Some questions about my Philips 832 Stereo

[Renovatio]

Hi,

First time poster here. I recently recovered my dad's old Philips 832 Stereo and brought it back to Bombay with me. It hasn't been used in at least 25 years (I never heard it played in my lifetime) and it was still functional, but had a lot of static and noise, and the motor was lazy.

I took it down to Past Collection in Fort and spent about 3 grand getting it restored, and now it sounds absolutely amazing, but there are the occasional clicks and pops from not having cleaned the records themselves properly.

This is my first turntable and I intend to start building an extensive collection of records but I wanted to know if anyone has this or a player like this.

Couple of questions I had:

• Are there any enhancements I can make to the Cartridge or Needle?
• Is there a way to swap the outdated 2 Pin DIN connectors on the speakers with something a little more recent?
• Do you get 2 Pin DIN extension cords in India? I want to conceal the speaker cables and the included length isn't conducive to concealing.
• I get some occasional clicks and pops when I play records. Is this something to do with the records or my player?
• Do I need a preamp or anything to run the sound through before the speakers? Are there any compatible models?

Looking forward to hearing back from you guys.

Thanks!

 

[Hiten]

Hi reno,

Are there any enhancements I can make to the Cartridge or Needle?

Most probably yes. If stylus is worn or hardened you can replace it. Which cartridge+stylus do you have?

Is there a way to swap the outdated 2 Pin DIN connectors on the speakers with something a little more recent?

Yes you can. You can use RCA Sockets.

Do you get 2 Pin DIN extension cords in India? I want to conceal the speaker cables and the included length isn't conducive to concealing.

Don't understand this. But if you cange to RCA sockets, you can extend them.

I get some occasional clicks and pops when I play records. Is this something to do with the records or my player?

Chances are records are dirty.

Do I need a preamp or anything to run the sound through before the speakers? Are there any compatible models?

You have already heard the turntable so I guess you have a preamp. What is your current setup ?
Regards

 

[Saket]

Hello Renovatio,

First of all welcome to the forum. Would like to tell you that I myself have a Philips 832 stereo record player in pretty nice shape. Also I have a Philips 633 Stereo, younger sibling of 832 with detachable speakers on upper & lower lids. The 633 can be operated on batteries as well & has a DC motor whereas the 832 has an AC motor with no DC operation.

1. Regarding your stylus & cart.: 832 probably has GP224 ceramic cartridge which sounds fairly good to me. As Hiten suggested, you can change to a new stylus if yours is worn. I am a little confused with the cartridge model as my 633 has a similar plug-in cartridge which I think is GP204 which are interchangeable in many philips players including the 832. If you want, I will check and report back tomorrow.
The only hesitance in playing records with this cartridge is that it tracks a little too heavy so would result in record-wear. Sound wise its fairly good as far as ceramic ones go.
Also would like to tell you that I have tried swapping the cartridges of both sets and I have tested the 832 cartridge to be better in terms of bass than the one in 633. Clarity wise, both are pretty good.

2. As Hiten suggested, with little modification, you can add RCA jacks to your set and add some length to it. In this way, you dont have to look for extension cord and also get rod of those 2 pin older sockets.

3. Those clicks & pops should are normal for vinyl playback due to dust, dirt & impurities in the vinyl itself. There are various threads in this forum regarding cleaning records. WIth those methods you may get rid of some (mind it...SOME clicks & pops as most many are due to vinyl quality itself)

4. The 832 is a record player and hence it has its own pre-amp and amplifier section. You dont need any other preamp to play it. Just attach the speakers and you are smiling to some music.

I have tried to swap the original speakers that come with 832 with a better and little more powerful sound box (without any other amp). It sounded much better and bass heavy.
Its an idler driven player with auto stop function at the end of LP. Sounds pretty good for the money you pay for it. Its negatives would be ceramic cart and hence heavy tracking weight, feather light platter, mostly made of plastic (wooden panels on side) and not a robust player. But should satisfy everyday listening just of you upgrade those speakers. 78 RPM playibility is a bonus.

Also, you spent a lot to restore it that I can definitely say. But apart from that, should be a good experience. Should you have more queries on this player, we will be glad to help.

Regards
Saket.

PS: There is a spring under the tone arm which you can hook at various positions helping your tone arm to track a little lighter. The more the spring is stretched, the lighter is the traking weight. Hope you get it.

