10-11-2017, 05:43 PM
While the 46-1203 and the 46-1209 share the same D10A turntable, the 1209 uses a different tone arm than the 1203. The 1209 uses the dynamic reproducer, while the 1203 uses a standard crystal cartridge. The dynamic reproducer cartridge takes a very special needle that is nearly impossible to find today. Inserting any other needle into the cartridge will ruin it. I don't know of any modern replacement needle that will work (but possibly other's here with more experience on these changers do). You'd probably need to find an NOS Philco needle for the dynamic reproducer.
Otherwise, you will need to replace the cartridge in yours and not just the needle. Here's a recent video of a restorer from Salt Lake City that is making the conversion from the dynamic reproducer cartridge to a modern replacement on a 47-1230 (which is virtually identical to your 46-1209, just that the 1230 adds FM along with AM and short wave bands to the radio):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUlzAryWBKY
Otherwise, you will need to replace the cartridge in yours and not just the needle. Here's a recent video of a restorer from Salt Lake City that is making the conversion from the dynamic reproducer cartridge to a modern replacement on a 47-1230 (which is virtually identical to your 46-1209, just that the 1230 adds FM along with AM and short wave bands to the radio):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUlzAryWBKY
Greg V.
West Bend, WI
Member WARCI.org
