Red Alba record player - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Bigbadbod · 29th Mar 2017, 8:26 pm

Hi all,
I was wondering if somebody could help me. I found an old Alba record player at work that was going to be skipped, so I decided to bring it home and clean it up.
It all works fine, motors work, arm works, speeds work, but the sound is very tinny. I think it's either the valves or the cartridge/needle that has failed, but I am only guessing after googling the problem.
Will the valve/cartridge cost much to replace or does anybody know a repair shop in the Stockton-on-Tees area?
I can take pictures if it will help.

Best Regards

Ste

Ed_Dinning · 29th Mar 2017, 8:34 pm

Hi, if you can find the model number that may help and we can then lead you in the right direction for repairs.
Cartridge is likely to be the most expensive.

Ed

Bigbadbod · 29th Mar 2017, 8:50 pm

Thanks for the prompt reply Ed, I cannot find any model number, but I will post pictures now.

Best Regards

Ste

Boater Sam · 29th Mar 2017, 8:59 pm

Should it need a cartridge, there are very cheap ones from China, if the amp will run one, like £1.46.
Valves are the least of the problem, usually it's a couple of capacitors.
If you don't want to or can't repair this yourself there are members near you who will do it for you.

AndiiT · 29th Mar 2017, 9:40 pm

Hi there, I have sent you a PM as am not too far from you and would be happy to help should you require it.

Andrew

Bigbadbod · 30th Mar 2017, 7:08 am

PM received, thank you Andrew.

Edward Huggins · 30th Mar 2017, 8:13 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boater Sam

Should it needs a cartridge, there are very cheap ones from China, if the amp will run one, like £1.46.
Valves are the least of the problem, usually its a couple of capacitors.
If you don't want to or can't repair this yourself there are members near you who will do it for you.

The valve line up in this is a typical UL84/UY85 job. The cartridge is a BSR TC8H (Mono LP stylus) high outptut type and no longer available except as re-builds or imported at a cost of £50/55. The loudspeaker in this is a generous 8" x 5" unit and so should not sound "tinny". Were you trying to play stereo records on this?

Ed_Dinning · 30th Mar 2017, 8:55 pm

Hi Gents, one of the previous threads covered small pre-amps that could easily be built to boost the output of these cheap cartridges.

Ed

awc · 30th Mar 2017, 10:03 pm

The thread in question is this one:-

https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=97326

Best to go to the last page and work back from there!

Bigbadbod · 5th Apr 2017, 2:10 pm

Thanks for the help and advice everyone!

29th Mar 2017, 8:26 pm	#1
Bigbadbod Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, UK. Posts: 4	Red Alba record player Hi all, I was wondering if somebody could help me. I found an old Alba record player at work that was going to be skipped, so I decided to bring it home and clean it up. It all works fine, motors work, arm works, speeds work, but the sound is very tinny. I think it's either the valves or the cartridge/needle that has failed, but I am only guessing after googling the problem. Will the valve/cartridge cost much to replace or does anybody know a repair shop in the Stockton-on-Tees area? I can take pictures if it will help. Best Regards Ste

29th Mar 2017, 8:34 pm	#2
Ed_Dinning Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, UK. Posts: 8,194	Re: Red Alba record player Hi, if you can find the model number that may help and we can then lead you in the right direction for repairs. Cartridge is likely to be the most expensive. Ed

29th Mar 2017, 8:50 pm	#3
Bigbadbod Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, UK. Posts: 4	Thanks for the prompt reply Ed, I cannot find any model number, but I will post pictures now. Best Regards Ste Attached Thumbnails

29th Mar 2017, 8:59 pm	#4
Boater Sam Banned Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Middlewich, Cheshire, UK. & Winter in the Philippines. Posts: 3,897	Re: Red Alba record player Should it need a cartridge, there are very cheap ones from China, if the amp will run one, like £1.46. Valves are the least of the problem, usually it's a couple of capacitors. If you don't want to or can't repair this yourself there are members near you who will do it for you.

29th Mar 2017, 9:40 pm	#5
AndiiT Octode Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Saltburn-East, Cleveland, UK. Posts: 1,786	Re: Red Alba record player Hi there, I have sent you a PM as am not too far from you and would be happy to help should you require it. Andrew

30th Mar 2017, 7:08 am	#6
Bigbadbod Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, UK. Posts: 4	Re: Red Alba record player PM received, thank you Andrew.

30th Mar 2017, 8:55 pm	#8
Ed_Dinning Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, UK. Posts: 8,194	Re: Red Alba record player Hi Gents, one of the previous threads covered small pre-amps that could easily be built to boost the output of these cheap cartridges. Ed

30th Mar 2017, 10:03 pm	#9
awc Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Somerset, UK. Posts: 334	Re: Red Alba record player The thread in question is this one:- https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=97326 Best to go to the last page and work back from there!

5th Apr 2017, 2:10 pm	#10
Bigbadbod Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, UK. Posts: 4	Re: Red Alba record player Thanks for the help and advice everyone!