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Old 1st Dec 2017, 7:13 pm   #1
RojDW48
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Default Superior Pye record player - model number (P125S Playboy)

It's got an Isophon electrostatic (I think) tweeter - so it must be superior. but I can't find a model number anywhere. The valves heat up but there is no sound. Hopefully the service data is available.
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Old 1st Dec 2017, 7:30 pm   #2
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Default Re: Superior Pye record player - model number?

P125 Pye Playboy?

https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/pye_playboy_p125s.html

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Old 1st Dec 2017, 8:28 pm   #3
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Default Re: Superior Pye record player - model number?

Also Post#1 here:

https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...d.php?p=982909

The tweeter in yours looks like it has an Isophon label?

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Old 1st Dec 2017, 8:54 pm   #4
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Default Re: Superior Pye record player - model number?

Thanks Lawrence - that's the very fellow! And that post is interesting - I thought it was a nice little amp and it is in very nice cosmetic order so - high hopes!
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Old 1st Dec 2017, 9:05 pm   #5
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Default Re: Superior Pye record player - model number?

Service data: http://www.service-data.com/section....1/p125-playboy
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Old 1st Dec 2017, 9:20 pm   #6
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Default Re: Superior Pye record player - model number?

This is an extremely fine record player using a 3 stage single-ended amplifier. The old Isofon is best replaced with a 3", 3 ohm coned tweeter. It will sound far better. I should know, I worked on its design.
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Old 1st Dec 2017, 10:57 pm   #7
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Default Re: Superior Pye record player - model number?

Thanks for the advice Edward - I shall experiment when I get it going. The valves heat up but no sound - based on your intimate knowledge - does anything occur to you as a potential problem before I start rooting around in it?

Also - the cartridge was dead - any recommendations?
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Old 2nd Dec 2017, 10:15 am   #8
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Default Re: Superior Pye record player - model number?

I would check on the power supply voltages and see if that full-wave selenium rectifier has failed. As for the cartridge, go get (and ASAP before stocks run out!) out a BSR X5M stereo-compatible mono cartridge. It will work superbly well in this.
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Old 2nd Dec 2017, 3:31 pm   #9
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Default Re: Superior Pye record player - model number?

Thanks Edward - I like the X5M too - I have had a look through my cartridge drawer and I don't have one to hand. But I do have a new Sonotone 3509 (mono) and a new BSR SC12 M. Do you think either of those would do as well?
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Old 2nd Dec 2017, 6:53 pm   #10
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Default Re: Superior Pye record player - model number?

I pulled it apart this afternoon and found a wire from the mains tx had become detached from the rectifier - don't you just love it when it's that easy? I fitted a Sonotone 3509 and it seems to be overloading the input - that can't be right can it? I need turn the volume down to almost off to cut out the distortion - also there is far too much gain and the tone control seems to act like another volume control as well as changing the tone.....suggestions very welcome!
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Old 2nd Dec 2017, 7:05 pm   #11
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Default Re: Superior Pye record player - model number?

Quote:
Originally Posted by RojDW48 View Post
don't you just love it when it's that easy? I fitted a Sonotone 3509 and it seems to be overloading the input
I think you've been on here long enough to know there's more to it than that

What about checking voltages?

Low HT can cause an apparently 'loud' sound, but which has a lot of distortion.

What about the grid coupling capacitor causing positive volts on the grid and eventual burnt out transformers etc.?

I would have thought the 3509 would be perfect in this player.

Had that wire been removed from the rectifier deliberately by a previous repairer having discovered a fault condition?

Get that meter out
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Old 2nd Dec 2017, 7:46 pm   #12
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Default Re: Superior Pye record player - model number?

You are right of course, Techman. It was looking far too easy! I have replaced the grid coupler (now I have reached the giddy heights of 3 stage amplification I hope I was right in identifying it as the one from the grid of the EL90 to the anode of the second half of the ECC82 ) but it didn't make any difference. I am not sure that the service info I have, which appears to be Pye's own for the export model, has all the values I need to measure - but that might be because it's such a poor copy and I just can't make them out!
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Old 2nd Dec 2017, 8:10 pm   #13
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Default Re: Superior Pye record player - model number?

It sounds like you've got the grid coupler sorted.

I would check the HT voltage is up to basic spec at the first smoothing capacitor after the rectifier, then check it at various points down the line. There may be a fault in one of the pre stages. Check anode voltages, also the screen voltage of the output valve.
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Old 2nd Dec 2017, 9:32 pm   #14
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Default Re: Superior Pye record player - model number?

The Pye service sheet for the export version will do, only diifference is the voltage tap.
If you want to try the SC12M, this may be a better match. Bridge the stereo channels. Yes, this amp does have a high gain and that Sonotone may well be overloading it.
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Old 10th Dec 2017, 9:06 pm   #15
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Default Re: Superior Pye record player - model number?

I had a bright idea - I don't why I suspected the ECC82 and I don't have any spares of those - but I do have a surfeit of ECC83s, so I checked the pin connections (I know the characteristics are different) and popped one in. It cured the distortion and the treble cut stopped acting like a mute. So, hopefully, I have found the culprit. Don't worry - I shan't be joining that curious American 'Valve Rolling' internet community any time soon, but I shall buy it a nice new ECC82 for Christmas.
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Old 11th Dec 2017, 2:50 pm   #16
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Default Re: Superior Pye record player - model number?

That's interesting! Well, the ECC83 is an excellent audio valve and if it sounds OK then fine, even if only pro-tem. Do make sure that the gain is about the same for the replacement cartridge. The different anode, grid and bias voltages can easily be checked so as to compare between the two double-triodes.
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Old 12th Dec 2017, 10:57 pm   #17
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Default Re: Superior Pye record player - model number (P125S Playboy)

Well it sounds very sweet I must say, And the only thing I had to do to the old UA8 was adjust the set down! Come to think of it - I reckon the autos that have come back to life quickest have usually been UA8s. Has anyone else experienced that? I gave it a basic service anyway and noticed that the idler wheel seemed to be in contact with the drive spindle even when 'off'.....then I discovered 'N' for neutral - we live and learn!
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Old 13th Dec 2017, 9:18 pm   #18
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Default Re: Superior Pye record player - model number (P125S Playboy)

Don't feel too ashamed, they are many who do not realise the function of the "N" position as they assumed this model retracted. Neither did the UA10. Retraction did come with the UA12.
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Old 13th Dec 2017, 10:23 pm   #19
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Default Re: Superior Pye record player - model number (P125S Playboy)

Nice to know it's working, but it seems to me that it's been done by changing components which might be faulty rather that taking voltage readings to show whether they are faulty.
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Old 14th Dec 2017, 12:39 am   #20
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Default Re: Superior Pye record player - model number (P125S Playboy)

Thank you Edward - I was feeling a bit sheepish!

Graham - you are right of course, but the values were illegible on my copy of the schematic and the ECC82 was definitely faulty - I have received and fitted the new ECC82 now and all is well......so far.
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