Emerson CTR959: Jumping the phono inputs!

Hey boxheads! (haha)

So I have this awesome boombox and I know it goes by many other AKAs. No issues with it whatsoever besides a bit of cleaning and it needs one new antenna that I'll grab from the thrift shop. I wanted to know if anyone here can guide me in the right direction to jump the phono inputs to bypass the EQ and whatnot. (Bypass the soundstage? or so I've heard it called.)

I have it connected right now via RCA to my MP3 player. Sounds great to be honest, but I know it's not at its full capabilities due to the nature of phono. I could buy a phono attenuator but I'd rather not spend the money and it's also very hard to find one on the internet as well. (Tho I'm sure if I keep looking I'll find one!) Mostly, I just like tinkering!

Anyway, if anyone here could help me out, that'd be grand. Can answer any questions if you have. Lemme know!

to the forum. Congrats for this Emerson CTR-959.
You have 2 options to use phono input:
1) buy phono attenuator, no need to open boombox;
2) bypass phono amp, need to open boombox and do some electrical modifications;

if you prefer option 2, you must find service manual
( maybe here: http://www.analogalley.com/osccart/product_info.php?products_id=1521 )
and upload many pictures of inside the boombox.
Goodluck.

Was thinking about going in blind lol I'm not paying 15$ for a manual! LOL

Or anyone have a link for an attenuator? Looks like I'm paying 15$ either way! Thanks for the help.

Update: Not sure if anyone else has this boomba here but mine works fine thru the phono inputs with an RCA to 3.5 adapter with my phone. Crystal clear! Not low in volume at all and doesn't sound EQ'd at all! (RIAA) The thing sings.

Strangely enough, I connected my turntable (SL1200 MKII) and the volume is so low! So what I gather is someone probably bypassed the phono stage @the phono inputs already? Only thing that makes sense to me. Very strange but I'm not complaining. Got my work cut out for me lol

If anyone wants to shine some light on this or whatever, feel free. Have a great night!

Are sure it's not just already a line in rather than phono?

Northerner said:

Are sure it's not just already a line in rather than phono?

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Definitely a phono in! Says it right above it.

Your phone works well and no need to do modification - this is good news.

goodman said:

Your phone works well and no need to do modification - this is good news.

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You are 100% right. I just have a curious nature is all. I might just open it up to see if any mods were done to that section. Thanks for all the help everyone! This forum is a pleasure and I hope to be seeing more of you around.

This is my second boombox. My first was a Sony CFS-W301.

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