1960s Magnavox Astro Sonic Console Stereos (PART 1: Evaluation & Cleaning)
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- Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
- In this video series we will follow the evaluation and repair of two solid state 1960s Magnavox hi-fi console stereo AM/FM tuners and turntables, made in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA. The model numbers are 1P3311 on the smaller maple finished unit from 1969 and 3ST648 on the larger walnut unit from 1965. Both units feature Micromatic record changers made in England by Collaro. One is model W701.
My parents had a very similar one my favorite memories are my mother turning on the stereo during the Christmas Season and listening to Christmas music.🎼🎼🎼
So happy I found your video. I just got my great-grandparents Magnavox, the exact model you have in the video, and had no clue how to work it.
I was quite disappointed. I knew it was on by wasn't getting any sound. After watching the part of the video where you show the speaker switches in the back I flipped those and everything works great.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Can you restore 60 - 70s floor model cassette & 8 track , phono players
That’s exactly what happened to mine (I have the same smaller unit) I didn’t know why it was powering on but not making any sound. The internal speaker switch solved that.
You cannot get that full, rich, warm sound out of today's stereo systems. It's a bygone era of audio.......
I agree, my round table is from the 70's and I can only go 4-5 and then I ts a bit loud at that point.
TRUTH
This is really cool I used to pull stereos like this out of the trash in the 1980s and fix them, most of which were tube driven.
Nice consoles. If you still have the bigger one and have not done so yet, I recommend changing the capacitors on the crossover board. Makes a huge difference in loudness and clarity.
I found that by playing music through them the esr will drop and the sound comes back as the capacitors reform. The capacitors in the preamp, amp, and mpx board have been changed in mine however, they will be bad for sure.
FM radio sounds so vibrant on these ol' things. loved the old radiogram i had as a kid. neer electrocuted my self at aged 11 trying to figure out how to make my tape recorder play through it
My mom had the same one. A 1960s Magnavox. I recall as a small child, playing the Abbey Road album and my Partridge family album. I'm thought I'd neve lays eyes on it again. I remember the 45 Holder square and we'd stack 45s on it.. Thank you
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This is the exact same unit my Mom and Dad had when I was a kid..
My grandparents had one similar to the larger (all wood) model with a TV too. Brings back fond memories from my childhood. I enjoy watching these repair videos just as much as your amp videos. Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful stereo,excellent condition and craftsmanship.
Thank you for opening these up it really brought back some memories when you showed the speakers on the first one and I could see the open Voice coils of the speakers I forgot about how they used to do that
the turntables in both units are micro matic which is a callero/ magnavox unit so they are genuine magnavox turntables
Brings back alot of memories... My parents had a stereo unit very similar to the first one in this video.. Before there was a UA-cam, or DVD'S, CD'S etc, these are what we used to learn songs... Starting in the late 1970's through the mid 1980's, I would sit a chair in front of ours and play a record over and over and over trying to learn the song on guitar..... how things have changed....
...and not always for the better. What's sad is, that first unit was one of Maggie's less expensive offerings, but it still sounds about 10x better than the new Chinese junk systems you get at Best Buy or Wally World today. Even with 8" woofers, they are so efficient they rattle the walls.
magnavox with Faraday antenna
Brad- I am in the midst of deciding what to do with my parent's old Admiral console & saw you had this video. After seeing what they sell for in original condition, I believe the decision for me is to restore what needs repairing. The finish is in outstanding condition. And, it may end up being a keeper.
That 45 adapter reminds me of one we had for a 70's Panasonic stereo. Good memories.
Magnavox used Panasonic turntables for a year or two in the early 80's
This is good as I am restoring the first year : Magnavox Solid State Console . Stylus , Bulbs all the same , Tuners clean and 1" of Dust . Turntable will spin great but under power bearings sound ? Mine is exact like the second stereo layout . "Very Good Video"
thec consolles both have magnovox record changers they would always use magnavox changers in their consoles.magnavox always made great amps for their consoles . these consoles are built like tanks . as far as I know all the magnavox consoles use their own changers as I said before thank you for sharing this great console all the best
Just a quick tip about that rubber idler wheel. When I used to work on copiers, we used WD-40 to clean rubber paper path rollers. It cleaned them well and left then nice and grippy again. You wouldn't think that it would, but it works very well. It was the Minolta recommended way.
