Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Sandwell, West Midlands, UK. Posts: 5	Re: Decca compact 4 sound system Thanks for the speedy reply, do you know where I could get one from as will give that a try.

23rd Jun 2020, 1:26 pm	#4
qualityten Octode Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wallasey, UK. Posts: 1,310	Re: Decca compact 4 sound system It's a 70s BSR turntable. Info about cartridges is given on post #11 of this very full thread: https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=75401

23rd Jun 2020, 2:40 pm	#5
ben Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Madrid, Spain / Wirral, UK Posts: 7,498	Re: Decca compact 4 sound system The compact 4 (ironically named, since it's about the size of 3 washing machines!) IIRC has a BSR c141 with SC11/ SC12 cartridge, which rarely if ever fail. What type of stylus did you order (ref. number?) Post a picture of the cartridge/stylus so we can check it is fitted right. What speakers are being used with the unit? Do the radio and tape play okay, quality -wise? __________________ Regards, Ben.

23rd Jun 2020, 3:12 pm	#6
annie56 Diode Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Sandwell, West Midlands, UK. Posts: 5	Re: Decca compact 4 sound system Hi, the speakers are what I had on my compact 3 and the cassette and radio work fine. The guy I bought the stylus from said it was a KS41C which is compatible with the sonotone 3559 which is what is on the cartridge itself, I will try and send a photo as not very good on any sort of technology, I've sent some photos but probably done it all wrong Attached Thumbnails

23rd Jun 2020, 12:29 pm	#1
annie56 Diode Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Sandwell, West Midlands, UK. Posts: 5	Decca compact 4 sound system Hi, I have not been on here often but I have acquired a Decca Compact 4 sound system, it all works,the radio and cassette that is. I purchased a new stylus for it but when I put a record on it, it played but it sounded tinny, I have been trawling the internet for an instruction booklet but to no avail, so I thought I would as you guys who know about these things, for help

23rd Jun 2020, 5:57 pm	#7
Techman Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 5,000	Re: Decca compact 4 sound system Those old Sonotone cartridges are notorious for playing up. If it already had an original stylus in it, then you should really have confirmed first that the cartridge was fully working before spending out on a replacement stylus. A replacement will be a medium output ceramic type that will fit the pickup head. Luckily there's plenty of cheap ones out there at that particular specification - if you need one, that is.

23rd Jun 2020, 7:32 pm	#8
ben Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Madrid, Spain / Wirral, UK Posts: 7,498	Re: Decca compact 4 sound system That is indeed a Sonotone cart. If it had been a BSR SC11/12 we probably would not be having this conversation I cannot see from the pictures if the rubber 'ears' that the metal shank sits on are intact. Have a look and post a close up photo if you can. If they are then these carts can be repaired (internal contacts tarnish) by those in the know. If not, just get said BSR cart. Or the chinese flip under copy. __________________ Regards, Ben.