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FOR 1946 CAPEHART
De Luxe Turn-Over Record Changer & Radio MODEL 114N2 (electronics upgraded to P2) |
PICTURES WILL TAKE A FEW SECONDS TO LOAD.
This Web Site is hosted
for Carsten Fischer.
The machine is located in
Pls contact me at sanfranphono “at” sbcglobal “dot” net
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q342zZx4id0
Watch this YouTube Video of the Machine playing and changing a few records.
The video shows the radio, amplifier and the working changer.
Production History
of this Model
Introduced in 1930,
Homer Capehart’s famous CAPEHART DE Hollywood
movies as a working plot device or piece of furniture.
Ralph Erbe’s 1929 turn-over changer – bought out from Columbia
So superb was this
record changer that it was produced for over 20 years, while practical
refinements and higher fidelity cartridge designs were continually introduced.
Even E. H. Scott, custom maker of some of the finest radios, included the Capehart changer in many of his top models.
The Capehart
electronics were updated annually to reflect the advances in audio engineering.
High fidelity and ample power was a hallmark in a period when other producers
tried to convince the public, that a boomy, muddy
sound was good enough. While at the time many radios had small 10” speakers, Capehart always employed multiple heavy dynamic Jensen
speakers from 12” up to 18”, often powered by multiple amplifiers.
From 1942 to 1945, the Capehart-Farnsworth company switched to war-time production
of military electronics. Military research was headed by Philo Farnsworth.
In 1946, production
with a fully redesigned changer and new electronics were resumed. They
reflected the great advances of audio and radio technology during WW II, while
retaining the classic beauty of Capehart’s superb
cabinets.
Model classes of the
post-1946 Capehart Turn-Over Changer line-up:
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Amplifier
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Audio
Power
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Loudspeaker
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Cabinet
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Price
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Capehart 400N
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two chassis
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30
Watts
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dynamic
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Large cabinet in classical styles (Chippendale,
Adam etc.).
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$ 1,595
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Capehart 100N2
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two chassis
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26
Watts (tested)
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dynamic
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Mid-size cabinet in classical styles (Early
Georgian, George II, etc.)
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$ 1,145 - 1,275
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Capehart 100N4
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simplified single radio/amplifier chassis.
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12 Watt
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dynamic
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Mid-size cabinet (Styles: Georgian, Sheraton)
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$ 845
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Post war 41-E
turn-over record changer
The turn-over record
changer was completely redesigned into a low stylus pressure, hi-fi unit with a
superb, quiet idler wheel turntable.
This changer is justly considered the best changer that Capehart
ever offered.
It is mounted on a cast aluminum bedplate, which guarantees dimensional
stability and prevents resonances.
The cast aluminum turntable is mounted on a 5” long precision machined shaft
with a quiet ball bearing. The idler drive with a smooth and strong 2 pole
induction motor is free of rumble. This turntable alone puts many later Hi-Fi turntables to shame.
The angled chrome plated tone arm has a correct minimized tracking error. Stylus
pressure is counteracted dynamically by a coil spring. . Combined with the
famous GE Variable Reluctance cartridge, it allows high fidelity reproduction
at a very low weight (8 grams). For 78 rpm records this low weight prevents any
kind of wear or damage.
Highlights of some
superb design improvements of the 41-E Changer:
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Three playing
modes: Manual (changer disabled), One sided, Turn-over mode.
Mode lever is locked during cycle to prevent damage to changer.
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Changer is
powered by a separate, geared motor. An automatic safety feature immediately
shuts off the motor if a changer movement is impeded.
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Permanently
oiled bushings make the changer maintenance free.
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Mercury switches
avoid clicks and pops from sparking.
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A play control
on the changer allows to pre-set number of sides to be played (up to 50), after
which play control shuts off the complete machine.
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Sliding areas
are fitted with small rollers. Guiding edges are lined with thin wires to
minimize record contact.
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A feeler
automatically indexes the tone arm for 10” / 12” record.
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An on-off switch
allows to stop the changer and turntable at any time.