 

[Renovatio]

Thank you for the warm welcome and responses guys!

As this is the first record player I've owned, I have absolutely no idea about a lot of what you guys laid out - I don't know what stylus and cartridge the player has, but the guy I took it to said he replaced them both with a new piece of the same model.

Is there a DIY guide to replacing the jacks? I'm great with assembling computers and laptops but the second the question of soldering comes up I tend to run and hide and pull out my wallet (though I don't want to spend a whole lot more on this right now!)

I've checked out some of the other cleaning guides for records and tried this - Use Wood Glue to Clean and Restore Old LPs But that was done to a single record with the last of some wood glue I got from a friend and I have no idea where to get wood glue in India from.

Do you know what particular speakers you swapped the 832's with? I'm definitely up to bringing in some superior unpowered speakers in but with the DIN plug I don't really know if the existing speakers are powered or unpowered (though having an amp in the player I figure they must be unpowered)

I figure I would've spent a little more than I ought to, but the guy had to swap out some parts of the motor (the rubber thingie attached to the motor wasn't properly spinning the big heavy thing (platter?) the rubber disc sits on that you put the record on) as well as the cartridge and stylus and a few of those little locking pins on everything, plus I had him polish the whole shebang as I love the look of polished wood.

This spring under the tone arm - if it isn't too much of a pain would you please take a picture that can guide me about what position would allow the tone arm to sit lighter? I'm an absolute record player noob and was making fun of people that bought vinyl until I heard some Knopfler on a friend's turntable and realized that I had to rush to Dehradun post-haste and recover my dad's neglected player!

Thanks again!

 

[Saket]

Thank you for the warm welcome and responses guys!

As this is the first record player I've owned, I have absolutely no idea about a lot of what you guys laid out - I don't know what stylus and cartridge the player has, but the guy I took it to said he replaced them both with a new piece of the same model.

Is there a DIY guide to replacing the jacks? I'm great with assembling computers and laptops but the second the question of soldering comes up I tend to run and hide and pull out my wallet (though I don't want to spend a whole lot more on this right now!)

I've checked out some of the other cleaning guides for records and tried this - Use Wood Glue to Clean and Restore Old LPs But that was done to a single record with the last of some wood glue I got from a friend and I have no idea where to get wood glue in India from.

Do you know what particular speakers you swapped the 832's with? I'm definitely up to bringing in some superior unpowered speakers in but with the DIN plug I don't really know if the existing speakers are powered or unpowered (though having an amp in the player I figure they must be unpowered)

I figure I would've spent a little more than I ought to, but the guy had to swap out some parts of the motor (the rubber thingie attached to the motor wasn't properly spinning the big heavy thing (platter?) the rubber disc sits on that you put the record on) as well as the cartridge and stylus and a few of those little locking pins on everything, plus I had him polish the whole shebang as I love the look of polished wood.

This spring under the tone arm - if it isn't too much of a pain would you please take a picture that can guide me about what position would allow the tone arm to sit lighter? I'm an absolute record player noob and was making fun of people that bought vinyl until I heard some Knopfler on a friend's turntable and realized that I had to rush to Dehradun post-haste and recover my dad's neglected player!

Thanks again!

Hi Reno,

Changing to RCA sockets is not tough. More than the wiring, fixing the sockets to the cabinet is more trouble some. Reg. the wiring part, you will see 2 points on an RCA female jack (the part which will fit into the player's cabinet). One point that connects to the outer metal body of RCA female is negative (common to both RCA Jacks) and the point in centre is positive. What you'll have to do is to simply unsolder the wires from the original jacks and solder them to your rca sockets. As fas as i remember, in the 2 pin DIN socket, the bigger point is negative. So now you know which wires to put on the negative point of your new RCA. RCA sockets are fitted almost like a volume pot. YOu just have to make a suitable hole for it in your cabinet.
Reg. the vinyl cleaning wood glue, fevicol would do it. THere is a post by our FM Malvai b y name like 'zero paisa vinyl cleaning method' which explains how to do it. Or you can also clean your records with luke warm water. Be sure not to use too hot water as it can warp them or melt them altogether. I still curse myself when I left one LP in the sun accidently only to find it melting badly and hence becoming unplayable.
Reg. the speakers, the original speakers of 832 are unpowered in themselves. The speakers I used were simple old soundboxes with 6.5 Inch woofers & small dome tweeters. SOunded pretty good. I will not be able to tell about the specs of those speakers as they are somewhat locally made non-standard aftermarket purchase.
About the tonearm spring, presently I am at my work place so i cannot provide you the picture immediately, but surely on Monday. THe concept is there are many slots on thin plate attached to this spring under the tonearm. What you got to do is pull the plate along with the spring and hook it to the last slot (the one closest to where the spring is hooked to this plate) to a plastic hook near the cartridge end of the tonearm. Will provide a pic soon.

