Hi there, I just joined this forum

I am interested to better understand my record player console unit. It is a solid state HMV Rhapsody model T8-49. I have found the service manual including the parts list and am curious about the specs listed for the speaker;

Part number 831-2781 Speaker, 8 PIX Magnavox, 27 ohm V.C.I

27 ohm ...speaker impedance.. really?
What does the V.C.I stand for?
What does PIX mean? I'm pretty sure it's an 8 inch speaker, is it in reference to this?


Thanks!

All I can tell you for the 8 PIX (Magnavox part no.) is that the "8" stands for inches (diameter) & the "X" stands for dual cone. Without sufficient data I cant tell you what the other figures mean, though the "P" may stand for high impedance.

The V.C.I. stands for voice coil impedance.

27 ohm speakers are hard to get, so take care not to blow them up!!

Hi, thank you very much for the info and also the advice re not blowing them up - I had never heard of a 27 ohm speaker up until now. The speakers sound pretty terrible so my plan is to check all speaker connections, clean the pots and buttons and hopefully recap where necessary - after quite a bit more reading that is

Looks like it uses germanium semiconductors. They are known for not aging well.

You shouldn't need to do a recap, although those little blue Philips electros might be considered for replacement.

If the distortion is gross, try this tip:

1. With no signal, measure the voltage at the junction of the two emitters of the output transistors - yes there are resistors there, ignore them. It should measure half the supply voltage (at the collector of the NPN transistor).
2. Apply some signal. Which way does the voltage go?

If up, the bottom transistor is bad. If down, the top one.

You can replace the germaniums with silicon parts with a small adjustment to the quiescent bias.This would be a good idea if you need to replace the speakers with 15 or even 8 ohm units because the germaniums can't safely drive the lower impedance speakers. A useful increase in power output should result.