try running another source in, in place of the cartridge. See if you can get more undistorted output. If yes, there's always the option of making a little transistor preamp to give more oomph. I recall seeing simple designs online that included a little voltage divider to get the right low voltage for the transistor.

Chris Campbell

[quote="TC Chris" post_id=16008 time=1689734226 user_id=61]
Is the output level equally low on both tuner and phono inputs? If not, could be the cartridge. If equally low, check the amp-section caps and resistors if you haven't already. Check the B+ voltage too.

Chris Campbell
[/quote]

Thanks Chris ... yea , I've checked the supply voltages, resistors , and the tubes all check out fine , except the 6M11 which I can't test .... most of the caps are ceramic and none tested shorted or open ...and going under the assumption that ceramics are long lasting I left them alone , this only has 3 electrolytics which have been replaced... who knows... a coupling cap could be bad in the audio stage ... the output rating for the 50C5 is only 2.7 watts ... so the volume is probably correct... I think this is just a glorified portable set ...

Nice job! look like it could be factory!

Is the output level equally low on both tuner and phono inputs? If not, could be the cartridge. If equally low, check the amp-section caps and resistors if you haven't already. Check the B+ voltage too.

Chris Campbell

That is awesome looking, Elton. You should be proud.

Bill

Sometimes, subbing 50EH5's for the 50C5's can give you more volume. I made that move with my little Truetone kiddie player and it sure gave it more volume. If you have a couple EH5's laying around, it wouldn't cost anything to try it. ;) :D

Your stand looks great. Maybe better than using metal. :D :D

This is the ad from the Phonola showing the optional stand...[attachment=1]phonola .jpg[/attachment]
here is my feeble attempt [attachment=0]20230718_163508.jpg[/attachment]
was going to try using square tubing ... but my welding skills suck so I used wood... it really is pretty stable ... overall performance of this unit is ... underwhelming ... a fisher price kidde player is about the volume it puts out... those 50C5's are not impressive for outputs...IMO