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Are dual capstans always better?

24.59.12.87
Posted on June 15, 2004 at 12:01:56
Keith H


 
Hey everyone,i just puchased a Teac V-900X 3 Head direct drive auto calibrating cassette deck (1985) in perfect condition and i was supprised to see that it only has one capstan,for such a high end deck i was expecting to see dual capstans..I thought dual capstans were better,i'm i wrong?Thanks,Keith H.

 

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What's a Cassette Deck? -t, posted on June 15, 2004 at 12:52:34
Sordidman


 
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Dual capstans are only better if..., posted on June 15, 2004 at 12:35:51
mrh (Mark Hardy)


 
... the flywheels behind 'em are different sizes (masses). Otherwise, they could reinforce each other and make matters even worse.

Dual capstans isolate the tape in the region of the heads from whatever vicissitudes the tape "outside" (nearer the reels) might be feeling.


all the best,
mrh

 

Re: Are dual capstans always better?, posted on June 21, 2004 at 14:58:56
skywavebe


 
Hi Keith,
You are not exactly correct in this thinking. I have machines from the TEAC company to the ceiling- I used to work there. The 900 is a fine deck and only has one thing that is weak and that is the reel idler assembly. I have several dual capstan decks including Z6000 and C-1 as well as A800. These are known for trouble as the capstans and Pinch Rollers get dirty. They skew tape off the path and the end result is the damage to the edge of the tape which then shows up in each case to the left channel. I have also purchased several V900X off E bay because the people that are selling them have no idea what they have. They have Direct drive Capstan motors that stay within a couple of Hz speed accuracy over the years and a very good set of heads that were composed of ferrite and sendust at the time of manufacture. It also allows for computer calibration but then that has to be properly calibrated as there are adjustments inside but then it comes very close. Any other questions? Let me know. I think I have three of them right now.

Sam Palermo, Past Teac Technician, Chicago

 

Re: Are dual capstans always better?, posted on June 21, 2004 at 15:39:47
skywavebe


 
Hi Keith,
You are not exactly correct in this thinking. I have machines from the TEAC company to the ceiling- I used to work there. The 900 is a fine deck and only has one thing that is weak and that is the reel idler assembly. I have several dual capstan decks including Z6000 and C-1 as well as A800. These are known for trouble as the capstans and Pinch Rollers get dirty. They skew tape off the path and the end result is the damage to the edge of the tape which then shows up in each case to the left channel. I have also purchased several V900X off E bay because the people that are selling them have no idea what they have. They have Direct drive Capstan motors that stay within a couple of Hz speed accuracy over the years and a very good set of heads that were composed of ferrite and sendust at the time of manufacture. It also allows for computer calibration but then that has to be properly calibrated as there are adjustments inside but then it comes very close. Any other questions? Let me know. I think I have three of them right now.

Sam Palermo, Past Teac Technician, Chicago

 

A home cassette tape player/recorder., posted on July 3, 2004 at 00:09:08
Garty


 
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