Two compact Compact Cassette decks
A video where I examine a couple of old cassette decks as I try and find a suitable one to send on to someone as a favour.
If you’ve been here a while you’ll know that I like to play around with things, experiment a bit, just to see what happens. It what keeps me interested. It’s the thing that’s always encouraged me to take stuff apart just to see how it works. It's the reason I started making videos in the first place.
So that’s what’s happening with this video. I’ve recorded something that I was doing anyway. I’ve titled the video in a very accurate but anti-click-bait way and added a non eye catching thumbnail that features no large font text and no human face, surprised or otherwise.
Oh and the video has no tags - and the comments are turned off (that has the potential to make the 1% of viewers who leave comments apoplectic with rage - and the other 99% will likely just shrug).
I want to see what happens when I do the opposite of what seems to be expected of a ‘hit’ YouTube video nowadays. Will it make any difference? I’ll talk about the results in the next update.
Light blue touch paper and stand well back.
UPDATE
A re-upload has occurred to fix a couple of things.
Comments (90)
I’ve mailed Mat with the details but for everyone else (who is still interested). I’ve finally been able to visit my mother who has the TX313 with its matching MD313 and remote. I’ve checked and the deck can be used standalone. The ribbon cable is only used as part of the CD to Tape sync and to allow remote control of the deck (as the IR sensor is on the main MD313 unit). AMS works as you’d expect by pressing FF or REW whist playing takes you to the next track and pressing them when not playing does standard Forward and Rewind. They’re nice little units with soft touch controls and decent volume for such a small unit.
I've been feeling a bit down recently, but your decision to disable comments on your most recent video (and resultant spillover into previous video comments feeds) is the funniest thing I've seen in weeks. 🤣🤣 Not telling you how to suck eggs, but a great sequel to this would be to post your next video with comments activated as normal, yet without any acknowledgement of the comments being disabled in this video. That'll wind up the peanut gallery just a little bit more.
I was planning on doing just that, however I’m also going to enable comments on the recent video sometime later today (now no one is interested in leaving comments any more). By the way, you’re not alone in getting the blues…
Despite the Sony unit not working. I went against logic and reason and bought a TC-TX373 as I’ve been looking for something compact like that to listen to cassettes in the office. Works an absolute treat so the theory of it needing the rest of the stack might not necessarily be true as this unit is humming along just fine.
I’m glad it worked out. I’m sure it’s a perfectly respectable little deck when it works.
Two things: 1- How much does talking to the camera help you troubleshoot issues? I only ask because when I'm troubleshooting (computers, usually) I talk aloud, going through everything I do and brainstorming what may be wrong. 2- I regret now that all of my stereo equipment from highschool and college (late 80s) is now gone; I didn't realize what I had back then - amp, pre-amp, and tuner, all Harmon Kardon, all tubes, bought at an auction for $75. All worked perfectly except the amp, which only played one channel unless I turned the volume up high, which would make the other channel "pop" and play normally when I turned it back down. Now I know it was probably a capacitor that would have been an easy fix. I had a number of other components, like a TEAC tape deck and a couple of turntables. They sat in the old farmhouse after I moved out, until my brother renovated it and I'm pretty sure it all ended up in the dump. :( Ah, the stupidity of youth.
Re 1. I’m not sure that talking to the camera helps me figure things out because I’m concentrating more on not trying to say something off-hand that will get latched upon and ‘corrected’. However the process of recording things slows me down considerably and therefore there’s more time to think, so sometimes, very occasionally an idea will come to me that I might not have thought of otherwise. As far as 2. goes - I didn’t see a question but just to add my two pence worth - I’ve got rid of a few things that in hindsight I could probably have repaired, but not too many as I never owned anything decent before due to having no money.
