Sony TC-KA7ES Tapedeck

[braxus]

This was known to be the last best tapedeck Sony ever made, and is also known to be their best deck they ever made. It was a Japanese model only made between 1994 and 2000, and it was also known a few made it outside of Japan. It was available in champagne/gold finish and black. The champagne models went for more money. Sony took all the technology and lessons they learned over all the years and put their best effort into this tape deck. It listed for $1500 US when new. Not even Aiwa's flagship XK-S9000 went for that much money. This deck has a copper chassis seperated into 3 sections to keep down noise, the heads were 3 Head ceramic laser amorphous with Gold plated sides, wire was 6N copper, it used the well designed 200D cassette mechanism with stabilizer, and other innovations. Even the record EQ was adjustable while on older models was either normal, high or low. You don't see many of these decks around today. I gathered up some pics of this model and are here for you to take a look.

TC-KA7ES

Years: 1994-2000
Heads: Erase S & F (Sendust & Ferrite) * 1, Record LA (Laser Amorphous) * 1, Playback LA * 1
Bias: 210 kHz
Motors: Capstan DD BSL * 1, Reel DC * 1, Control DC * 1
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Type IV, at Peak Level, Dolby NR off: 61 dB
Frequency Response: Type IV, -20 dB Rec.: 15 - 22,000 Hz +/-3 dB
Wow & Flutter: 0.022% WRMS
Harmonic Distortion: Type IV: 1.3% at 315 Hz Sin-Wave
Peak Program Meters: -40 to +10 dB, 24 Segments-per-Channel
Weight: 12 kg
Dimensions: 430*135*380 mm
Power Consumption: 27 W


And by comparison- my Sony 909ES:

TC-K909ES

Years: 1994-1996
Heads: Erase S & F (Sendust & Ferrite) * 1, Record LA (Laser Amorphous) * 1, Playback LA * 1
Bias: 160 kHz
Motors: Capstan DD BSL * 1, Reel DC * 1, Control DC * 1
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Type IV, at Peak Level, Dolby NR off: 61 dB
Frequency Response: Type IV, -20 dB Rec.: 15 - 22,000 Hz +/-3 dB
Wow & Flutter: 0.022% WRMS
Harmonic Distortion: Type IV: 1.3% at 315 Hz Sin-Wave
Peak Program Meters: -40 to +10 dB, 24 Segments-per-Channel
Weight: 8.2 kg
Dimensions: 470*135*350 mm
Power Consumption: 26 W

Taken from:
http://dom.hi-fi.ru/forum/7/8370

[Scorpion8]

Very nice! Thanks.

[Web Police]

Wow great looking deck. Now if I could just find one for pennies. :D

[NAD613]

Is this a deck you own? I know some of those 3-head ES models Sony made were considered the finest decks on the market. Looking back, if I would have saved my money for about a year, not bought any CD's or snacks or anything, I could have bought one. Who knew by the time I became an adult making some money that those decks wouldn't be made anymore?

[braxus]

No I own the predecessor- the 909ES which is similar to the 555ESJ in Japan which the A7ES is based from.

No if I knew about this model back when, I would have traded up and sold my 909.

[stuartypoorty]

Pictures and text very much appreciated, yet another deck to add to my ever evolving wish list.

The List;

01. Nakamichi 1000 ZXL Limited/Dragon
02. Aiwa XK-S9000
03. Tandberg 3014A
04. NEAL Ferrograph 330
05. Revox B215 or Studer A710
06. T&A CC 820 M
07. Pioneer Elite CT-93
08. Arcam Delta 100
09. Sony TC KA7ES
10. TEAC Z-7000

[stuartypoorty]

The Revox B215

[braxus]

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=172921

My thread on AK. It seems to have been added to since my absense there. Even had a few for sale though shipping was expensive. One deck is nearly new, but he's asking a lot for it. This deck has been compared to the Pioneer CT-93 and Aiwa XK-S9000. Those three were noted the best decks of the 90s which also used Dolby S.

