Hi,

Picked up this at a swap meet today. Looks neat and has FM also!

The turntable is kindof different and since it only does 78RPM I'll probably pull it.

Has the original price tag showing $288.00 (5% more in the Western states!)

Other than the usual recapping and replacing crumbly wiring is there anything else to look out for?

Thanks,

Corby Dawson

These work really well when properly restored. Seems like quite a few have survived which is surprising because of the rubber wiring problems.

RE: crumbling rubber wiring, take note that one of the major problems with these models is the multi-conductor cables that connect the radio chassis, power supply chassis, phono preamp chassis, and record changer together. When these sets were fairly new they were having problems with wiring harnesses shorting out and burning up the power transformer. In fact, Zenith supplied the entire power supply/audio amplifier chassis as an assembly for replacement purposes for years until they ran out of stock. Every one of these sets that I have serviced in the past few decades needed the entire radio chassis, power supply/audio amp chassis, record changer, and interconnecting cables completely rewired. Before that it was hit and miss, some had badly deteriorated wires, others still worked OK.

Thanks for the info!

Since the turntable is probably going that's one set of wires I can just eliminate!

I'll be digging into it this week and will see what shape its in.

Corby

Aww, don't destroy the changer. The Zenith Cobra is a unique one. It was one of the best for lightweight stylus pressure and quality reproduction for 78s. True, the cartridges are getting a bit hard to find. At least keep it so it could be easily put back to original.

The needle is mounted to a small vane which vibrates next to a small coil. This changes the inductance of the coil to an audio rate which is translated to a voltage by the tube and circuitry on the small spring mounted chassis.

the 12H090 is a great performer! It even has the unique 6AL7 magic Eye tube!

EDIT: Oh, these came in a couple different versions. One has a field coil speaker, the other has a PM (Permanent Magnet) speaker. which one did you get?

-Steve

I have not looked yet to see if it has the field coil speaker or not. Will check when it gets light outside.

Did not plan to "destroy" the changer. Just remove it from the unit. I don't have 78s to play and wont be getting any. I understand about the cool RF modulator cartridge and agree it was a unique design.

Corby

If you keep that changer clean it paint it and repair it Just my opinion though those crazy designs beat any modern turntable by a mile I can get tons of 78 records at any flea market ot antique mall for a dollar apiece or less