As I do with most of your videos on classic equipment, I will run a Google search to see what I might find. I usually get hits but as you have said in the past, the prices can be quite steep. In my search for the Sony desk I did come across a service/repair manual for the TC-TX333 for US $19.98. I can only imagine how much that would cost you with taxes and duty fees. eBay link, Sony tctx333 Service Manual Original Repair Book stereo tape deck player - https://www.ebay.com/itm/114346693004?mkevt=1&mkcid=16&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&media=GMAIL&sojTags=media%3Dmedia
Just loved the fact that the Onkyo player worked right off the bat. I'm certain the new owner will be delighted with it.
I agree that the Sony deck is most likely working fine and just needs to be attached to the matching stereo system in order to function, since it lacks its own display.
The manual (no English, sorry) does confirm it: https://manuall.se/sony-tc-tx333-kassettbandspelare/ Apparently only useable together with the DHC-MD333 system. Link + Google Translate would have saved hours of work, but deprived us of a Techmoan video. Or half of one, anyway. 🤓
Back in the days I owned the whole compact system. It was a main unit with CD player, MD recorder, tuner and amplifier. The tape deck was the only add-on available. I bought it when I was 16 years old (more or less). I saved my weekly allowance for a long long time before being able to buy it. The tape deck does work without the main unit. Yours probably has an issue with the power supply section. Electrolytic capacitors tend to dry out and what you observed is typical behavior for a loss of power. I still have it somewhere in the basement... now I wonder if it still works ;-)
I also had the same set up. First thing I bought some months after getting my first full time job in about 1998. I think the cassette deck was optional, and I only ever used it once as the MD got all the use for recording. I think you are correct in thinking it does work without the main unit.
Loved, loved, loved this video! I so look forward to your videos each week, and really appreciate all the effort, thought, and dry humor that goes into each one! I know you probably don't see yourself as a stand up comedian, but your take on things is indeed very funny, and God know we could all use a laugh these days! Thank you!
It's a genius concept! People who are about to burst a vein need to become a Patreon in order to leave their mean comments here! ;) ;) ;)
Apologies if this has already been asked, but what is the hexagonal light up on the shelf? My partner would love to get one!
I'm planning on mentioning it in the next update - but in the meantime Big Clive has it covered https://youtu.be/7f8jgvvJe-Q You can't order one at the moment though.
I was wondering why the comments were turned off!
Now you know. 99.4% of viewers _never_ comment. So having the comments turned off for one video - preventing my demoralising depressing weekly bombardment of 'you're doing it wrong', 'you suck', ' you pronounced a word wrong' for me is not the end of the world.
Thoughts on an alternative title: 2 spools, 1 chap? 😂
Half an hour of a man repairing old audio equipment is what got me subscribed to this channel in the first place.
I know, right? He makes it sounds like it's a bad thing, JOKE'S ON YOU MAT, I'M HERE JUST FOR THAT
Another very entertaining and interesting piece, well done sir! One small remark: the audio (your voice) with the wow and flutter meter (from 27:14) seems to be a bit quieter than the section before. No biggie but I thought I'd let you know ;)
Well, I was interested! :-) Looking forward to hearing the results of your YouTube experimentation.
I briefly wondered if we were about to see the birth of a new premium brand in this video: Pre-owned by Techmoan. ;-)
The easy way to do that would be to palm everything off to one authorised seller, who would return either a percentage of sales, or just buy the bits up front. I'd bet there's some retired person who would enjoy this as a little side project.
Not sure if it has been suggested before as I'm a relatively new Techmoan Patron but I discovered your channel from watching My Mate Vince videos. Vince is pretty good at fixing things and he seems like a really nice chap, maybe you could send some your broken stuff his way? I think it would be a cool collaboration and he lives in England too. If not, love the vids anyway.
I’ve never really wanted to do things like this - there are a few reasons, but it’s too much to put in a paragraph (especially when typing on a touch screen) - however maybe one day it’ll happen.
Watched this a ton on ebay before I got my Pioneer Dolby S deck
The Onkyo?
I enjoyed the video! It is a shame about the Sony. The electronics geek in me would have checked the volts on the power supply output. This is in case the capacitors are too weak to supply the current needed for the mechanism. Watch the voltage as a load eg motor tries to work. Something to think of for another video.