Seems antithetical, but maybe I'll try it on a piece of scrap rubber one of these days and see how it goes. Thanks for the tip.
I called BS on it when the Minolta instructor said it, but he proved me wrong. Until that point, our shop used Tri-Chlor to clean the rollers. Just wipe them dry after you clean them and they are good to go.
Thank you for the information on the Magnavox consoles. I have two console. One is needing the turntable fixed. By looking at your videos maybe I will be able to fix it or get it fixed.
If you watch all three videos in this series, you should be able to service the turntables yourself. You'll need some 3 in 1 oil for the motor and a can of spray white lithium grease. Both of those you can find at the auto store. You'll also need Q-tips and alcohol for cleaning off all the old grease. Good luck!
Thanks for replying to my comment and thanks for the additional info. I'm going to try and tackle this myself! Thanks again for great videos. Also I wanted you to touch more on the hookup for your phone. How do I do that?
There is an input on the chassis of the tuner labeled "tape in". You'll need a stereo 1/8" to RCA adapting cable. Plug the RCA stereo plugs to the "tape in" and either run the cable out the back of the cabinet to your phone, or do like I did and drill a small hole to run the cable through. And drill another hole in the back panel to run the power cablee out and plug them in. If you have an old phone like I do, just leave it plugged up and you can stream music any time, play mp3s, etc. Good luck!
If you want to get real snazzy with it, you can buy a bluetooth device to plug into the RCA "tape in" and leave it on all the time, then you can stream stuff from your phone to the bluetooth device. Instant update to the 21st century! And people think this stuff is old and outdated. ;)
I removed my record player from console. I think I will have it serviced. Believe its over my head. But I felt confident after looking at your videos. Kudos! Also I hooked my iPhone up to my other console. It's sounding great too!
I think these old consoles are awesome. I wonder what a really top of the line unit was back in the day and what kind of specs it had. Imagine the possibilities of that beautiful wood furniture with upgrades using todays electronics, speakers, turntable and cartridge. I'm sure some enterprising audiophiles with a few bucks have already done it. wow.
I have the exact same large console with all original paperwork, bought 12/21/63 cost $423.92 with tax. todays dollars would be around $3,708.27. Mine is in the process of restoration of turntable, it works but needs cleaning a couple new parts and lubed.
BRAD! Oh my gosh, I can't believe you just glossed over the hooking up your old iPhone to the Magnavox! How did you do this? Can your show us? This is so awesome....
Let me ask you a question since you seem really knowledgable on this.. On the record player arm that holds the records it seems that mine is not holding it straight, so when the stylus arm swings out it actually goes under the record instead of hitting it.. Do you have any suggestions on this matter???
Gently bend the overarm so it presses down on the records further on the right side, the side nearest the tone arm.
See were
That first changer might be a Garrard brand. It is funny how things have a tendency to come full circle! I have serviced dozens of these over the years, and people get rid of them and at some point regret not keeping them. They are big, hard to move and seem old fashioned, but in all truth they function like new equipment and sound great, when properly serviced. The large cabinet serve as speaker cabinets and provide more than plenty of Vs(cubic ft. volume) to let the woofers develop bass response. Thank for sharing and look forward to pt. 2. Thankz
They're both Collaro, I'm fairly certain. These stereos are better than anything you're going to find at Best Buy or Wal-Mart, or any of those type places.
They are also asking absurd amounts of money for them untested or needing at least as much as the asking price to fix...
The table on the larger unit is exactly the same as the one my mom had. A huge piece of French Provincial furniture. I recall it had a tiny red power light at the bottom front center of the cab. LOUD amps with huge speakers.
Is there a chance you could walkthrough what you did to the record player for lubrication and servicing? I have the same model but need some help because I do not know what I’m doing here 😅
one of those wire antennas similar to the one stapled to the back will work well if taped to a stiff strip of wood of close to the same length and set near a window
I'm not sure if you aligned the first tuner but man it seems to be pulling them in with the fm stereo indicator...thats great..
