Hitachi TRK 8190 playes pre-recorded tapes dull but tapes recorded on the Hitachi sound good

[Magnotron]

Bought a TRK 8190 a few weeks ago. Everything works like a charm accept the sound when playing tapes that are pre-recorded or recorded on another cassetterecorder. When i record with the TRK, the sound is good (radio also sounds good). However, that Hitachi tape sounds dull on other boomboxes. Can the tape head be misaligned? Can there be anorther logical reason? And any tips to correct this?

 

[Fatdog]

A misaligned tape head would be first thought. Try adjusting and see if that helps.

 

[hopey]

The recording is actually at a slower tape speed. When you replay this recording the tape speed is linear to your recording speed.

Prerecorded tapes are recorded at a higher tape speed (correct) so your deck needs new belts to maintain the correct speed.

 

[hopey]

The recording is actually at a slower tape speed. When you replay this recording the tape speed is linear to your recording speed.

Prerecorded tapes are recorded at a higher tape speed (correct) so your deck needs new belts to maintain the correct speed.

Given the age of the box you may have to service the motor as well.

 

[fyj2972]

You need to correct HITACHI azimuth first,.

This is a typical head azimuth misalignment symptom. It has nothing to do with tape speed adjustment.

BTW, I like this box.

 

[Reli]

Most 30+ year old pre-recorded tapes sound like ass, unless they were stored properly indoors (not in a garage or glove compartment)

 

[Nickeccles]

Look at the rec/play head in the image posted - It's way out of line even to the naked eye! This is very simple to remedy!

 

[hopey]

I still think its the belts as there has been no mention they have been changed. if your take up is better that the capstan speed it can cause misalignment of the Head.

 

[fyj2972]

@Nickeccles, Eagle eyes!!!

I saw that R/P head is way off correct position too.

 

[hopey]

Look at the rec/play head in the image posted - It's way out of line even to the naked eye! This is very simple to remedy!

@Nickeccles, Eagle eyes!!!

I saw that R/P head is way off correct position too.

This just Parallax error you can't tell from that picture.

 

[Magnotron]

@all, thanks for the tips!

 

[hopey]

so who was correct, ooh well; we will never know.

 

[Magnotron]

so who was correct, ooh well; we will never know.

Sorry mate, Lack of time (and skills) prevent me from making progress