[retrokeeper]

Man O' Man,that Sony deck is a looker!! Wouldn't mind finding that beauty settin' in a thrift shop somewhere(fat chance!!) or for a local pickup on craigslist!! Rob

[4tified]

Man O' Man,that Sony deck is a looker!! Wouldn't mind finding that beauty settin' in a thrift shop somewhere(fat chance!!) or for a local pickup on craigslist!! Rob

Better chance finding one of those than a 3-head Nak deck... which I'm sure at least one or two around here have already found.

EDIT: Scratch that, didn't see that it was a Japenese model.

[Marc Hugo]

Thats a simply beautiful machine.

MH

[Naknut]

It is gorgeous and I believe that whenever one comes up on ebay it goes for big bucks. I love the finish on this, I'm kind of tired of all black equipment. I'd love to have a Dragon in a silver finish.

[ferriteman]

This was known to be the last best tapedeck Sony ever made, and is also known to be their best deck they ever mads.

Taken from:
http://dom.hi-fi.ru/forum/7/8370


As someone who's always been a fan of Sony cassette decks, and who owns a few, this is one deck I wish I picked up. The last Sony deck I bought, about 4 years ago, a Sony KA1ESA, is I think a pale imitation of this one. It is a 3-header with Dolby S (I bought it mainly for the Dolby S) but I'm sure its not in the same league as this one. Had I known that decks were going to die out, I probably would have sprung for one for sure. Hindsight is always different for sure.

The KA1ESA was the last Sony 3-header made...I think they only sell a cheap double-deck nowdays...if they still have them.

[Alshalan]

Pictures and text very much appreciated, yet another deck to add to my ever evolving wish list.

The List;

01. Nakamichi 1000 ZXL Limited/Dragon
02. Aiwa XK-S9000
03. Tandberg 3014A
04. NEAL Ferrograph 330
05. Revox B215 or Studer A710
06. T&A CC 820 M
07. Pioneer Elite CT-93
08. Arcam Delta 100
09. Sony TC KA7ES
10. TEAC Z-7000

+1 *flame*

[braxus]

There's one on Ebay right now if anyone has that much dough.

[DolbySProject]

There's one on Ebay right now if anyone has that much dough.

I have been tempted to pull the trigger on that more than a few times. But, geez, lotta dough (albeit, not as much as 1800 for that Naka Drago)! I know it would be awesome; but, I just can't seem to make myself do it.

[VintageSteve]

One of my original *drool-over* decks. I've watched several of these on auction sites over the last year but they are always way too rich for me. I had to set my sights lower and picked up the 909ES and two K1ESA decks. I'm happy, but I still need a drool bucket when I see pics of one or a listing on eBay....*eyepop**drool*

[LesX55]

The A7es was a classic for sure, and yes the best Sony ever made.
My personal best Sony decks are the TC-K88b and TC-K80,both vintage yet still high end,and i have both in mint and are used daily.
My other decks are a Nakamichi CR-4A and Kenwood KX-9050S.

[Scorpion8]

The A7es was a classic for sure, and yes the best Sony ever made.
My personal best Sony decks are the TC-K88b and TC-K80,both vintage yet still high end,and i have both in mint and are used daily.
My other decks are a Nakamichi CR-4A and Kenwood KX-9050S.

Another Sony fan, for sure! Too numerous to mention here... *yes* TC-K88 was one cool drawer-loader.

[LesX55]

There is a A7ES on e-bay

[Alshalan]

I have black one with a voltage 100.
Is it OK if I plug it into 127 voltage?
or what shall I do?

[braxus]

I have black one with a voltage 100.
Is it OK if I plug it into 127 voltage?
or what shall I do?

No don't plug it into 120 as you'll risk damaging the unit. Get a down converter to go from 120-127 to 100. I have no idea if it is possible to find a R core transformer that could be transplanted in these units to use on different voltages or not. I was wondering if that could be done.

