The original red head cartridge was not designed to track stereo 45 RPM
records. The original styli were basically diamond tips on metal studs. The
groove on a mono record is modulated in a side-to-side motion, and the orginal
stylus tracks that pretty well. The groove on a stereo record is modulated in
such a way that the stylus needs to move at a 45 degree angle to the groove;
very difficult for the "stud" type stylus.
The "stud on a flat piece of metal" (aka "stereo compatible") styli is an
attempt to produce a stylus that will properly track a stereo record. It's a
compromise, it doesn't track well, and doesn't produce the best sound. I've
never been all that impressed with them; it's a poor solution.
If you can locate one of the Pickering 345-03D cartridges that were produced
as a replacement you'll get much better sound. Unfortunately, those were
discontinued, and are very pricey now - commanding $300 or so. However,
that's going to be the way to get the best sound out of that juke when you're
using stereo records.
As far as the amp being rebuilt, the definition of "rebuilt" varies depending
on who did the work. Many folks will replace all the axial capacitors in the
amp (because they become "leaky" - i.e., act more like a resistor - as they
get old) and call that "rebuilt". Others will check resistance values and
replace resistors that have drifted out of tolerance. You can pop the rear
cover off the lower back door and see whether or not the original axial
coupling capacitors have been replaced. Look for signs of fresh solder, clean
components that stand out from the rest.
Tony
Post by m***@comcast.netWell I just purchased from a restorer and the amp was supposed to have
been rebuilt. Has the original red seeburg cartridge but new needles.
The speaker doesn't appear to be damaged as I don't hear any vibration
or distortion per se, (I have sufficient volume), I just don't know
what to expect.
I've been listening to my 45's for years, though only occasionally, on
my sound system with a Technics turntable and they sound pretty darn
good to my ear. Like I said I wasn't expecting comparable sound for a
mono system but most songs sound pretty average to poor to my ears.
Also don't know how somone new to this could tell if the amp was
rebuilt.
Thought that maybe there was some standard sound upgrade the
collectors/experts did to these jukes to enhance the sound.