Brad,
This is an interesting video. I like that we can see the differences between the two sets. I am a big fan of the Maggie Astro-Sonic consoles. The record changer, in the big one at least, is made by Collaro. Magnavox owned Collaro by the time that one was made, I believe. The early solid state ones like that one sound very nice. I have had several. I have also has several tube Astro-Sonic consoles. They sound awesome. Those tube ones are the ones I make mono component amps from. That speaker with the square magnet is a great-sounding, robust speaker. I repair vintage juke box amps for a local shop, and I use one of those big Maggie speakers as my test unit. They can handle the output from the 40s and 50s Seeburgs and Rock-Olas. Nice work. Keep it up!
Thanks a lot. I appreciate your input! Both changers are Collaro, but not sure about Maggie owning them...
magnavox did own collaro when both were made
I have 1970 Magnavox changer hooked up a realistic receiver and the results would amaze you
I was looking for a 6BQ5 tube powered Magnavox at the time I ran across an Astrosonic transistor powered one at a thrift shop with a beautiful cabinet. I figured, ah what the heck, something to learn on that was cheap. Now that it is running I think I like the bass control of the germanium transistor unit better. Everyone that hears it loves it, my sister says I have to leave it in my will to her and not sell it.
The acoustic bass specs on this type of console, kinda used the whole body as a low freq resonator... if the bass knob was 12'd and the volume cranked also, when you turned the box on (as if there was a separate switch) it could blow out candles on the dining room table across the room... LOL "So you think we should put the off switch in the bass knob on the 0 end of the scale?" Young children tall enough to reach into the console will fiddle with the knobs unless you put barbed wire around the damn thing, and wha-lah BOOM and grandma's fine bone china cabinet becomes a box of chips. So seeming weird in today's culture where kids master a cell or tablet or pc BEFORE they learn to actually write with a pen or pencil, kids in the good ole dayz were curious, and adventurous, often at the risk of becoming engineers or techs in their adult lives. You know... the guys that designed the whole tech world we live in today.
Good video Brad, people give me a hard time I still use my RCA floor model TV))) 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😊
If it ain't broke, don't fix it! And if it gets broke, fit it, don't throw it away. :)
If you do this, you'll be ahead in the game, by my reckoning.
I have the same exact Astrosonic Magnavox unit you have. Mine is dated 1964. Works fine, but needs a re cap.
i know how to give those turntables a tune-up. i found that the moving parts should be lubricated with a THIN film of lithium grease other wise they don't move freely for long
Just found the same model with the 65 date code in the trash was in perfect working condition aside from the speaker switches on the back needing cleaned, also could use a needle.
i have a changer with the same mechanism underneath , it was made in mid 1970
I just watched the Magnavox 1956 repair you did, then watched this. The fall off in quality over those 10-15 years is obvious, and it only gets worse - in general - from here on in. Solid state and plastics allowed much cost saving and I believe the companies themselves began to formulate a different philosophy, where customer satisfaction and the pride taken in making the best they could, was overtaken by pure profit as the goal.
Competition from overseas and a changing market where consumers had more choice and more things to spend their cash on was another thing. The hi-fi was number two in the hierarchy of luxury purchases in those days - now it is maybe number 258? on a long and varied list.
The history of hi-fi is a strange one full of reversals and oddities. At the time the 1956 Magnavox was introduced the recording industry had managed to perfect the art of capturing live music to a degree never before realised, and for the first time had a medium available to allow this quality to be heard in the home. Ampex had been bank rolled by Bing Crosby so he could sit at home while his radio programme played. The plastic tape formulation taken from German engineers post war was so far in advance of anything that had come before, it was and still is exceptional for the job in hand. The microgroove record allowed a good majority of that quality to be mass produced cheaply. Armstrong had invented FM, valve technology was at its peak, microphones, ribbons and so on, were almost perfect too. The crooners had a big, bright full frequency, full dynamic range exciting new life, Sinatra never sounded so good (thanks Bing) - and it was down hill from there onward in many ways....
I have a cabinet like this that has been great, but the left speaker recently stopped working and creates a loud buzz. If I disconnect the power to the speaker, the rest of the unit works without buzzing, but I wonder if you have any idea how to get the other speaker working without buzzing?
recoton 587 and fidelitone334 are two needles that are similar to an ev 2620/2622 and astatic n307
My parents had this I've been looking for it's kinda sentimental to me because my dad has passed away I would love to find one and buy.
Had a rca,and just recently lost it last year because of hurricane Florence. I miss it.
Too bad. RCAs are nice consoles.
