Sentinel Model 10 Tape Recorder and Lafayette PK605 Record Changer.wmv

This video features my 1954 Sentinel Model 10 recorder paired with my 1960 Lafayette Stereo record changer.
The Sentinel was actually manufactured by Crescent, and is similar to the early Crescent recorders from about 1950, except this one is two track mono (1/2 track) and two speed. This same recorder was also branded as Sears Silvertone, with different color scheme and appointments, in both stereo and monaural versions. By the mid 60's, it was offered with solid state electronics.
The Lafayette PK605 was an eBay find that was offered as NOS. When I received it i found that it was not at all virgin, but it was still in really nice shape.
These two paired together is something I would have done with them in the mid 60's.
I also added some shots of my Technics SP15 turntable and TEAC A-3300SX tape deck. Emjoy!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Reel
• to
• reel
• tape
• recorder
• stereo
• record
• changer.

[wingnut049]

I bought the exact same record changer for my 13th birthday in 1962 with a Lafayette amplifier and speakers. Haven't seen one since. Incredibie.

[stratocat9999]

@wingnut049 Cheers! All of the old lower end stuff from Lafayette and Allied is getting hard to find. I searched eBay for 10 years before this one turned up! I'm gonna bet you had a nice little tube amp with yours. :) Again, Cheers!

[NR23derek]

The tape runs the wrong way - right to left! I assume it record/plays on the lower track as a result?

[stratocat9999]

@NR23derek No, it records and plays on the upper first. Most early consumer recorders ran from right -to-left. Weird design, yes, but uncommon? No. Most early Pentron recorders and others also ran right-to-left too.

 Even the last generation version of this recorder, with solid state electronics, also threaded this way. The last version was made for Sears Silvertone by Crecsent, and was set up for sync to a slide projector. All plastic and modernized, but the same transport.

[stratocat9999]

@force311999 No, the input is the Radio/Phono input, which is to say that it is line level. It's designed for high output phono cartridges and such.Like I said, it sounds better in person. Also, those old 45's are pretty heavily modulated, and don't sound all that good on my SP15 either. The level is monitored via a neon lamp. It does not feed through signal when recording. Branded Sentinel, it's actually made by Crescent, and was badged as many brands (Sears for one) from 1950 until 1963 or so.

[force311999]

@stratocat9999 is the input for i microphone if so you need to cut down the output of the cart as it may be clipping.

you can try using a small amp and adjust the level can you monitor recording if you use earphones like on most recorders?????

[stratocat9999]

@force311999 Part of the reason to get this was to have it as the original. I have a lot of great carts, and low end Shure's, but I wanted to leave the original ceramic in it. The output is not that high except on the Sentinel, and it sounds much better in person. Actually, it sounds surprisingly good through my stereo system, except for the excessive hum. Grounding hasn't helped. It doesn't hum on the Sentinel. I think it's AC bias, but wouldn't swear on it. I need to get the Sams on it.

[stratocat9999]

@force311999 My original Silvertone had the Lafayette table installed shortly after the Sintronic bit the schnitzel. My grandfather put the together for me when I was 6. Just finding the Lafayette changer was a major find, and in such excellent condition! As I mentioned in the video, I'm building a plinth for it unless i can find an old generic base. I think a dual base would work well, just altering the mounting board would be needed.

[force311999]

@stratocat9999 I got over 400 into my silvertone tabletop that I restored and got thumbed down for the BSR but that was how I had it in 1980 so why not the same plus I added FM and stereo side speaker to it as well

over 100 just for the speaker but will never find another one that would match you must have had the Silvertone Syntronic that has the speakers on the sides with the turntable in the middle

[force311999]

you could try a better cart. in the changer it almost sounds like it is to loud for it input try a shire cart. and if there is hum then ground the turntable to the frame of the tape deck and it will sound great

is the recorder dc bias?