7-EP-2 Elvis 1956 RCA Record Player

[Madlove]

Hi,
I have this record player. It spins but there’s no sound. I’ve read that the cartridge is very delicate so it’s probably shot and/ or the amp needs to be rebuilt.
Has anyone here refurbished one and would consider sharing their knowledge?
Does anyone know someone who does this kind of work in the NJ NY area?
Thanks

[William]

Welcome, Madlove, we are glad to have you onboard. To answer your question, yes there are members of the forum that could walk you through the process of getting it up and running. Here's a link that will show how it is made. It is a rather simple unit; it is what we call a one tube wonder which is not a bad thing and worth saving because it is a rare unit.

https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/rca_7_ep_ ... 3_rs1.html

The amp should be rebuilt, and it probably does need a cartridge. Also, I would take the motor apart, clean out all the old grease and oil and then apply new grease.

I hope this helps, and feel free to continue with your questions. We are a bunch of guys that like to help and love to have new members.

Bill

[Madlove]

Hi Bill,
Thanks so much for warm welcome. I will look over the link and come back with questions.

[electra225]

Welcome aboard! We have friendly folks here willing to help any way they can. Feel free to ask questions, share projects. Let us know a bit about you. Thanks for joining us!

[TC Chris]

I rebuilt my chlldhood portable RCA record player, a 9-EMP-21H. That number is way off yours but I'll bet it's the same amp (one 25L6 tube) in a different case. Mine needed new filter caps, and yes, a new cartridge. I also cleaned up and lubed the moving parts. I did a short YouTube video on it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrc0enXp8AY&t=58s

Chris Campbell

[Madlove]

Hi Chris,
All Shook Up sounded perfect.

[Madlove]

Are there any videos that show an amp rebuild, step by step? I’ve worked on some modern turntables with some success but I just don’t know where to begin with an amp.

[electra225]

The place to start is by obtaining the schematic for the amp. Do you have basic tools such as a meter and maybe a Variac, isolation transformer and a dim bulb? What kind of experience do you have working with electronics in general? If you are willing to learn, we will be happy to walk you thru the repair. Good luck....

[William]

Hi Madlove! If I can work on these old units so, can you. The link I provided shows photos of your RCA but also shows you the schematic. If I am correct, I believe Radiomuseum allows a person a couple of free prints before they make you join up. It does really help to have the schematic, that way we know what the values are of the different components, and it helps us guide you through the process. It is important to have a soldering gun/iron or a soldering station and a VTVM. Other test equipment will help especially if you get into more complicated units. Please continue to share the tools you have, and all the questions you can come up with and we will see if we can't get you through your first rebuild.

Bill

[TC Chris]

The amp is ultra-simple, with few components to address. If it's like mine, you'll have to figure out whether the rectifier is OK or not. The filter capacitors are likely gone, but just match them for capacity and voltage and polarity to the existing ones. You'll probably find a paper capacitor or two (I can't remember) in the amp and you could replace those again b matching values and voltage rating. If you want to be obsessive, you could check the resistors to see if they have drifted. It would be almost impossible to design a tube amp with fewer parts than this one.

Chris Campbell

[William]

Hi Madlove! If I can work on these old units, so can you. The link I provided shows photos of your RCA but also shows you the schematic. If I am correct, I believe Radiomuseum allows a person a couple of free prints before they make you join up. It does really help to have the schematic, that way we know what the values are of the different components, and it helps us guide you through the process. It is important to have a soldering gun/iron or a soldering station and a VTVM. Other test equipment will help especially if you get into more complicated units. Please continue to share the tools you have, and all the questions you can come up with and we will see if we can't get you through your first rebuild.

Bill

[Hi-Fi-Mogul]

Are there any videos that show an amp rebuild, step by step? I’ve worked on some modern turntables with some success but I just don’t know where to begin with an amp.

As others have queried, what is your level of tube electronics
knowledge ?

The amplifier schematic is in Beitman's Vol 17, 1957 :

https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Beitman-Manual.htm

This RCA done by RTVPhonoNut should be similar or
maybe the same as yours. Focus is a bit off, but
commentary is fine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BymYa8nFsIY

[TC Chris]

That amp in the video is the same as the one in my portable.

Chris Campbell

[Madlove]

Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement and welcome. I’ve never worked on a tube amp before. I have solder tools and can do basic work. I did bring a Lenco turntable back from the dead which involved some rewiring, cleaning and parts replacement. I’ve attached some photos of the RCA amp. I have the tube that’s missing in the photos. I’ll download the schematic to study. If you all have the patience and kindness, I’d like to attempt this. Is it a matter of just looking up each part and replacing with a new one? I’ll also have to replace the cartridge.

[electra225]

We'll be thrilled to share your project with you. You can do it! Every single one of us started out just like you are, wanting to attempt their first repair. Print out the schematic then study it a bit. It might not make much sense to you at the start, but that's okay. Reading a schematic to an electronics technician was like reading a road map was to a trucker back in the day. Learn to find the components physically in the chassis after finding them on the schematic. Learn what components the symbols on the schematic refer to. When you are working on a chassis under power, never touch the chassis with both hands at once. Always remember to "follow your meter", use your voltmeter to measure voltages present. Never attempt to replace components when their is power to the chassis. I've been doing this for over 40 years, but still, to this day, I put the power plug of whatever I am working on in my pocket when I'm doing actual repairs. I don't just shut the item off, I remove the plug and stash it so there is no chance of error. Everybody on here will offer little tidbits of "hints and kinks" they have learned along the way that may help you, some of it learned "the hard way". Good luck, you'll do fine!

[Hi-Fi-Mogul]

Also check out the "Getting Started" section.

Page 2 has a lot of basics resources for you.

The replacement parts are easily available,
not expensive and we'll help you finding those.