I inherited my grandfather's stero and collection of vinyl albums and 45s. I am having difficulty finding a replacement needle (Run #3 Model 4ST686 -- 120 watts, 117v, 60cy). Any suggestions?
i just bought a turntable like the one at 10:15.Hopefully it will get here tomorrow
Interesting yes content!
I have a model 2P3422, but it does not read the records because the needle is broken.
Do you think it can be repaired?
Good stereo has brush on turntable
Looking for a lane from around 1964 to 68. Had house fire know landlord stole it as it was covered up in his house saw it under a sheet a piece of it. I did get even. Ended up with a bunch of tools hevtook my collectible fam heirlooms.still ticke but boy router worked well wish I could replace it
I was thinkin that the changer could be cleaned in a dishwasher, but you must remove its cartridge and motor first. The rubber matt would come off the platter, so that would not go into the dishwasher. I like the style of the 50s Colero TTs. Some contact cleaner on that rotery selector switch could solve the radio cutting out.
Wait til the next video. The other Collaro turntable is even dirtier than the first one! Utterly filthy.
Did you find a needle?, where and part number for the first unit?
Hi Brad, I like old Maggie radios, good quality, I'd like to try out an old tubie multiband with SW. And they have niiice cabs too. I've had a bunch, now I have a set of end table consoles that need a little TLC. I like their smaller consoles, but would like a long console with a TV. If I had the space, (like a ten bedroom mansion), I'd have more consoles. Those Colero TTs are tricky, but waaay kewl. Fun stuff, I recommend old Magnavox for collectors / restorers. I think their console speakers work OK for geetar, if you install a geetar input jack on the amplofier. Don
I have seen a few of those end table units I would LOVE to have. A local radio collector had an estate sale here in Louisville a while back and one of the things I bid on and missed was an end table radio where the lighted dial actually was hidden underneath a layer of faux wood, so it actually appeared to glow UNDER the wood. It was awesome.
We had a magnavox back in the early 70's I wouldnt call them hifi, they were a piece of furniture with a mid to low hi stereo built in.
You're absolutely right, but they are charming nonetheless.
I know this is old but if you still have the first one, could you make a video on removing the AM/FM radio from the console?
My parents had a 1967 model of the Magnavox console. And what year is this one?
I just bought the same model you have there on the left. I need a new stylus, do you know the part number? new to this sort of thing. Only the right speaker works and the FM tuner doesn't do anything so I'm going to have to pull it all apart.
Thanks! Great info
Hello. I know this is an old thread but hoping someone might read it. I have this stereo with same model number. I have had it for a while, 4 years, moved and it was in storage for a little. Have been using it now some. Played an album, left and went downstairs, album finished and usually it would go back to placement and turnoff. I did not check it and for a some time, it was going around and around went I discovered it never turned off. It is actually in my studio so its not something I would notice the same day. So fast forward, now when I try to play an album, arm works, but the motor does not hardly move the turntable and it squeaks. If I take my hand and duplicate the turntable turning, it will return to the arm position and turnoff. My guess is the motor is bad from being left running for a long time thinking it was off as it had always done.
My question is do you agree and where do I find one and for this same model in your video? Is it hard to fix? I cannot find anyone who works on these. Any help would be helpful. I love this stereo and miss it listening to all my albums. I am a 70s child!
Figured out mine its 1978 magnavox fake wood, however quality with stereo record player and 8 track are sweet as can be. Got it free. Playing it as we speak. And I cant really go passed 4.5 on the dial. Only missing component is the 45 adapter. But I have a oldschool record player for that. Btw the record player is a magnavox itself so idk if its micro or not. Either way for being free it is an excellent round end table with quality. So much for needing a 1,000 for system.
The reason the Stylus Locks Automatically, was that there was a Portable version of this...there was a little Plastic gear that would Strip out, and keep the automatic changer from working.
did you know you could get a single-tip needle for those? they stay in better
What needles do we use for replacements? It’s a lot on the market.
Hey bud, so happy I found your channel and video on this. Is there anyone in Houston that you know and would recommend.
I have a 60's Magnavox Astrosonic that doesnt work, makes a buzz noise from the remote reciever, nothing comes on. Also needs a re-finish on the exterior.
It was my grandparents and would love to keep in the family.