Good that you have restored your player to this level and even got the woods polished. That black wheel is called Idler and it drives the patter on which the record sits.
I am sure your philips will serve you long. Enjoy your vinyl collection.
Saket

 

[Saket]

I am attaching the pics of the arm spring that I told you about. You have to hook the marked (in red) slot to the plastic thing to the cartridge end. Also here is my 832 pic with its younger sibling 633 Stereo.
Also note that I erred in my previous post about the cartridges. The 832 has a GP204 Cart & the 633 has GP224. Both are Saphire stylus ceramic carts.
Attached the pics of cartridge of 832 as well.
Should clear all your doubts.

Saket

 

[Renovatio]

Thanks for the answers and the pictures!

I'm honestly terrified of trying to solder this stuff myself, maybe I'll take it back to the fellow who restored it for me and see what he can do, though he's VERY in love with everything retro and might just refuse to do it!

The arm spring seems to already be placed in the position you mentioned, so whoever did that obviously understood the heaviness issue you outlined!

Thanks again!

 

[ovizek]

Hi,

First time poster...hope I am posting in the right forum & thread...
I have a Philips 832 Stereo Record Player....Since it was not in great working condition, I got it repaired from Kolkata (my hometown)...Although it has started working there's still lot of noise....

I got it to Bangalore where I live....I have also received a lot of vinyls but are not being able to listen to them because of the record player condition....
- Are there any good repair shops in B'lore? because the turntable is lazy, it has an old 2 pin jacks for the speakers etc....at least I need a shop where i can buy the spares...
- Which speakers should go well with this record player?
- Is it a good idea to replace it with more recent turntables...If yes, where could i sell it? The reason I ask this as it's getting increasingly difficult to maintain the same...This masterpiece should not get wasted like this!

Appreciate your advise...I do not understand much of the technicalities...
Looking forward to hearing back from you.

Thanks!

 

[Saket]

Hello & Welcome Ovizek!

Too many 832s around ha! Okay, before getting a new player, ask yourself if you are sure that you really want to take a dip into vinyls. Acquiring vinyl collection, Maintaining it and maintaining & using a turntable itself is a time, effort & 'vitamin M' consuming adventure.
Also, the portability & convenience offered by digital players is incomparable to bulky vinyl set ups. If you are sure that you really want to pursue this hobby, and will not grow over it in a short time, you need to have a decent set up which means a new turntable. By new, I really don't mean a brand new, but a different turntable than what you have now. With all due respect to your Philips 832, its a very very basic player, unable to reproduce hi-fi audio. Also, due to its heavy and to a large degree, a nonadjustable tracking weight, I will be really reluctant to play vinyls on it.
Assuming that you are sure to venture this adventure, I would suggest you to get a nice vintage used turntable which will be value for money. Would like to add that due to recent resurgence of vinyls, the quotes of even used turntables have gone up, but IMO, it is still the way to go.
you have not mentioned whether your collection is new or used but I am assuming it to be old here as your turntable is old.
The above is my advice for an above average listening pleasure. But if you enjoy the level of fidelity/clarity with your Philips, stick to it but sort out the problem ASAP.
You have not stated what kind of noise, but in short I will let you know most probable causes:
1. Your stylus is worn- Remedy: Replace stylus else you damage your LPs irreversibly.
2. Static noise- Remedy: Needs a technician to sort out circuitry issues.
3. Mechanical Noise- Remedy: Its an idler driven player, so there are some moving parts involved compared to direct drives. Lubricate the joints & pivots. Be sure not to lubricate the idler wheel of rubber. YOu can also consider replacing the idler wheel if its worn out.
4. Your vinyls are pre-scratched - Remedy: Do let me know if you come across any solution in the world.


PS: Due to its low worth, I would not recommend too much investment on repairs. If repairs go upside 1K, its not worth repairing. Get some vintage tables instead, but only if you are serious about it.

Should you want more on this, I am glad to help.