Radio and Amplifier
Electronics
The Capehart
has a crisp, rounded sound of exceptional fidelity and warm smoothness that has
none of the muddy bass and muffled treble often associated with vintage tube
radios. When playing the FM radio or your 78 rpm records, you may find that you
will prefer the Capehart to your modern stereo set.
Electronics research of
WW II lead to a quantum leap in tube electronics. At the same time, David Sarnoff’s backing of the modern FM radio band had
introduced a new medium of unprecedented fidelity. Based on Philo Farnsworth
military research, the company designed a superb radio/audio solution. Many of
its novel features were later incorporated by other makers of high fidelity
equipment.
(This technical
description was provided by Fred Rice, Philadelphia
Capehart spared no expense in the 1946 N electronics:
The massive power and input/output transformers alone add upwards of 50 pounds
of iron to the amplifier.
The tuner chassis uses 17 tubes. Separate front ends and tubes serve the AM and
FM sections. 6AG5 miniature tubes are used for the FM RF
and mixer stages. A 6C4 is used as the oscillator.
All Ifs use 6SK7 tubes: 3 in the FM IF and 2 in the AM IF. There is one 6SK7 in
the AM RF stage. A 6SA7 is used for the AM mixer, and
a 6J5 for its oscillator. 6H6’s are used both in the AM detector and the FM
ratio detector.
Capehart did not use a limiter-discriminator in this
model, as it did before WW II. They claimed that the advantage of the new ratio
detector was insensitivity to noise on very weak signals.
A dual eye-tube 6AF6G is used with a 6SN7GT control tube. Another 6SN7GT serves
as first audio stage and cathode foller.
Originally, a 6J7 was used as a phono pre-amplifier
for the cartridge.
The N2 power amplifier is well designed with heavy transformers and generous
power reserves. On a recent test of the restored unit, the amplifier produced
26 Watts of undistorted audio power output. Four 6J5’s are used: One as input
stage, one as phase splitter and two as push-pull drivers for the power output
stage of two push-pull 6L6G’s. A pair of 5U4G rectifiers provide ample DC
current.
In total, this set has
25 tubes.
The radio has back lit
controls with clear lucite knobs. The SW-AM-FM bands
are displayed on a dial with indirectly lighted frequency markings (FM has
channel numbers). The dial pointer has light bulbs shining through the brown
backing of the dial glass. When changing the band, the orange light marker
jumps to the correct band.
Radio uses the modern
radio bands:
AM: 540 – 1,600 KHz
SW: 9.4 – 15.4 MHz
FM: 88 – 108 MHz
Inside the cabinet, a
long loop antenna provides excellent radio reception, ports
for external antennas and ground are provided.
The great Jensen coaxial dynamic loudspeaker have a
15” bass woofer and a 5” midrange-tweeter. The gigantic AlNiCo
magnets are one of the notable WW II technological innovations.
The Capehart
runs on standard main line power of 120V/ 60hz. Capehart
provides instructions to modify for 50 hz
current.
Cabinetry
Capehart was justly renown for their high quality designer
cabinets, which always used expensive veneers and solid cabinetry, but avoids
gaudy designs. With its understated splendor as a piece of furniture, a Capehart will be an attractive centerpiece of attention.
Cabinets were usually designed in the spirit of famous cabinetmakers of the
past, among them Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Adam.
Gorgeous Art Deco designs and a later Scandinavian “Modern” blond wood model
were available.
With all the doors closed, the Capehart does not look
like a phonograph, but can double as an attractive sideboard or a credenza.
Capehart 114N2 – post-war
turn-over record changer and radio
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q342zZx4id0
Watch this YouTube Video of the Machine playing and changing a few records.
The video shows the radio, amplifier and the working changer.
Measurements: 41” x 24 ½” x 42”
Weight
approx. 240 lbs
I have
owned this machine for 5 years, and enjoyed and played it extensively. I have
always kept the machine in the best possible condition. The electronics and
tubes were checked 6 months ago by one of the great experts of tube
electronics, John Ecklund, and the electronics were
updated – according to Capehart technical notes - to
the level of a P2 amplifier. The changer has been serviced and adjusted by
Roger Morrison.