Any time you may have to respond and maybe lend some advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
hello, I am writing only to inform me that today with the technician we mounted the turntable platter. and I wanted to know why the sound is slightly slower when listening to vinyl. as if the turn of the plate is slightly slowed. what could it depend on? I accept advice ... I hope you can give me advice on how to solve it
I am having the same issue. The vinyl record plays a little slowly but otherwise sounds great. Did you ever find out what the problem was?
Probably someone tried to show how the tone arm locks when the power turns off.
Just like you just did and it wasn't quite locked yet and they dropped it hard on the turntable lol.
I would want to keep the one that's real wood also,
But you would probably make more money on the wooden Magnavox because more than likely it's an older and therefore better made unit as well as a well made antique!
Hello, i just got an old Magnavox hifi from my wife's grandmother. It looks like the bigger one on the left in the first scene of your video. It has a tube amplifier. Do you know where the model number is marked? I can't find any identifying info on it. The turntable says micromatic and made in England. Can you point me to any sites or reading material on how to properly work it and find replacement parts like cartridge and stylus? Thanks!
I think the needle for the cartridge in that larger console is ev 2620
I know it's been a while since you posted this video but I have a 2ST648 I am trying to get working and I suspect the drive pulley may have been swapped out previously before I got it with the wrong one. could you please take a look at the markings on the drive pulley? mine says 130214 H.T.D. but it doesn't engage the motor output shaft unless I'm in 78 speed. which makes me think its wrong.
I have a Motorola Hi Fi Stereo, AM FM Turntable 1965 - original sales slip.
Can you please post the model/type/brand of stylus that you ordered
I have the smaller player, the 1p3311 or whatever. Mine has a white cream colored 45 adapter, and I have no idea how it’s actually supposed to work
Great video! You talk about cleaning the turntable but then at about 26min the video seems to go back to you doing the initial checkout. Do you have a video showing how you cleaned all the turntable parts? What kind of cleaner/lube did you use? W've got a slightly older tube model with the same cabinet that we're working on restoring (Stereophonic instead of Astro-phonic) Thanks in advance!
OMG do you live in Portland Oregon? My magnavox worked when I purchased… but record player is now not working at home ( sad face)!!! I need heeeeelp ( sad face) … I am not amazing at fixing like you!
My wife has the smaller one, which was handed down from her mother. I got it all fixed a couple of years ago & it was great, but now the turntable is broken. Do you have ANY idea how I could find a replacement turntable to put in?
I'd even consider buying that one from you ..
Great information, I just bought a similar unit except it has a color TV in the middle of the console. Everything works pretty well but need to do a deep cleaning. How did you get inside the plastic layers to clean between the 2 layers of plastic in the radio indicator? What do you use to clean the plastic parts with? I don't think alcohol is good for the plastic? Thanks!
Can you help me with my record player console?! Stylus missing on a showcase turntable and I can’t find the right replacement. Please help!
Hi I have a Magnavox model 1P3321 and would like to know how you attached the iphone? Thanks for any help
If your iphone has a headphone jack, just run a stereo RCA to 3.5mm phone cable from the iphone's heqadphone jack to the AUX INPUT on the amp. If you only have bluetooth on your phone and no jack, you'll need a separate bluetooth device to plug into that stereo RCA input on the amp, which will receive signal from the iphone or other device.
@@TheGuitologist Thanks!!!
I got the one on the left for 35 dollars and everything works great
the audio output from a stereo tv could go in the tape inputs, a shame stereo tv didn't come out till the mid-80's
I have a question for you. I know some older radios have asbestos in them. I have a very similar magnavox from the same period. Did you notice any asbestos in these? I didn't realize radios had asbestos in them and cleaned mine out, only to find out afterwards some radios had asbestos in them. I'm just hoping I wasn't exposed to anything.
The advent of mass produced transistor Amps led the decline of Magnavox music consoles. I'm rebuilding a 1959 console with a 185-AA 6v6 amp. Consoles as furniture was a nice idea though.
so we were gifted a magnavox console but we have no idea how to figure out what kind it is, anyone know where to look?
How much does a solid-state version of these go for from the 70's.
Hi! Does anyone know where to get the replacement needle for the turntable?
I would also like to know this info
try needledaddy for a needle. ev 2620 should fit
,all turntables for Magnavox are built by Collaro
I believe that is correct, yes.