[Alshalan]

No don't plug it into 120 as you'll risk damaging the unit. Get a down converter to go from 120-127 to 100. I have no idea if it is possible to find a R core transformer that could be transplanted in these units to use on different voltages or not. I was wondering if that could be done.

Thank you braxus
I checked ebay, looking for down converter, and I found this one

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370271743276&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

shall I go for it?

[braxus]

Thank you braxus
I checked ebay, looking for down converter, and I found this one

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370271743276&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

shall I go for it?

That may work, though I thought they looked more like a DC transformer then a plug. When you do get your A7ES working, please post comments and some pics. Im interested in getting one of these decks myself when I finally have some spare cash.

[Socal Sam]

The matching amp, preamp, and CDP are TA-N90ES, TA-E90ES, and CDP-XA7ES. If there is such a thing as "mil-spec" in home audio, these pieces come close. I have the preamp and the CDP and they are exceptionally well built with over generous power supplies and plenty of metal. The CDP-XA7ES has a fixed laser pickup. The TA-E90ES is a straight line preamp.

[Alshalan]

That may work, though I thought they looked more like a DC transformer then a plug. When you do get your A7ES working, please post comments and some pics. Im interested in getting one of these decks myself when I finally have some spare cash.

I bought this one
390203369186

[coollpe]

No I own the predecessor- the 909ES which is similar to the 555ESJ in Japan which the A7ES is based from.

No if I knew about this model back when, I would have traded up and sold my 909.

909ES is very different from 555ESJ, 909ES is only a cost effective version of the Japanese 222ESJ model.

333ESJ is very close to 555ESJ though.

You can compare 222ESJ/909ES with 555ESJ here:
http://audio-heritage.jp/SONY-ESPRIT/player/tc-k222esj.html
http://audio-heritage.jp/SONY-ESPRIT/player/tc-k555esj.html

[Alshalan]

item no. 320771537338

5% discount for TH members
5% for forum as donation

[DuckTape]

and good god...it's in black, my favorite. Bet some TDK MA-X or SA-XS tapes would sound great on it....

yer killin me man

bully to whom ever wins, don't think I can swing it, the price is right for sure, these generally go for about 1000 or better


edit - not like its gonna stay at 802usd tho
edit #2 - I vouche for Alshalan, reliable seller

[braxus]

What is the reason you are selling it? I'd love to have it myself, but I really don't need yet another deck here, and I don't have the money right now either.

[Alshalan]

Thanks DuckTape .

braxus; i need some cash . I hate to do that.

[perry]

Wow, I didn't know they commanded that kind of cash! Nice deck.

[braxus]

After being disappointed in both my Aiwa and Pioneer Dolby S decks, I wish I could grab yours Alshalan. Only way I could swing it is to buy it next year. If you don't sell it on Ebay, talk to me and maybe we could work something out.

[DuckTape]

After being disappointed in both my Aiwa and Pioneer Dolby S decks, I wish I could grab yours Alshalan. Only way I could swing it is to buy it next year. If you don't sell it on Ebay, talk to me and maybe we could work something out.

the KA7 is that good, built like a damn tank too

[Alshalan]

After being disappointed in both my Aiwa and Pioneer Dolby S decks, I wish I could grab yours Alshalan. Only way I could swing it is to buy it next year. If you don't sell it on Ebay, talk to me and maybe we could work something out.

too many watcher for now, would be hard to stop it.

[braxus]

too many watcher for now, would be hard to stop it.

Its ok. I was just saying if it doesn't sell, talk to me. I wouldn't expect you to kill your auction. That said I wouldn't have funds for the deck up front at the moment anyway. Installments maybe.

[Warped Bezel]

After being disappointed in both my Aiwa and Pioneer Dolby S decks, I wish I could grab yours Alshalan. Only way I could swing it is to buy it next year. If you don't sell it on Ebay, talk to me and maybe we could work something out.

