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Advent 201 Cassette Tape Deck

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Posted on October 21, 2024 at 12:10:05
ahraitch@gmail.com
Audiophile

Posts: 11
Location: Texas
Joined: October 14, 2024
I have an Advent 201 Dolby Cassette Tape Deck. I purchased it used many years ago, probably in the '80s. It still works, but I suspect that it is not recording and playing both stereo channels.

I'm an ancient neophyte who knows next to nothing about electronics. I'm wondering if there is a way to determine if both channels are working. My receiver (Pioneer SX-727) isn't working properly. When, (if) funds ever allow, I will probably take it to a shop (in Austin, TX) for a going over, but if there is anything I can do . . . For example, is it possible to connect the deck's output to a PC where there might be software, like Audacity, that would allow signal analysis?


a geezer with good hearing

 

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RE: Advent 201 Cassette Tape Deck, posted on October 21, 2024 at 13:35:27
6bq5
Audiophile

Posts: 4601
Location: SF Bay
Joined: August 16, 2001
assuming you have some equipment that is working -
a Receiver, the tape deck and a pair of speakers (along with good cabling ...
With a blank tape, you can check the Tape deck for function-

Hook everything up and tune in an AM or FM station
Set the deck to record and adjust levels-
Record a few minutes
Then rewind and play back the recording - hopefully...
Happy Listening

 

RE: Advent 201 Cassette Tape Deck, posted on October 26, 2024 at 10:16:22
M3 lover
Audiophile

Posts: 6691
Location: SW Mich
Joined: May 29, 2005
Contributor
  Since:
July 4, 2007
Hi geezer,

I would think you need to verify the Advent playback works in both channels before testing recording. But first you should clean the heads on the deck as well as pinch roller and tape guides.

You say your receiver "isn't working properly". Have you checked to see if output works on one channel at least? If so, and assuming you have a cassette for a test (otherwise you should be able to pick one up for pocket change at a thrift store), connect first one channel from the Advent to that channel input in the receiver, test for playback. Then connect the other other channel output on the Advent to that same input on the receiver and test again. This should determine if one or both playback channels on the Advent work.

Once you do that you can follow 6bq5's suggestion to test record.

"The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing, if you can fake that you've got it made." Groucho

 

RE: Advent 201 Cassette Tape Deck, posted on October 26, 2024 at 12:40:08
ahraitch@gmail.com
Audiophile

Posts: 11
Location: Texas
Joined: October 14, 2024
Thanks for the post!

I've just retrieved my receiver, turntable and speakers from my daughter who took them off to college 20 years ago and never returned them despite not using them and having stored them away. The receiver has lost some functionality and requires going over by a professional to check all the electronics. I have been able to play from a different cassette player, a SONY dual player, only to find that the speakers were badly deteriorated. I'm in the process of replacing foam surrounds and putting new caps in the XOs.

My suspicion about the Advent cassette tape having lost a stereo channel comes from having connected it to a PC. I was able to capture output from the Advent deck, but running what I captured through Audacity showed a missing channel. Now, this might all be due to my not having cabled the deck and computer correctly or having failed when capturing the tape output, I don't know.

I tried connecting the Advent deck to my receiver, but could not get anything to play. I have attributed that to the receiver. Given its age and probable - no certain - neglect my daughter gave it, I've deduced that the problem lies in the receiver. Until I can get it through a restoration in a repair shop - or find another inexpensive but functioning receiver - I'm unable to diagnose further.

My op was really just to ask if there were any way to use a multimeter to check that signal was being put on both output channels. I'm not well versed in electronics but I do know how to use and have on hand a good Fluke multimeter.

Again, thanks for the post and suggestions ... and for your patience in reading this.
a geezer with good hearing

 

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