Regards,
Saket

 

[asimha]

Hello,
Posting first time here as I am one more of the 832 inheritors and am very glad to have it along with lots of SP, EP & LP. Am in Bangalore and understand one of you is looking for a repair outlet. I think I have found one thanks to one of the kind helpers on line. You may try Bohra electronics, Jayem complex, Sampige road, Malleshwaram and when I was there his shop is full of turntables/record players of all brands from all over india. 45 mts I spent with him gave me lot of confidence in his capabilities. I am expecting my player back in a weeks time.

Will keep you updated on the same. Has someone access to the clear plastic protection cover of 832. Mine is misplaced and it looks incomplete without one.

Thanks again for sharing 832 INFO.

All the best

 

[darthvader5000]

Hi People,

Another Philips 832 bought in 1975. Switches on , but clicking sound when started.

I opened the base plate of the player and saw that the rubber wheel which rubs against the motor drive is pretty hard . It doesnt make any sound when rotated independently , neither does the motor . So I guess its the spring assembly with the rubber wheel which is the problem.

Tried a record. With no stylus weight it runs fine on 33 rpm but with the stylus on , its slows down.

So advise please.

Thanks.

 

[Technics_Fan]

Hi People,

Another Philips 832 bought in 1975. Switches on , but clicking sound when started.

I opened the base plate of the player and saw that the rubber wheel which rubs against the motor drive is pretty hard . It doesnt make any sound when rotated independently , neither does the motor . So I guess its the spring assembly with the rubber wheel which is the problem.

Tried a record. With no stylus weight it runs fine on 33 rpm but with the stylus on , its slows down.

So advise please.

Thanks.

Looks like your rubber Idler wheel has dried up really bad. This drastically reduces the traction of the idler wheel and hence it is not able to maintain speed.


1.) If the idler wheel is just dry and shiny outside you can fix it by sanding the glazed port with a fine sand paper (600 grit or higher). You can do this if you have access to a power drill. You will have to fix a appropriate screw with couple of washers to secure the idler wheel in the drill. Ensure the axis of the screw and idler is at right angles to the drill and it does not wobble.Switch on the drill and with minimal pressure apply the sand paper to the edge of the rotating idler. Ofcourse, you will have to maintain a correct angle so that the edge of the idler remain flat. If this all too much for you then you can ask someone at the closeby workshop to mill the edge of the idler slightly using a lathe. This will increase the grip of your idler and would bring its traction to reasonable limits so that if does not slip.

2.) Alternatively you can use a rubber rejuvenator to recover the idler. Not sure if this is available in India.

3.) Finding a replacement idler would be the best option.


Warm Regards,
Technics_Fan

 

[darthvader5000]

Took me a lot of searching but finally figured out how to remove the idler.

Its in a bad shape. Distorted and if i try and feel the rubber for softness , the rubber crackles , as if it is about to fall off. So I guess I need a new idler.

Where do i get one. The present one does not have any part no on it.

Its an iron ( magnetic screw driver sticks to it ) centre with a brass bush in the centre and two small holes either side of the bush.

regards

Darth

 

[darthvader5000]

NGH , Chandani Chowk , New Delhi has an online visibility and after speaking to them on the phone placed an order for a replacement idler.

Now where do I get the GP 224 stylus from ? The Philips uses this since its marked on the under side of the cartridge.

Help !

 

[ajayrpathak]

Hi Guys,
Just joined this forum after reading this thread while i was searching the availability of GP 204 ( as mentioned in Saket's post ) stylus for my father's Philips 832 stereo record player. Can some help me to identify stylus seller in Delhi NCR please ?
Thanks
Ajay

 

[Saket]

Hi Guys,
Just joined this forum after reading this thread while i was searching the availability of GP 204 ( as mentioned in Saket's post ) stylus for my father's Philips 832 stereo record player. Can some help me to identify stylus seller in Delhi NCR please ?
Thanks
Ajay

Hello Ajay,

Do you need to replace the entire cartridge or just the stylus? If you need just the stylus, it is easily available. In (old) Delhi, you can get it at New Gramophone house, Contact person: Anuj Rajpal, Mob: 9810955557, 9990955557
Philips Needle (Stylus & Spares) vinyl lp record

If you have someone known in Kolkata, it can be had for much cheaper from road-side sellers. Trust that helps.

Regards,
Saket

 

[darthvader5000]

Hi Saket,

Got the idler from him.

