Recent dumpster find. It's a dual cassette deck and only one side works. Wondering if it's worth to put on new belt. Would like to make some copies of some onld stuff I kept from the 70s 80s. Don't know why but glad I did. Probably 100.
If one side produces music and the other side simply does not move the tape, then it certainly would be worth looking inside to inspect the mechanism.
Here's the subject folks - looks nice: https://www.hifispeaker.wiki/item/technics-rs-tr165
Here's the subject folks - looks nice: https://www.hifispeaker.wiki/item/technics-rs-tr165
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That deck looks quite similar to my RS-TR333 dual cassette made in 1994.
Also the mechanisms look similar.
I love my TR333, it's well built and plays/records tapes with the quality of a reel-to-reel.
However, after owning it since new, the belts are still in new shape - but the problem I had was a soft plastic gear that drives the take-up reels.
In some cases it causes a clicking noise in play, worst case it refuses to take up the tape.
The gear is available - sold on ebay by a place in Poland area for a couple of dollars.
I bought 2 gears for my deck and they're more durable plastic so they'll not fail.
I chose the one listed as "premium", packaged as a set of 2.
It's worth the effort to get a set (one for each mech) and get that machine back to its great condition.
Look up and google "technics gear replacement" for a list of models that use that mech.
There are youtube videos as well, showing how to do the repairs.
Thanks for the help. I took it apart and the belt was broke. Switched the good belt to other side to check and it works. Will get a belt hopefully in town at old electronics parts store. Want to put some tapes , especially some homemade mix tapes when was a kid in the 70s, onto CD as still use them alot. The deck was made in Japan as was my pioneer amp made in 73 I got in 78 and still use all the time as my go to ,just CD and homemade monitors. Amazing how that old stuff was built to last.
Yes that's it in new like shape. The belt is broke so swapped other side and everything else works. Getting belt in town hopefully.Thanks
I would still recommend purchasing the set of take-up gears in case they decide to crap out unexpectedly.
Having 45+ years as a service tech, I'm only trying to save you the trouble of having to pull apart that deck again.
Get them before they're no longer available for some reason - I did mine back 3 months ago and glad I did.
I thought mine was bullet-proof, gently used for years of tapes - But I got fooled.
Besides, the gears, delivered, only cost me about $27 including shipping and took a few weeks from overseas.
With some videos on youtube, the procedure is relatively simple, with care.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/401988509191?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr=1&amdata=enc:1eQzIxREJTq6D5V6NmFw-lg16&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=401988509191&targetid=1644837434523&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=9007302&poi=&campaignid=16743749222&mkgroupid=138744546207&rlsatarget=pla-1644837434523&abcId=9300842&merchantid=6296724&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInLyv8YbD-gIVhYfICh0pHg1hEAQYAiABEgIRUfD_BwE
The video:
Wow didn't expect a video. Looks easy enough so will first see if I can get them locally. Sounds worth it to have a pretty hi end deck. Thanks for all your input and interest.
After some time playing tapes remember how different and good decks sound compared to lp and CD. LPs sound lame to me. Sorry still listen to alot but lack a lot with out hi end reenforcements. This deck sounds like the old Sony reel to reel in the 70s. No noticable hiss. Clearity for sure. Loving it. Will download mp3 to see how it sounds. I'm totally impressed and diving into my old old collection of tapes. Not kidding ths sounds better than my pretty high end table and Stanton stylist. Michael
Such enthusiasm, Michael!
I wonder if perhaps you've been enhancing your listening pleasure with a glass or two of your favourite tipple? 😀
I wonder if perhaps you've been enhancing your listening pleasure with a glass or two of your favourite tipple? 😀
I can confirm Michael's comments, because I have the RS-TR333 model.
Some people tend to overlook and/or put down Technics products as being 'common mid-line quality', but I think a good part of that is due to the discussions among individuals with the snotty 'high end' fever.
You know the types - McIntosh lovers, and those 'expensive is the only way' types.
Sure, there are other brands that have made excellent stuff...
Even the old defunct Lafayette stuff has models that impress picky 'audiophiles'.
Most of those hidden jewels are vintage, when real quality and precise designing was the rule, over greed and cheapening.
Yes at my age you ignore the negative and accentuate the positive. Love the old tapes I made as a kid.
You couldn't have said it any better. More audiophiles should listen more and criticize less. You are going to remember the music not the equipment
The quality of the tape deck is evident in the head Phones. These cheap cassette tapes sound better than LPs to me
The thing is.... I've had my hands on thousands of products over the four decades+ of selling, and mostly servicing the equipment.
Working for such a long time in repair shops gave me that 'edge' on build quality, reliability, and of course audio fidelity.
I saw with my own eyes what I'd want to have in my home.
The average consumer only gets a small 'sniff' of products over their lifetime, and of course they tend to praise or curse what they know of.
Conversations and opinions are all over the map for anyone to read. - some are pure biased nonsense in my opinion.
My own main system is Technics - the receiver, cassette, and CD, which I find to be excellent and satisfying, despite what others tend to think.
I also 'get into the music' because that's what that equipment is for, not nitpicking about looks, price, bragging rights, or trivial crap that means nothing to me sonically.
Some people's heads are so stuck in those 'high end' brand names, but yes I'm prone to Technics - the older stuff.
I've always been a big Technics fan and still have turntables, receiver, casseiver, loudspeakers etc. in my possession.
Technics styling just looks the biz and I wouldn't say no to a gift of their new Reference Class components! 😎
Technics styling just looks the biz and I wouldn't say no to a gift of their new Reference Class components! 😎
Yes , If it craps out before 30 years it's crap. Old Pioneer and Technics stuff from Japan is rock solid.
