joessportster Posted April 1, 2020 Share Posted April 1, 2020 So I got my RX 202 today and it is in great shape except for 1 thing when I record the input meters are balanced but playback of that recording the right channel is much louder and throws the image nearly fully to the left. Playing back a pre recorded tape is balanced left to right as the meters indicate a balanced input signal I am led to believe the recording head is the culprit. Not being a genius on tape heads Is it possible only 1 side might be dirty (I seriously doubt this) Could it be something else causing the imbalance when recording ie one of the filters or type selectors etc... Anyone ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyrc Posted April 1, 2020 Share Posted April 1, 2020 I, too, think head wear or dirt on just one channel is not likely, but, just for the heck of it, run a cleaning tape through it about 5 times. If that doesn't work, inspect the internal wiring leading to the recording head (I assume there are separate record and play heads on your unit. Someone else, perhaps a bench tech, will take you from there. P.S. Avoid cheap tapes that shed or stretch. Back in the day, shorter tapes were sometimes thicker than long ones, and good brands were Maxell, Ampex, Scotch (3M), TDK, etc. The cassette medium was a big compromise, but not as much of one as 8 track. Some Metal Tapes were rather high fidelity This may be obvious, but you may have a bias switch and an EQ switch. EQ affected playback only, but bias needed to be set for the tape type before recording. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scalawag Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 Might the recording head be slightly out of alignment? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 1 hour ago, scalawag said: Might the recording head be slightly out of alignment? Always a possibility. I have had lots of trouble with the old machines. They need to be sent to an expert and completely rehabbed, which I have yet to do because it is like buying them all over again, and it is not as important as it used to be. Back in the day I would record my most played lps to save the wear and tear on them. It worked---my old lps are in great shape because of it. I have 2 naks I would like to get back up to spec but it's not a priority. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richieb Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 I have a like new three motor Denon still in the box, probably less than 10 hours on the machine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 34 minutes ago, richieb said: I have a like new three motor Denon still in the box, probably less than 10 hours on the machine. Depending on how old it is, it may need new belts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joessportster Posted April 2, 2020 Author Share Posted April 2, 2020 the 202 is a 2 head machine so same head for playback and recording (Thats my understanding) Found a thread on tape heads, fella had the EXACT same issue with a denon deck turned out head wear. This begs the ? if the head is used to record and playback why is playback balanced ? and wouldn't I be able to expect an issue with playback some time in the not to distant future ? The seller of the Deck is acting Good and will accept return, I am starting to lean towards a return. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 Don't know Joe. Have you a user's manual for the unit or, is there a copy online? What brand is your cassette? Almost sounds like an H/K model I had. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevinmi Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 the heads have small slots in them, one for each channel. Look closely for a buildup of gunk inside the slots. Clean with denatured alcohol and a q-tip. Also, if the transport system is misaligned, it could cause problems. The tape has to be 90 degrees perpendicular to the heads for best results. Another problem could be the bias, which could be an internal component problem. If I didn't see any obvious dirt or misalignment issues, I'd send it out to a qualified technician. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave1290 Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 Eggzactly what kevin said Joe. IF you use alcohol make sure you use denatured because rubbing alcohol has oils in it and will foul the tape. My guess is there's a glob of something in the head. Grab a magnifying glass and eyeball. While your at it look at the rollers for dirt and wear. Easy w/the alcohol too! That doesn't work return it and save the hassle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babadono Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 Full documentation available at HI FI Engine. Service manual is almost 8 meg can't downloaded it here. If it plays back good through the same head, sounds like there is something wrong with record or record bias circuits. A good cleaning cannot hurt. Do you have a head demagnetizer? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joessportster Posted April 2, 2020 Author Share Posted April 2, 2020 appreciate the suggestions. I bought this deck already serviced I got the receipt with it. The tech is a reputable business in Michigan (Morell Electronics in Farmington Hills Mi) The Receipt shows belts and Idler tire replaced, It does not mention alignment or anything else. I will try cleaning the heads and report back. I hope its that easy otherwise I think I will have to return this one and continue the hunt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joessportster Posted April 2, 2020 Author Share Posted April 2, 2020 5 minutes ago, babadono said: Full documentation available at HI FI Engine. Service manual is almost 8 meg can't downloaded it here. If it plays back good through the same head, sounds like there is something wrong with record or record bias circuits. A good cleaning cannot hurt. Do you have a head demagnetizer? No demag yet just getting back into cassette Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babadono Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 3 minutes ago, joessportster said: I bought this deck already serviced I got the receipt with it. OK sum ting wong. Either they don't know what they're doing or they did not listen to it, or test it or just replaced the rubber parts and said ship it! They will take it back? For full credit or refund? Or give it another go at making it work properly? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 The manual! The user manual! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babadono Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 Did you find some revelation the user manual? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 Just now, babadono said: Did you find some revelation the user manual? Did you find the user manual? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babadono Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 Yes at Hi Fi Engine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 Cool, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MicroMara Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 hfe_nakamichi_rx-202.pdf 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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