AG3401 STEREO element modification for use in a F8X82A

Some pictures of the restored B8X75A, could not post them on the previous thread

Thanks Rene!

I follow the club and you all here really know how to have fun with this marvelous sound equipment!!I wanted to post nicer pictures once I am done with the repairs on the cabinet. This Unit is actually a F8X87A, as you know the difference is the tropical radio, instead of a B8X72 A it uses a B8X75A.

The funny thing of buying this Radiogram, is how it happened. I follow your club for some time as I normally have a Philips AG9015 / A5X83N with two AD5036A and AD5036B.

When I saw the Presentation of Bernard Lezing, and saw the F8X82a in action on youtube I thought it was just amazing and would be incredible to have one. Well the next day I was looking the local ads, and could not believe there was one for sale. It was an incredible sincronicity.

Given its 60 years of age it is in good original condition, complete including the satellites. with no missing parts or modifications, I have repaired so far the AG1005 and AG8008, work is still required in the amplifier, the speakers are in very good condition, even though the very damaged fabric may suggest otherwise. I am working with the laquer, and cabinet to restore it like new.

In the process of repair of the F8X radio I found a B8X75A, and so far it is working with few details left to finish it completely. I relaquered the unit following the clubs advise and I think the result is quite good.
This was the test before doing the F8X, you cannot take any chances of mistake with it....

I am very happy that a unit appeared in France! Chapeau Julien!!!!


Regards Jose

Congratulations with the F8X82A.
So we see nothing of this very rare cabinet and so messages of two of this model.
The one you own and one in France.

Please show some photo's of yours. would be great.
Have fun.

Dear Peter,

Thank you so much for your advice!

As you explain it, with all your clarity and knowledge, You make it seem so obvious, but otherwise it would be a guessing work that leaves you in the dark.

I much appreciate your help on this matter!!

If anyone in the Club is interested I have a Philips AG3402 cartridge new in box (without stylus), that I would like to exchange or sell for a AG3401. Please let me know if anyone has a AG 3401 for sale I would be interested in buying it or trading it for a AG3402.

Thanks Jose

It is possible indeed to modify the preamp to use the AG3401 cartridge.
You have to delete the voltage divider in the stereo setting of the preamplifier.
In the original design you had to use a stereo crystal cartridge when you switch the amplifier to stereo.
The stereo reproduction will be greatly improved when you use the AG3401 cartridge if you play stereo records.

Modification: Delete R326 and Change R303 from 10 kOhms to 68 kOhms. Bridge R300 and R 301.

With this modification you can play stereo (and mono) records in the stereo setting of the amplifier with the AG3401. When you use the AG3020 and 3021 you have to switch the amplifier to mono. In stereo setting only the left channel is working.

Greatings,
Peter

I am restoring a F8X82A, and would like to try the stereo modification of the preamplifier to use a AG3401 element. For this I need to understand the preamplifier modification, and have a AG3401 element.

Any help would be much appreciated!

Thanks
Jose