Collaro started making changers for Magnavox in 1955 ,but magnavox didn't buy collaro till 1960 or '61
haha i thought i heard the smithereens. rad.
This is like the one I seen recently at a bargain basement for $225
I am looking for a needle and needle arm for a Magnovox Radio/Stero for RCP 76, S# 538701. Thanks,
I'm a little surprised about these two stereo consoles in that you didn't make use of those RCA inputs and and run your guitar through them and start jamming, I know why because these are not tube powered right, just giving you hard time, good video keep it up.
I did plug into one channel of the smaller one. Doesnt work well for guitar without some tweaking. I won't bother showing it because this series runs on longer than I'd like as it is.
How do you take the turntable out for repairs?
my cousins had one very similar to this [the cabinet at least] tughhe equipment had tubes though
I have the same one as the first one on here but the tuner and turntable are configured differently. And no space for albums . Mine is in worse condition .
I'd like to see it. You should do a video.
The Guitologist I've actually started a video on it but it's the least important project right now and I'm not great at electronics. I am thinking of modding the cabinet to make storage underneath for my albums . If I get the turn table working well. It sounds great through the receiver though.
The turntables in these are fantastic when they are all lubed up and adjusted. They are lifetime type tables that should outlive our grandkids if taken care of.
The Guitologist you should do an extensive cleanup of that turntable so I know how to do it right LOL
Hi, I have the same exact model as you do in this video (the smaller Magnavox). I never thought about hooking up an iPhone before so I tried it. It works - but you have to turn the volume very high and there is little bass. When I listen to FM radio the sound is surprisingly nice and full. Why such a difference when I switch to tape? Could it be my RCA wires, a problem with the unit, or is that just part of the 50 year old technology?
Turn the volume on your phone up all the way?
The Guitologist yes it’s up all the way. I have to turn the volume dial on the Magnavox way up to hear it, and the quality isn’t good and lacks bass even when turned up. The quality on FM is fantastic, and I only have to turn the volume up less than a quarter to get a nice full sound. It’s not the end of the world just thought it was kind of odd. Either way I’m happy I can even plug in an iPhone to begin with
You sure you’re not plugging into a phono jack? Could be a lot of things. But check the selector switch.
Can show a video of a magnavox 1978 unit?
Where did u buy your parts.
Where did you order the stylus and cartridge?
thevoiceofmusic.com
I just bought an old Magnavox console and my record player doesn't spin, does it use a belt? Can i e mail pictures, I'd like to know more about it, help please
doingstuff76 probably uses an idler wheel if it's from around this time especially if it's tube and the wheel if probably dried up as well as the whole thing needing the old dry hard lubricant cleaned off as well as re lubed, Ive used 3n1 oil as the special turn table grease on eBay is usually just re bottled Mobil 1 synthetic 5w30 lol
I have a Magnavox 1p3631 record cabinet that works . I can't find any information on this unit or I don't know what it's worth . Any ideas ?
I found one 1p3652 and I can’t find any info on it but still going to take a look at it 40$ I’ll buy it for the console
I have 3 of these. How much can i charge for them?
cant say for cetrain from this, but yoy might want to check phase on the aux input. souns a bit wrong compaired to the radio
Fascinating video as always! loved the Electric Tooth Syndrome tune, is there anywhere I could buy the album?
Thanks. Free downloads of all that stuff here: www.reverbnation.com/electrictoothsyndrome
There was never any rhyme or reason with the control layout with magnavox ... on lower priced sets you didn't even get a balance control...
Hey bud is there any old tv's or radio's that used 5881s/6l6s?
If there are any, I am not aware of them. You'll find hi-fi stereos from the 1950s and 60s which sometimes used them, but not radios or TVs I'm aware of.
Ok I'll keep my eyes open them bast.are expensive to an old man on disability.
Look for old PA systems by Bogen, Masco, and DuKane. Lots of those used 6L6 and 5881 and they can go cheap sometimes.
Great I'll keep my eyes open I have at least 1 in my amp that's blown I know your supposed to change them all at one time so they match
Well, if your output tubes match, they will be pushing and pulling equally, but it doesn't necessarily mean you can't get a good tone from mismatched tubes or anything terrible will happen to your amp if the tubes are mismatched. Probably wouldn't be the end of the world if you just popped one tube in and rolled with it, if you can't afford a matched set right now. At least you'll be playing.