Philips 22GA230 TT

Posted by Munkie_NL (A) on October 1, 2014 at 10:31:29

This Philips 22GA230 was given to me by the local hifi shop owner. It was the first “high fidelity”stereo Philips TT in the 1960s. This is the second model with a crude form of antiskating, built from 1966 to 1968. It was the top model Philips “pick-up” back then with a list price of 464 Hfl, easily 1000 euro in today's money.

Build quality is way above anything i've seen from Philips so far. Metal all around, hardly any plastic. Only the big Lencos and the better Thorens players have heavier platters etc.

It's a curious mix of idler wheel and belt drive. It took some research and effort to mount a belt. You have to take out the spindle with the idler wheel and pulley, get a belt around it and then put the spindle back in place. The original belt is a big round rubber belt that you can order online. I did a quick setup with a flat belt from my drawer.

The cartridge is MD, tracking force 3 grams, 68 Kohm instead of 47 K which is standard.

Motor spins, idler wheel looks good, inner platter spins nicely when you switch the TT on. When switched off there's a break engaging, stopping the platter. Overall look is not bad, it needs cleaning but even the dust cover is not scratched.

Time for a test. I was totally surprised, in a positive way. I expected a nice TT for 78s or old monos. No way, the 45 year old cart and stylus still sounded clear as water. The TT has the slam, dynamics and PRAT of good idler wheel drives but with more finesse and quieter. It's the best of both worlds.

Not to brag but i've had a lot of good vintage TT on that same coffee table, the better Duals, Thorens, Lencos. I was recently floored by the late 1960's Dual 1019. This Philips is even older. Where will it end? Edison wax rolls?

"The torture never stops"

Greetings Freek.

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Topic - Philips 22GA230 TT - Munkie_NL 10:31:29 10/01/14 (5)

More pics - Munkie_NL 02:19:04 10/02/14 (0)

Okay, I admit ... - reelsmith. 17:11:25 10/01/14 (0)

Congatulations! - blues4ever 14:44:58 10/01/14 (0)

"Where will it end? Edison wax rolls? " This would look good on that coffee table... - J. S. Bach 12:54:55 10/01/14 (1)

RE: "Where will it end? Edison wax rolls? " This would look good on that coffee table... - amioutaline? 14:29:55 10/01/14 (0)

Philips 22GA230 TT

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