8-Track Players - Self Contained

Self-Contained Units

"Self-contained" units are 8-track players that have an amp and speakers built-in, but are too big and bulky to be considered portables. Many of these units make great table-top players where there's not enough room to set up a component system. Some of the most famous players fall into this category, and along with portables, self-contained systems are highly desirable in any swingin' tracker pad. Shag-a-delic!

Sound Design Component System
submitted by Brian O'Malley BOMalley@DavidClark.com 

This the same system Brian has had since the late 1970's. It has a phono input on the back, ceramic type cartridge plus tone/balance/volume controls on the front.

BRIAN O'MALLEY
STERLING MA.

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click to enlarge

Weltron 2001
(a.k.a. the "Space Helmet" or the "Globe")

Next to the Panasonic "Dynamite," this is probably the most famous player from the '70s. It's an AM/FM 8-track stereo combo with built-in speakers facing straight out from the sides. The base swivels 360 degrees and suctions to the surface it's sitting on for stability when yanking tapes out. It can also be suspended mid-air from the metal eyelet. Although not really a portable, it does run on 8 "D" cells and has a convenient battery power gauge. Perfect for poolside!

The Weltron also came with ultra-cool satellite speakers. Click here to see a yellow 2001 with a set of extra speakers. Click here for another set of images for a yellow player. Click here to see the Weltron in 3 different bubblicious colors!

Weltron 2001

 

click here for even more 2001 pics!

Weltron 2005
AM/FM/8-Track/Turntable

This hard-to-find Weltron 2005 was made in 1970 in Japan. It has a built in AM/FM stereo, 8-track player, turntable, and speakers. It has output jacks for optional ball speakers (or any other kind of external speakers), and came as a tabletop model or with pedestal stand as shown here. Colors include: yellow, black, white, (and perhaps others). Approximately 27" tall and 23" across. Coolness factor: off the scale!
Thanks to Joe Kunkel's Cool Website of 50s-70s Design for the photo.

Click Here for another view of the Weltron 2005

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Aquatron VX-33
(a.k.a. "The Egg")

Here is a mint condition specimen of the Aquatron VX-33, made by Brother International, and also seen on the set of VH-1's "8-track Flashback." According to Mr. W. Stoney, who sent in this photo and owns two of these extremely cool units, they are "much harder to find than the Weltron 2001." A great design, and along with the Weltron, a true icon of the '70s. The VX-33 has colorful lighted program indicators, a lighted FM dial, and runs on batteries, AC, or 12-volt car adapter (although I would hardly call it a portable!).

Brother/Aquatron VX-33

Soundesign "Disco Tek"
8-track/AM-FM/Turntable

This Sound Design "Disco Tek" has flashing colored lights, a revolving mirrored reflecting ball, phono... and an 8-track player- all you need to get those bell-bottoms swinging.

Contributed by Michael Thomas mthomas@NOSPAMkandata.com

New:

 I had one of these in the late 70s....I remember seeing it at KMart and begged for it!  Christmas morning, there it was.  I was a huge Olivia Newton-John fan and I had my picture taken w/it holding a poster of her.  An old friend of mine and I were talking about it just the other night, and I dug out the picture and sent it to her today....here is a picture of me and my Disco Tek (I was 9) .

Melissa Zader (MFosnocht@aol.com) 

 

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