Although some disdain the classroom record players made by Califone, Audiotronics, and Newcomb, these are actually pretty rugged, simply built, reliable record players. Recent models are made in China, so look for the older models made in the USA. With a new cartrdige installed, the 1450K plays records well and reliably. However, 7 grams is the minimum tracking force I could get adjusting the tension spring as much as possible, so you might not want to play your priceless collectible LP's on it if you think 7 grams might be too much.

This 1450K arrived clean and in pretty good shape except the cartridge was shot and the tone arm just skated across 33 and 45 rpm records, although it would play 78's OK. I got in touch with Gary Stork at Voice of Music and he recommended the Pfanstiehl 911SS73 replacement for the original Astatic 89T. The Pfanstiehl 911SS73 is a sapphire needle that is stereo compatible and can play 33-1/3, 45, and 78 rpm records.

Other than the new cartridge, servicing the 1450K consisted of no more than cleaning the cabinet, lubricating the motor, and giving the solid state amplifier a visual check for any obvious problems, as it plays fine with no hum or other evidence of electronic issues.

You can hear the machine play on You Tube

This Model 1430C was most likely made in the early 1990's. It is not as well made as the 1450K above or the other earlier 1430 series players. The platter is plastic, not metal. The motor is a simple little DC motor that I don't think can be serviced.

My sister-in-law found this 1430 in a thrift shop for $15.00. It was actually in good working condition. The Powerpoint cartridge and stylus are in good condition. All record formats play well with no skipping of the tone arm. The only service required was cleaning and lubricating the speed change mechanism.

The audio quality is actually not bad on this machine, and actually sounds better than the Model 1815 below.

This Model 1815 was most likely made in the 1970's. It features a metal tone arm and platter, AC motor that can be serviced, and a variable pitch control for fine adjustment of turntable rpm's. I purchased this unit from Goodwill's online auction site.

The audio output is 45 watts, and has a large amplifier. Several of the electrolytic caps were leaking fluid, so I had to three caps on the board. I also installed a new Powerpoint stylus.

The audio quality is just so-so, in spite of the large 12" speaker. I installed a switched line out jack from the phono cartridge, which allows me to bypass the Califone amplifier and feed the audio signal directly into another amplifier and speaker system, effectively making the unit a four-speed turntable. This arrangement works very well, and 78 rpm records, which is what I use the machine for primarily, sound very good played through a hi-fi amp.

The Model 1815 also features inputs for a microphone and an auxiliary line in, so an iPhone or other audio device can be played throught the amplifier and speaker of the 1815. I like the blue hammer-tone finish on this Model 1815.