HilltopHifi Audio

HilltopHifi Audio Follow along as I cycle through vintage audio gear that I have repaired and or restored. I am always learning and looking for more

Bench videos, audio equipment, diagnostic equipment, and restoration projects with a soft spot for vintage stereo console.

09/07/2026

Been working on this console off and on for a while. I decided that’s not good enough, so recently I renewed the desire to hear this thing sing. Pull the tuner and did a bit of work, filter caps and any other suspect caps. Pulled the amp, found every tube out of spec, along with every component on the board, both 7189s were below 65% of expected. The 12ax7 had one triode completely dead. Somebody ran the crap out of this unit!
Replaced all three with know good tubes.
The volume pot still needs some attention as it was a bit scratchy.
I’ve been playing catch-up with this unit since day one. It came to me nonfunctioning, it’s come along way and has just a bit more electrical work before I address the cabinet.
All for all I’m happy with its progress.
First on the list tomorrow is pulling the changer and doing some maintenance work on it. Then I’ll address the Volume pot.
In this Video it’s playing a cut by Lennie Tristano, because jazz is cool too. 😎

I’m currently working on two GE stereos. One is a mediterranean styled floor console. The 2nd is a wall hanging RC1616. ...
09/07/2026

I’m currently working on two GE stereos. One is a mediterranean styled floor console. The 2nd is a wall hanging RC1616. Both units share the same internal component. Ironically both amplifiers share the same heat scars around the output tubes. These units use a 7189 output tube and as such carry a higher plate voltage rating. Well that sure shows true in this amplifier board.
I replaced all the resistors, the coupling disc caps and every other cap.
Most were way out of spec.
Testing to be done tomorrow.

09/06/2026

Found myself sitting in front of a vintage console last night. Ironic as it seems, that’s the exact way I listened as a kid 45+ years ago. In a house with ten kids, getting a good listening spot was a chore. I always weaseled a front seat right in the middle of the speaker spread. The older siblings picked the albums so it was always great sets. Born and raised on classic rock and music from the 60s and 70s, not much has changed. Add some jazz in the mix and I could sit here for hours. Get yourself a console, get it updated and get in that speaker spread and turn it up!

09/05/2026

Super fragile board with old solder and tight spaces leads to mistakes.I applied a bit to much heat for a bit to long. Tried saving the board and ended up wiring it with a bridge. Radio functions fine now and it’s yet another lesson learned.

09/05/2026

The Magnavox Modern Concerto, circa 1959. This gorgeous unit underwent a full restoration here in my shop. it wasn’t without hiccups that’s for sure. But the end result I believe is worth all the work and effort I keep learning and applying that knowledge to every unit I restore.Here it’s playing a FM channel with a classic from Journey.

08/30/2026

The Magnavox Custom built by Collaro in England. Sturdy, reliable, smooth mechanics and easy to maintain, for me those are hallmarks of a good record changer.

08/29/2026

There’s a reason why I normally hang this console on my wall in my shop. It’s so nobody gets any ideas about trying to buy it. This is my personal Curtis Mathis, otherwise known as the rabbit hole console.

08/29/2026

My personal Curtis Mathes console getting some run time after a bit of work on the radio chassis. Seems to be performing well maybe it’s time to hang it back on my garage wall again.

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Fresno, CA
93650, 93701–93712, 93714–93718, 93720–93730, 93737, 93740, 93741, 93744,

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

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