I
think that the Capehart is the ideal machine to play
78s: They simply sound better than on a modern stereo. On acoustic records you
can bring out a lot of bass with the bass tone control. The light-weight tone
arm does not wear or damage the records, and last but not least, the machine
plays happily for hours either your selection of popular music, or those
cumbersome opera and classical sets.
The
video and the pictures do not quite justice to the gorgeous appearance and superior
sound of this machine. If you come to San
Francisco
Condition
Changer:
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Capehart made a
few modifications to the original changer 41-E, which on this machine were
probably installed by the dealer:
- Install two metal struts on the hopper magazine frame.
- Put a black plastic slip disc on the turntable. The slip disc has a 1/2”
shallow tear in the interior. This does not affect play and changing of
records.
- Exchange the original True-Timbre pick-up (a short lived strain gage
cartridge) with the new, silver headshell and a 1947
GE Variable Reluctance Cartridge.
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Since the 1947 GE VR
had a soldered stylus (factory replacable), it has
been replaced with a GE VR RPX
cartridge of the same specifications. The stylus is simple to replace and easy
to find (around $ 15 – 20). Also, the RPX has better
shielding, and the improved cantilever design provides increased treble
response.
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The lucite headshell is in
great condition, with sound silver coating on the inside and no scratches.
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The
changer has been serviced and adjusted by Roger Morrison.
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Changer works flawlessly and smoothly
without jerking or stopping.
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Changer handles 4 – 16 standard size
12” and 10” records in continuous play.
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Changer trips on all records with a
run-off groove, even a 1904 Tamagno Victor : ). It is
very rare that a record does not trip the changer.
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Visual condition of changer is
excellent. The brown lacquer has only a few tiny scratches on the bedplate, and
two tiny rubbed off spots at the bottom of the magazine hopper. The lucite of the Capehart logo on
top of the magazine hopper and of the play control is clean and unmarred.
Chrome plated parts have great plating. Only plating on tone arm has some
pitting. All felt strips are firm in place and without holes or damage. Felt on
record tray has a few whitish spots.
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Both changer and turntable motor run
very quietly and without any problems.
Radio and Electronics
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Radio and amplifier have been fully
restored: Capacitors were tested and replaced. All resistors were checked, and
many degraded resistors were replaced (a problem with post-war Capeharts). All tubes were tested, and tubes that did not
test “good” were replaced. About 15 tubes were replaced with US made new old
stock. No modern Russian or Chinese tubes were used.
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Electronics were checked 6 months ago
by a tube electronics expert. We decided to follow Capehart’s
technical instructions and upgrade the N2 amplifier to a P2 amplifier:
- replace the external phono pre-amp with an
on-chassis pre-amp using the GE 6SC7.
- modify the phono equalization network
- adjusting the reference level/ loudness control
- The Capehart recommended treble filter FM radio
capacitor was not installed, as it degrades treble fidelity.
All tubes were tested and are “good”.
Fuses were replaced with new correct values. Radio illumination light bulbs
checked and replaced.
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The brown backing of the dial glass was
problematic even in the 1940s. It would craze and flake. Some small defects
have been taken care off, and the brown backing looks again like new without
any shades or gaps in the brown backing.
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Electronics on the loudspeaker network
have been checked and replaced as necessary. Loudspeakers sound just perfect
with a great volume. A small tear in the grille cloth has been mended and is
not visible.
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The player compartment light retains
its original frosted light bulb.
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All connecting cables are original and
safe. The main power chord has been replaced.
Cabinet
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“Early Georgian” cabinet style in
highly figured mahogany. Original blended satin lacquer finish. Solid wood rail
and post construction, inside of player compartment veneered.
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Fittings with old brass finish all
original.
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Coarse woven grille cloth original.
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Radio lucite knobs and glass cover undamaged and in great
original shape.
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Great original
finish, satin shine and undamaged. Undisturbed, just waxed and
buffed. Rare tiny nicks on bottom rail and edge of top lid are not noticeable.
