It wonīt record or play back on the left channel. Not on the line inputs. Thereīs some signal on the tape on the left channel but this could be crosstalk. On the microphone inputs i can get it to record softly with some noise. With the tape/source switch on source i get a level on the left VU meter, so thereīs signal coming in.
When i play back the tape with the T/S switch on tape of course, i get noise on both channels with the recording level knobs up, i have to turn them down to get rid of the noise.
Mechanically it seems OK, it runs stable, FF/RW is OK, even autoreverse works.
Even with 1 channel, mono, this 30 year old thing is totally AMAZING. Itīs the same "whoah" experience i had 3 years ago when i got my first Thorens TT from the fleamarket. I still have a decent Teac cassette deck and on the digital side DAT (48 Khz), CD recorder, MiniDisc, DCC, and last and least MP3. MAN OH MAN WHY DID WE THROW THIS AWAY! This old Jap consumer device from the mid 70s in questionable shape pisses over all of them. Fat, analog, warm sound, fat bass, shimmering highs without ever being harsh, amazing dynamics, low noise/hiss/rumble. OK itīs a little more work and TLC, just like analog records. But thereīs a reward!
Greetings Freek.
