Early American Astro-Sonic stereo?

[electra225]

I don't know if this is early American enough, but it is a nice six-knobber.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/334395460454?h ... SwtmViTvPR

[William]

No offence, but that cabinet is not Early American. It looks more like Italian Provincial too me. Either way, it's a nice looking cabinet and if the sliding door was open all the way it might reveal two more knobs. I wonder if it's a Astro-Sonic 100?

Bill

[electra225]

None taken. You DID notice the question mark, did you not? I'm not 100%s sure I could identify early American if I had to.

[William]

Sorry, I did not notice the ?? Early American is almost always Maple, and it comes in varies shapes, sizes, and styles. My Grandparents RCA ST is Early American and Maple. It's one of what I would call a more tasteful, or traditional Early American.

Bill

[Firedome]

Yes, MCM tends to be straight-lines and clean design, but EA, FP, Italian, and even period (formal 18th century) can be restrianed or over the top. I've even seen a few consoles in baroque style, white and gold trim, flying angels and cupids even, not sure if they came from a factory though! I like Modern and restrained Early American styles but EA is the style that SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed... anyone remember Rumpole?) has dictated for our domicile. The DuMont in the pic is ours and a good example of a toned-down version I prefer. The Fisher in the the pic 2 is also what I'd call restrained. the last one is what I'd consider too heavy handed, gaudy even. Bill I recall that you've posted some pics of your grandparent's, it's exactly the style I love.
As Bill said all EA pieces are almost always found in maple stained in a warm honey color, my favorite.

[electra225]

The bottom one you posted of the Magnavox is an Astro-Sonic instrument in the old little Imperial cabinet. If I was in the Astro-Sonic business, I'd strongly consider the one I posted. Not only is it cheap, but it might be a six-knobber. And I like the cabinet.

[Firedome]

I'm sure that Mag on the bottom is a fine performing instrument, I just wish they hadn't let loose that particular cabinet designer! I'm actually looking for a restrained-design EA tube Maggie to eventually replace our DuMont, which is OK but a rather mediocre performer!

[William]

The last photo would be ok if they would have left off the little column looking things in the front, the cheap looking trim piece sticking up at the back, and the forward facing curve pieces on each end. Roger, I like the looks of your DuMont.

[Firedome]

Thanks Bill, me too, but I wish it performed more like some of the similar vintage Maggies, it's meh sounding, though that may change if it's ever properly restored, caps and such.

[Motorola minion]

In my experience, Astrosonics of the 6 knob variety AND 1964-68 vintage are a better bet. If I had an empty Magnavox cabinet worth saving (cheaper electronics), I would upgrade to a better chassis and speakers if those would fit.

Either way, to replace the electrolytics, clean pots & switches, is actually easiest on the most expensive models, using the separate amplifier chassis. The same effort to restore a five-knob (lower end SS) is not worth undertaking.

[Firedome]

If the Fisher Electra IV I just got would have had a nice Early American cabinet I'd have kept it in place of the DuMont. I could also put the Fisher guts into the DuMont cabinet, which I like, but I think the speaker set from the Fisher would need be to put in it also, as the Fisher amp has much more power, PP 6BQ5 vs SE 6BQ5 of the DuMont, plus I don't believe the Fisher's 12", 5x7" oval, and 3" speakers would fit in the place of the 10", 5" and 3" sets in the DuMont now. I would leave the present Garrard AT-6 in there though, which works quite well.

I'd also consider a nice EA Magnvox cabinet that would fit my Mag R231 SS receiver also, IF I could find one it would fit in, with the right speaker set in it, and I don't know what those would have been for a 1972 Magnavox console. I'd very much like to find a copy or scan of the entire '72 Maggie console line.

[Firedome]

Well someone picked it up for < $50, so they got a decent deal anyhow.