Im wondering if its worth the time to troubleshoot/fix this 1968(?) Zenith Circle of Sound console stereo, Y955. I remember that decades ago, it quit working. My grandfather pulled the fuse which was visibly broken (and is still sitting where he left it on the turntable in the picture). He couldn't find a replacement so the repair attempt ended there and it became just a dust collecting piece of furniture.
I'm now trying to decide whether to put it out on the curb, offer it to a local charity shop, or to attempt to fix it. It appears to still have all of its components including the turntable, 8-track player, AM/FM tuner, and speakers. It does not have the Operating Guide or the Circle of Sound pamphlet. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
Cool piece!! Are you an expert at fixing and do you have the parts in hand? If not, I would not bother for two reasons--one is people who buy these usually buy them for parts and the time to repair and finding the parts to repair if you don't have them, it will cancel each other out--parts are where the value is--see below.
Where the big money is in these pieces if if you are an expert at DECONSTRUCTION and testing--people want the original working (tested) parts for their own items to keep them going.
If you search Zenith on eBay you will see that original motors, spindles, needles, arms, etc. fetch a lot...while the whole items (untested or not working) are selling all over the place from $10 to $500 for most models (averages are about $100 for a working piece-rarity and condition could bump it up or down).
So...my suggestions--1 join a local Facebook group for old hi fi equipment--there are a bunch--and lurk and learn what people in your area are looking for and following their rules--put it up for sale there if they permit once you have learned what is what.
Here is a sample group from Rochester, NY: www.facebook.com/
If there are no local groups, there are hi fi groups and Zenith groups so you can find one to join.
Suggestion 2 is to see if you have a place in your town that buys old amusement items (usually they take hi fi, jukes and video games) and see if they will buy it for parts.
If all else fails, put it up in a local flea market or sale want trade group on Facebook or NextDoor or even at an in person site for $1000 and take best offer--which will be what someone will be willing to pay. There aren't a lot of folks who want the whole thing--so best offer will probably be that. Negotiate with them, but settle quick!
Cool piece!! If I can find the original ad for it, I will post it...that will confirm the year for you.
Thanks for sharing! Neat piece!!
From what I see on eBay, the asking price is around $225. You will probably sell for less, as that is just the asking price.
Thanks for the info and ideas. I'm definitely not an expert. More like slightly better than completely incapable. BUT! I did get the tuner working this morning. Still no power to the 8-track or turntable. Guess I'll investigate that next and then see what's worth salvaging.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