The stylus currently out of stock.

I have searched extensively on the net. Th stylus are available from prices ranging from GBP 7.5 plus shipping.

Any idea where Anuj is getting his stuff from ?... Not to under cut him but wonder about the quality that's all..

regards

Hello Ajay,

Do you need to replace the entire cartridge or just the stylus? If you need just the stylus, it is easily available. In (old) Delhi, you can get it at New Gramophone house, Contact person: Anuj Rajpal, Mob: 9810955557, 9990955557
Philips Needle (Stylus & Spares) vinyl lp record

If you have someone known in Kolkata, it can be had for much cheaper from road-side sellers. Trust that helps.

Regards,
Saket

 

[Saket]

Hi Saket,

Got the idler from him.

The stylus currently out of stock.

I have searched extensively on the net. Th stylus are available from prices ranging from GBP 7.5 plus shipping.

Any idea where Anuj is getting his stuff from ?... Not to under cut him but wonder about the quality that's all..

regards

Sorry for the late reply. GBP7.5 is expensive for this stylus. This can be had for Rs. 50-100 from Kolkata street side sellers. If you have someone in Kolkata who can ship it to you, then it is the same quality that I get to see from the pics on NGH website.

 

[paras0710]

Hello Renovatio,

First of all welcome to the forum. Would like to tell you that I myself have a Philips 832 stereo record player in pretty nice shape. Also I have a Philips 633 Stereo, younger sibling of 832 with detachable speakers on upper & lower lids. The 633 can be operated on batteries as well & has a DC motor whereas the 832 has an AC motor with no DC operation.

1. Regarding your stylus & cart.: 832 probably has GP224 ceramic cartridge which sounds fairly good to me. As Hiten suggested, you can change to a new stylus if yours is worn. I am a little confused with the cartridge model as my 633 has a similar plug-in cartridge which I think is GP204 which are interchangeable in many philips players including the 832. If you want, I will check and report back tomorrow.
The only hesitance in playing records with this cartridge is that it tracks a little too heavy so would result in record-wear. Sound wise its fairly good as far as ceramic ones go.
Also would like to tell you that I have tried swapping the cartridges of both sets and I have tested the 832 cartridge to be better in terms of bass than the one in 633. Clarity wise, both are pretty good.

2. As Hiten suggested, with little modification, you can add RCA jacks to your set and add some length to it. In this way, you dont have to look for extension cord and also get rod of those 2 pin older sockets.

3. Those clicks & pops should are normal for vinyl playback due to dust, dirt & impurities in the vinyl itself. There are various threads in this forum regarding cleaning records. WIth those methods you may get rid of some (mind it...SOME clicks & pops as most many are due to vinyl quality itself)

4. The 832 is a record player and hence it has its own pre-amp and amplifier section. You dont need any other preamp to play it. Just attach the speakers and you are smiling to some music.

I have tried to swap the original speakers that come with 832 with a better and little more powerful sound box (without any other amp). It sounded much better and bass heavy.
Its an idler driven player with auto stop function at the end of LP. Sounds pretty good for the money you pay for it. Its negatives would be ceramic cart and hence heavy tracking weight, feather light platter, mostly made of plastic (wooden panels on side) and not a robust player. But should satisfy everyday listening just of you upgrade those speakers. 78 RPM playibility is a bonus.

Also, you spent a lot to restore it that I can definitely say. But apart from that, should be a good experience. Should you have more queries on this player, we will be glad to help.

Regards
Saket.

PS: There is a spring under the tone arm which you can hook at various positions helping your tone arm to track a little lighter. The more the spring is stretched, the lighter is the traking weight. Hope you get it.

Hi, i know its an old thread but i just bought used Philips 832 just now so have some questions. I recently bought 832 record player and i got it with 15 lp records and 20 ep records for just Rs 400 without cartridge and it is in excellent condition though it has some Humm noise to it which i guess because of old capacitors .
You mentioned it has autostop function at the end of record. Are you sure because mine does not stop at end.
I am using ceramic cartridge from my fathers decades old Philips 604. can i change it with moving magnet type cartridge like Philips AG3404?

 

[Saket]

Yes, I am sure that it has autostop functionality. The stock cart on this set was also a ceramic cart which tracks on the heavier side. I think it was either GP205 or GP215. Am not sure about if AG3404 will fit as its a plug type mounting system.