That Onkyo cassette deck looks awesome your a kind person matt for giving a cassette deck to someone
I’m glad someone will get to use it. I only bought it because I thought it might be interesting to show in a video. I’m just waiting for a parcel company to pick it up now. They’re taking their sweet time.
Don't you just hate people who have to leave a comment even if they have nothing intelligent to say? OH!
I feel seen ...
No good deed goes unpunished 🤣 great video
I'm a bit surprised how much I enjoyed that one, considering the subject matter. There's something soothing about a straightforward "fix-it" video where the stakes are very low. That really is a damn fine deck you're sending. Merry Christmas indeed! Also... unessassary stickers on used products I've purchased are a huge sticking point with me. While I would have pulled them off Immedietly- I was happy to see they were removed in the final scene. Very nice video.
What a ridiculous video! 27:41 of my life I will never get back. I DEMAND A REFUND! Kidding, of course. That video was fine.
Rather enjoyed that one - shame you & Adrian Black are not closer. Could have been a collab effort. The Onkyo from 1990 reminds me of my dad's Pioneer tape deck he bought around that time. I took it for granted then, but now, it's amazing that level of tech was not outrageously-priced for the home.
Looking forward to watch this on my break later 😁 nighshift nhs mental health worker - good time to browse eBay lol
Wow - now that's a real job - and here's me messing about with cassette decks.
Nice to see a hexaputer up on the shelf, looks great with the slow changing LEDs.
Spied that, too. I think I want one of the mini-supercomputers that you can clip on your clothing.
I have never owned a Denon cassette deck only cd players. I have a couple of very nice Sony ones though. Direct Drive 3 head with Dolby B, C, and S
I have the sony tx373 to go with my minidisc cd deck. Cracking little unit.
I also have a similar looking TX373. ISTR that it doesn’t need the bus cable connecting to work.
With that underwhelming description, I can't wait to see this video - excellent :)
I enojyed that very much. Refeshed to check part of it again, and it's gone! Still, many thanks!! :) Ah, just read you're reuploading it - sorry too impatient!
Maybe you have to do something with the "system" cable to make it work alone? Try to find the schematics and have a look. :-)
That video title. :D
Do the tiny silver buttons on the flip down cover do anything? Maybe to remove the cover for head cleaning? Or are they just there to add a bit of shiny?
I didn’t notice any function - I think they’re just decoration…or structural, but it’s been packed off now so I can’t double check.
Great video! I could watch this kind of stuff for hours!
I 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 watched this stuff for hours; those were good hours. (approximately 605 videos, average duration 20 min, 12,100 minutes ... That's 202 hours I believe)
I can't remember you ever showing a cassette player with such a good W&F-values! 😀 Quite clear that they don't make them that well anymore than they used to be... Lucky chap that gets this thing. But for recording, I would be missing some of the most elementary controls (that are only inside)
Yes it's a great player - but for recording I'd have to have a three head machine - and then that would also have a manual recording level.
"Nobody would want to see a video about a slightly different loader".... I am that nobody :D
Yup. Likewise. I enjoy the collection videos like "Audities" that you have done. The vintage of equipment you showcase all tried to deal with things that going digital fixed. But IMHO digital is boring. I like Electro-Mechanical pinball machines for the same reason I like these videos. The fact that you can buy an MP3 player the size of a matchbox (if you remember what a Matchbox that held matches was) for under $5 USD means nothing interesting is going on. Show me the crazy stuff!
Both interesting decks, shame you couldn't get the other one to work but your thought that it needed to be plugged into something else seems reasonable. Hope the recipient enjoys his new tape deck anyway!
Is it just me or is the picture unusually dark in the beginning?
Yes, it is for me also. I thought it was my blurry eyes though.
Don't suppose it matters now but I have an almost identical Sony deck and the red light shows it knows there is a tape inserted. Mine is a component of a larger system though so can't confirm if it works as a stand alone component.
