This Sanyo cassette player is in excellent condition, with only a few tiny marks visible in the photos. All buttons are present and function properly, the battery compartment is clean, and the volume adjusts up and down without any crackling noise. It is fully operational and works as intended.
(Note: I apologise for the low volume on the recording.)
Product Description and Further Details:
Unfortunately, the original headphones are not included in this sale. However, this unit sounds fantastic and exhibits very little wow and flutter (more information on this below). There are some marks on the outer case, which is to be expected for an item of this age. Overall, it is in brilliant visual and working condition.
Work Completed on This Unit:
- All internal dirt and dust have been removed and cleaned.
- New belts have been fitted.
- New idlers were fitted where needed.
- Pinch rollers have been either replaced or cleaned as necessary.
- The capstan has been cleaned and checked.
- Operational parts have been re-oiled or greased as required.
- Any dry solder joints have been resoldered.
- Capacitors have been replaced where required.
- Contact cleaner has been applied to all switches, contacts, and potentiometers.
- The play head has been realigned as needed (azimuth adjustment).
- Playback head and tape path have been demagnetised.
- Speed has been set using a lab reference tape and oscilloscope.
- Full external sanitisation and cleaning have been completed.
- Any other bespoke servicing or repairs necessary have been addressed.
- All functions have been checked where possible.
Please Note:
The unit is fully operational and functions as intended. Everything shown in the pictures is included and reflects its condition. I have done my best to describe the item accurately.
Wow and Flutter:
Wow and flutter refers to variations in the playback speed of audio, caused by irregularities in the tape drive during recording, duplication, or playback. For example, factors such as changes in the capstan's angular velocity or tape dragging can contribute to this effect. Typically, flutter is a higher-rate version of wow. All tape players have some level of wow and flutter, and most manufacturers indicate the acceptable tolerance for their specific players when new. Therefore, be cautious of any claims stating zero wow and flutter in these units when making a purchase.
Several factors can increase wow and flutter, particularly with age and usage. These can include dirty or worn moving parts, such as the capstan, pinch rollers, heads, and motor wheels after a belt change. Additionally, issues with belts, including their size and quality, can also play a role. All potential causes are meticulously checked during refurbishment. Deformations in the cassette compartment can contribute as well, depending on the quality of the cassette used. I always recommend performing a full rewind and fast forward of older tapes before playing, which can help minimise playback issues.
