Sony DC-2,NO SOUND,JUST NOISE/HISS

[LesX55]

Hi all,

My DC-2 stopped playing tapes yesterday.
Well to be exact it does everything, in such that it plays the tape, the speed looks correct ( have cleaned heads, rollers etc, put new batteries in ),but no music, just a lot of noise, sounds like tape hiss.
Have tried a number of tapes and the same issue with all of them.

Any ideas as to what the problem is, or should i just take it to Audio Excellence to have it repaired.
Thanks
Les

[R.Daneel]

Are you sure there isn't any physical damage to the unit? Is there a change when you switch the dolby B and C on? Is there sound from the line?

I suggest going to stereo2go forum as I remember someone had an identical problem with a Sony WM-DD series player (DD2 I think but I am not sure).

[LesX55]

Hi,
I did check the dolby and normal/metal bias settings and they worked in as much as they reduced the noise/hiss sound...but not actual music.
It so odd, as it was fine in the morning, and later in the day this happened.
Could it be that the head needs replacing?

[R.Daneel]

No, the head is not the problem here. But do check the cables tghat are soldered underneath the head. You can see them when you take the cassette lid off - there are two small screws (one on each side) where the lid hinges are.

[R.Daneel]

This head is a hyperbolic amorphous design and is probably the best head a cassette player ever used. I haven't heard of one wearing out to a point of no sound. That certainly wouldn't happen over night.

It might be that there is an issue with the soldering of the electrolytic capacitors in the preamplifier. The walkman is 26 years old by now and it could be the problem. If ut was a capacitor, there would be signs of it failing long before.

[LesX55]

Hi,
I have looked at the head wiring,it looks to be ok.
I do feel as this has just happened, it must be a mechanical/wiring issue, as it was working fine, i turned it off to have a coffee in a cafe, and when i finished my coffee the walkman had this problem

[LesX55]

Thanks, i am also looking at the stereo2go forum as you mentioned for advice...

[LesX55]

I do have two donar walkmans ( DC2/DD33 ).
So i shall take it to AudioT,and hope to get it fixed.

I shall keep you up date with what the issue is and the repair

[R.Daneel]

Okay Les, I hope they fix it for you. I am pretty sure it is a "cold solder" issue which is common for older electronics. Since it is a portable device, there are all kinds of things that could go wrong but generally, DD series players are very reliable and the mechanism can last a really long time since there are no belts inside. Well, except for that center gear but it can be resolved. Keep me posted!

[LesX55]

Hi,

The Sony DC2 is now at AudioT.
The tech has had a look, and he says it appears that when in play the head does not engage the tape.
So with my two donar walkmans this should be an easy fix.....

[LesX55]

Hi all,

My DC2 has been repaired, the technician said that a pin had snapped and this was why the tape head mechanism did not make contact with the tape,so i hope that this will be the last repair for awhile

[R.Daneel]

Hey Les! How does it sound now? Everything alright?

[LesX55]

Hi,

Wow!! How i have missed using it, just way more fun than my ipod, plus a more powerful sound.
Yes all is good with the DC2.

Cheers
Les