Cub Scout Eddie:
For the best, most complete manuals, you want the reproduction manuals from AMR Publishing at Victory Glass company. These manuals are NOT photocopies. They are actually printed on an offset press on heavyweight paper, have a lay flat binding, and have laminated covers. All the halftone pictures in it are crystal clear. Well worth every penny in my opinion.
Victory # 70-1247 (AMR # R-387) Service manual (with schematics) for models JAL and JEL, 164 pages, just $39.50
Victory # 70-1248 (AMR # R-388) Parts Manual for models JAL and JEL, 144 pages, just $35.00
Package deal, both of the above manuals just $64.95 Victory # 70-3309 (AMR # R-387A)
http://www.victoryglass.com/
Victory Glass also stocks many parts for Rowe-Ami jukeboxes, both as new-old-stock and reproductions.
Ken, sorry for the delayed thank you. Had to put off working on the JEL-200 due to some medical
issues. Getting back to it now...just ordered the manuals you suggested.
Can someone answer some questions about the sound on my unit? Not sure exactly how to define it. Flat, not much dynamic range, missing upper frequencies...maybe it's easiest to say it sounds somewhat like AM radio. I have no experience with jukeboxes before this, but I assume it should sound better than it does.
I don't have the manual/schematics yet, but I assume there are crossovers for the speakers? Is that part of the sound problem? Electrolytic capacitors need changing, maybe resistors too?
Not at all familiar with tube amps & preamps. Even though it comes on quickly (not much warm-up time) could a tube(s) be weak/bad and be affecting the sound quality?
Also not familiar with what happens to a turntable cartridge as it ages. I did thoroughly clean the needle which seemed to help a bit. I think it might be the original cartridge, at least it is the same model that came with a JEL-200. I plan to order a new stylus, but am wondering if I should get a new cartridge/stylus instead.
New speakers/drivers? I'm sure I can find some that fit that are better than OE but I think what's in it should sound better than it does.
I know going through and doing a thorough cleaning will help. The volume pot, for instance, definitely needs a visit from deoxit - lots of static when you move it. But I don't think a cleaning alone will bring up the sound quality that much.
So, what suggestion do you guys have. I am, over time, going to go through everything but I'd first like to hit the areas that will improve the sound quality.
Thanks for the advice and help.