How About Creating a Modern Cassette Player?

[Count Dacula]

People keep pointing to this TEAC.... I have no frame of reference https://www.amazon.com/W-1200-Cassette-Recorder-Karaoke-Mic-Remote/dp/B07G9NBW1L/ref=sr_1_5

Dual One Way decks

 

[Billy Budapest]

People keep pointing to this TEAC.... I have no frame of reference https://www.amazon.com/W-1200-Cassette-Recorder-Karaoke-Mic-Remote/dp/B07G9NBW1L/ref=sr_1_5
View attachment 387851
Dual One Way decks

It’s based on the same cheap Tanashin clone mechanism that all portable cassette decks employ today.

 

[Doodski]

It’s based on the same cheap Tanashin clone mechanism that all portable cassette decks employ today.

That parallel record feature is very nice.

 

[mhardy6647]

People keep pointing to this TEAC.... I have no frame of reference https://www.amazon.com/W-1200-Cassette-Recorder-Karaoke-Mic-Remote/dp/B07G9NBW1L/ref=sr_1_5
View attachment 387851
Dual One Way decks

Rudimentary noise reduction, and only for playback.

 

[Count Dacula]

$600 seems like a lot of loot to play cassettes....

https://www.amazon.com/Tascam-202MKVII-Double-Cassette-Recorder/dp/B07DKRZ4QB/ref=pd_lutyp_im_strm_cts_d_sccl_2_1/137-1867847-5926813

Looks pretty familiar too..

 

[EJ3]

Rudimentary noise reduction, and only for playback.

Since Dolby quit selling their (noise reduction) to cassette deck makers...that probably has something to do with the issue with cassette deck, what'cha think?
No decent noise reduction and the lack of decent blank tape formulations (Type II & Type IV). Which, if the were being mass produced these days wood likely be cheaper than they were then.
I'm actually surprised no one has done a newer, better (perhaps a computer program) one.

 

[Mnyb]

It’s based on the same cheap Tanashin clone mechanism that all portable cassette decks employ today.

Since Dolby quit selling theirs to cassette deck makers...that probably has something to do with the issue with cassette deck, what'cha think?
No decent noise reduction and the lack of decent blank tape formulations (Type II & Type IV). Which, if the were being mass produced these days wood likely be cheaper than they were then.

These pretty much kills the idea , you cant get good mechanics and no good tape and no standardised noise reduction ? You can only produce novelty items no real cassete decks

 

[EJ3]

These pretty much kills the idea , you cant get good mechanics and no good tape and no standardized noise reduction ? You can only produce novelty items no real cassette decks

And the people that can restore the older decks (as well as the parts) are getting less & less. (I have a couple of AKAI Reel to Reels and a couple of dual bay cassette decks [a JVC & a Kenwood). So far I have been able to keep them in good repair.
I have many family things on cassette, all the communications between Houston & the spaceship & the Lunar Module of the first moon landing on an unopened reel to reel tape and other cool stuff that I plan on digitizing in the upcoming year.

 

[pogo]

I'm actually surprised no one has done a newer, better (perhaps a computer program) one.

DDi: Link

 

[EJ3]

DDi: Link

WOW! Finally a reason to attach a computer to my system.
Another project for next year. Thank you.

 

[ThatM1key]

Would love a modern version of this:

 

[USER]

DDi: Link

I wish more people talked about how computer software changes the cassette recording and playback experience. Something like iZotope RX not only allows you to correct many issues and limitations of recordings and decks (e.g. channel balance, FR, azimuth issues) but you can also use it to create a custom EQ for your individual recording cassette to maximize quality. All you need to do is compare a the result to the original like this.

Adding Dolby EQ through something like the program you mention only makes things better. I'm a big fan of his "Nak" T100 app.

Would love a modern version of this:

I restored a Pioneer CT-W650R last year. Found original belts and pinch rollers too. If the one you link to is even a slight improvement it is a really nice player that makes everything super easy.

Even this Sony TC-WA8ESA that was a direct competitor in the late 90s is remarkable. Technically an ES though the plastic build betrays that (a little sound deadening material like dynamat under the top helps make if feel more premium), it has all the bells and whistles and the sophisticated tech works so well, all at the cost of about 0.02% WRMS wow and flutter when compared to the best single 3 head decks of the era. (At least on the non-reverse playback side.)

 

[Billy Budapest]

all the communications between Houston & the spaceship & the Lunar Module of the first moon landing on an unopened reel to reel tape and other cool stuff that I plan on digitizing in the upcoming year.

You might be interested in this. Original audio and video from entire Apollo 11 landing. More thrilling than any action movie.

 

[mhardy6647]

Since Dolby quit selling their (noise reduction) to cassette deck makers...that probably has something to do with the issue with cassette deck, what'cha think?
No decent noise reduction and the lack of decent blank tape formulations (Type II & Type IV). Which, if the were being mass produced these days wood likely be cheaper than they were then.
I'm actually surprised no one has done a newer, better (perhaps a computer program) one.

Yes, exactly so. Indeed, discussed here (at ASR) before.

JBL SA600 Vintage Amplifier Review

I was really curious how this amp should perform and how it could have performed when it was new. As the circuit is simple, I have put it into MicroCap, trying to keep parts as close as they were. This is the schematics and it was designed by a competent circuit designer. R4+C2, R27+C9 and C6...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[EJ3]

You might be interested in this. Original audio and video from entire Apollo 11 landing. More thrilling than any action movie.

Thank you!

 

[antcollinet]

Thank you!

If you like that, you might like the podcast "13 minutes to the moon" which provides fascinating background to the audio.

BBC World Service - 13 Minutes to the Moon

Epic space stories, Apollo 11 and Apollo 13. Coming soon: Season 3, the space shuttle

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Billy Budapest]

Here’s another video assembled earlier by the same person. It’s from PDI (powered descent initiation) to touchdown. I like it a little better: