India

[CarlosV]

It is odd that the 193 has vents on the back, normally used when electrical motors are fitted, which is not the case with that machine.

[talking2100]

Here's the pictures to preserve them...

[Inigo]

My 194 has same vents on the back. I believe they were original!
They seem to be purposely made for letting the lost needles escape from the machine...! they are just in front of the motorboard edge, leaving a narrow gap just above the motorboard... venting the horn chamber at the very top.

[JeffR1]

Looks like the photo with the turntable removed has been spray painted with gold paint.
Maybe even the tonearm and other bits, the colour just doesn't look right to me, it's the wrong tone and too bright.

[Steve]

Looks like the photo with the turntable removed has been spray painted with gold paint.
Maybe even the tonearm and other bits, the colour just doesn't look right to me, it's the wrong tone and too bright.

Exactly what I said a couple of weeks back

[Steve]

My 194 has same vents on the back. I believe they were original!
They seem to be purposely made for letting the lost needles escape from the machine...! they are just in front of the motorboard edge, leaving a narrow gap just above the motorboard... venting the horn chamber at the very top.

Yes, all HMV re-entrants have them but do we know for sure why? As you say, they allow loose needles to drop out behind the machine which means it's difficult to pick them up!

I'd like to know what the real reason is for them.

[Inigo]

Me too!
Once I thought they were made to help placing the machine on the floor, until I tried to tumble mine! You cannot hold such a heavy machine putting your fingers there. It's too heavy.
Maybe they're some back escape for vibration from the horn chamber.. who knows!

[alang]

The vents are for cooling if someone winds too fast

Andreas

[Inigo]

Or if you make it play too hot records!

[OrthoFan]

--lame attempt at humor deleted--