Left side panel has a faintest short scratch that is visible only in rake
light. Top has three faint scratches and a 1/4” x 1/4” shallow spot at the
back, which are not visible, but can be felt. In two small 1” x 1” patches on
lid lacquer has a slightly yellow very mild crazing. Again, noticeable only on
very close inspection.
In Conclusion
The 114N2 Capehart is a very
impressive sounding machine, even compared to modern hi-fi sets. Its
centerpiece, the turn-over changer has never been surpassed in reliability and
comfort.
You really have to hear and see it!
The post-war Capehart models
are the finest Capeharts every produced: Modern FM
and the high fidelity GE VR cartridge deliver the
unprecedented fidelity through a high quality tube amplifiers.
I will be happy to include copies of the service notes,
schematics and technical notes on 50 hz
installation with the machine.
You will certainly evaluate this machine against other
examples. A few points to keep in mind:
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Of the pre-WW II models A to M, over
20,000 were produced. However, the desirable postwar N and P models are
extremely rare.
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When comparing the post-war model to
the fine pre-war Capeharts, keep in mind the
following limitations of the pre-war models:
- Pre-war pick-ups have a limited frequency range up to 5,000 or 6,000 Hz.
The heavy pick-ups (several ounces) are rather rough on records.
- Some late pre-war models have FM radio. This is the obsolete pre-war FM band,
which does not work any more. You will not receive any FM stations, and no
conversion to modern FM is possible.
- Most pre-war models have no play control. The changer will not shut off
automatically.
- Some late pre-war models have problematic pot metal parts in the changer and
in the radio tuner.
- Pre-war changer and turntables are driven directly by a single geared motor
with a solenoid clutch.
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When evaluating a post-war Capehart, check the following:
- Check if it is a two chassis or one chassis model. The N4/P4 single
chassis model is an entry model with limited power.
- On rare occasions you will find a post-war Capehart
with the original, failed True Timbre cartridge. The headshell
is clear lucite, instead of silver colored. The True
Timbre cartridge most likely will not work, and the stylus is not replaceable.
Upgrading to GE VR cartridge will require a new headshell, modifications to the tone arm and changes inside
the radio chassis.
- The brown dial glass backing is often crazed or flaking. The dial light will
shine through. Perfect retouching of the paint is not trivial.
- Finding an expert to restore the electronics is difficult. Many radio
restorers do not like to work on these large, multi-chassis tube sets.
Restoration required extensive replacement of capacitors and resistors.
Replacement tubes can be quite difficult to find. Tubes of recent manufacture
may have problems with catastrophic failure.
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I have heard several post
war Capeharts owned by friends and fellow collectors.
The sound quality can vary widely. I believe that the restorers on this Capehart did an excellent job in bringing back the full
fidelity and impressive sound that the Capeharts are
famous for.
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The changer will most likely work the
first time you start it up. It will benefit from service and adjustments to
provide noiseless and flawless operation. Unfortunately, very few experts are
available to service a Capehart changer.
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Very important: Post-war Capeharts are known to have been robbed of their original
loudspeaker. Especially if you are looking at a 400N or 400P model, make sure
that the original acoustic suspension speaker is present. On the 400N/P models,
the speaker is enclosed in a sealed box. It has a diameter of about 10”.
Removal of this loudspeaker will affect the sound quality, and will drastically
reduce the value of the machine.
Again, this machine is for sale in San Francisco
Contact me at sanfranphono
“at” sbcglobal “dot” net.
Based on my experiences of internet transactions, I think
that it is advisable if you can come by to check out the machine yourself, or
have a friend in the area check it out for you.
With regard to shipping, I will leave it to the buyer to
make the necessary arrangements. While the machine is large and heavy, it is of
solid construction.
The Capehart ships well and
usually without problems. Friends of mine and I have shipped a number of these
machines using commercial moving services with no problem. For moves within California
So, check out some more movies that I have put on YouTube
here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/sanfranphono
And some more machines for sale:
http://myvintagetv.com/Carsten%20Sales%20Ads/salelist.htm
And some more interesting
changers, including some rare Capehart models:
http://myvintagetv.com/updatepages1/changer%20videos/changer_videos.htm
Click on the thumbnails below for more pictures of
the Capehart.
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