You can just disconnect the "accessory" cable and see if it still works...
You're a good man, Mr. Taylor. 👍 I thoroughly enjoyed this installment; although I did only listen to most of it on my drive in to work.
Re. The SONY deck, there is a Service Manual here: https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/sony/tc-tx333.shtml It mentions "test mode" on page#4 - worth a try, but I don't think it would be helpful in your case since it's "dead". Also on page #9 there is a "Tension spring" which might be the one you got loose.... maybe... :)
That deck is no longer in my possession - but thanks for the suggestions anyway. It turned out that the spring was out of the door.
Alternative title: British spy tinkers with Japanese technology
I'm pondering 'Person makes video' ... or perhaps just shorten that to 'Video'.
You called yourself a clueless buffoon. But when I see your repair skills improving over the years you are everything but a clueless buffoon when it comes to the inerts of cassette decks. You have aquired some skills over the years.
I agree. A buffoon never learns, and you sir are no buffoon.
I know it sounds cheesy: But "loosing power" whenever the controls want to turn on something that needs a bit of power is one of the effects that defective electrolytic capacitors do cause. Loosing capacity leads to voltage drops for the MCU which leads to it being reset and the entire unit behaving like that.
Excellent presentation as always. I would have loved a cool deck like the Onkyo back when I played cassettes. As to the first one, I confess to a little schadenfreude - you are usually so proficient at repairing these things, that seeing one you couldn't fix reduced my 'repair envy' somewhat. As always, a really engaging video, Mat - thank you!
The chip at 18:56 is a Hitachi HD614089 4 bit microcontroller with 8192 by 10 bit ROM and 512 by 4 bit RAM. Buying enough of them Onkyo even got their logo on it. The date is actually encoded in the last line "0J3". It starts with a 0 so it was manufacturerd 1990. This was very common for japanese semiconductors.
I'll snip out the chip bit - better to be absent than wrong.
I’m screaming at Mat while watching. THAT LITTLE CONNECTOR MEANS SOMETHING! Having found “micro” components at the thrift shops… They can’t work unless connected to the main amp component! Sorry you wasted so much time! ❤️ Bill in Chicago
I'll add in a caption to mention this - thanks.
Just don't post it using Hermes or you will be left without the cassette player 😂
I recently ordered something from ebay and something else turned up in the parcel. The chap who sent it claims he posted the right thing out and yet his parcel arrived with something he didn't post inside it. It's still ongoing.
The plus point of turning off comments: no spam bots
Yep - if they'd carried on with the same ferocity that they'd started off with, I was considering turning the comments off for this reason alone.
One thing I noticed while "reading" the "video description" was the first question in the FAQ is about week old comments. Which might be comedy gold.
I’ll delete that - ta.
Will have a look later. I am rather new here, and a rather new follower anyway but joined after considering I have watched a significant amount of your videos since the beginning of summer. Anyway, this is one is likely right my alley. I never commented on yt, I've never seen the point of it really but I have almost chocked on my coffee a couple of times on hearing your answers
The problem with YouTube comments it’s that it’s a thousand people all shouting at the same time - while they’ve got their eyes closed and their fingers in their ears. It doesn’t make for the most valuable experience for anyone.
Doing the exact opposite of what was recommended worked well on my personals profile when I was younger :)
It worked for George Costanza for a little while. (Seinfeld reference)
Interesting proposition, the anti-hit experiment. I think tags have little effect. I do not watch videos with stupid reaction faces on them. Coincidentally, there was another YouTube video recently with the four quadrants thumbnail. Talking of thumbnails, I uploaded an unedited video directly from my phone. The thumbnail wasn't great, and when I replaced the thumbnail the click-through rate went up from 8% to 11%.
The other quadrant thumbnail was My Mate Vince. Coincidence?
I'm apoplectic with rage! 🤬🤬🤬
Really? Well, I'm down to my last candle!