Why were you disappointed with the Pioneer?

I had mine stolen in 1995 and just one Madonna release (single) and not enough time to check it out.

[DuckTape]

I had mine stolen in 1995 and just one Madonna release

FYI, La Isla Bonita is where things are wild and free.

So you wouldn't wonder ...

[braxus]

Why were you disappointed with the Pioneer?

It lacks dynamics just like my Aiwa lacked them. Most tape decks lack dynamics compared to what I hear from my Tandberg.

[DuckTape]

It lacks dynamics just like my Aiwa lacked them. Most tape decks lack dynamics compared to what I hear from my Tandberg.

which Tandberg?

[Warped Bezel]

It lacks dynamics just like my Aiwa lacked them. Most tape decks lack dynamics compared to what I hear from my Tandberg.

Man, I already went bankrupt in 1996...you'd have to wait until February or March for me to get there. Videotapes first. *headache*

[braxus]

which Tandberg?

TCD-3014A (3014 is similar)

[DuckTape]

TCD-3014A (3014 is similar)

I would LOVE to hear a 3014a against a KA7

really really


maybe w/ Steely Dan's Black Cow or Sign In Stranger


maybe on some old maggies


>grinning from ear to ear<

can you imagine? :D:D:D:D


edit - fuck, alshalan, didnt mean to hijack the thread, I'm very sorry

[braxus]

I would LOVE to hear a 3014a against a KA7


I'd love to hear a KA7ES at all- just to see if it compares against my old 909ES and if its any better then the Aiwa 9000 or Pioneer 93.

[braxus]

Alshalan- I see your deck didn't sell.

If interested- we could talk about doing a sale for it. Would have to be installments though.

[DuckTape]

Alshalan- I see your deck didn't sell.

saw that too, fucking mind blowing, I don't get it, I really don't, best price on ebay for a KA7 in 12 months or better



edit - and not just best price, but for serial, like 300USD better than anything I have seen, just astounding, I don't get it
edit #2 - and it should be noted, KA7s are VERY rare on ebay, so ... even more, wtf, for realsies, wtf

[braxus]

Yah Ducktape it doesn't make sense. Only thing I can see is nobody has the spare cash for a deck like this right now. I mean Dragons sell for $800 these days, so who is going to buy a Sony for even more then that?

[braxus]

Sale of this deck to myself from Alshalan is pending. I'll post an update when its finally paid for in full.

[Bandwidth]

There is one listed right now on ebay overseas for insane money and insane shipping! Somewhere in the neighborhood of $1500 combined!!! Gasp!*hypnot*

[braxus]

I saw that deck on Ebay. Too expensive. I see these selling on Yahoo Japan auctions for a third of what that Ebay seller is asking.

[Warped Bezel]

Sale of this deck to myself from Alshalan is pending. I'll post an update when its finally paid for in full.

This is nice...He got done getting a Nak Remote unit from another KSA seller to Perry...

That's why we dig him, he's got MOXIE.

[DuckTape]

Sale of this deck to myself from Alshalan is pending. I'll post an update when its finally paid for in full.

wow dude, win, im jelly

[darkstar078]

Congrates Braxus! *thumbsup*

These classic ES Sony's are übercool and heavy too.

[braxus]

Thanks guys. He showed me some pics of the small defects in the deck, but for the most part its in okay shape. I'll have it paid off by February.

Here are some pics:

[braxus]

Im curious- being this deck is a Japanese only unit that runs on 100volt 50 hz power at 27 watts, and the power plug for the A7ES has the standard Nema 1-15 100/ 120 volt plug. I suspect it could be plugged into North American 120v sockets. But the transformer inside the deck may get pissed off with too much current. So being its a dual R core transformer in this Sony, could one technically replace the 100 volt 50 hz transformer with a 120 volt 60 hz unit and just rewire the thing? I would expect Sony made some various 120 volt dual R core transformers one could berry pick the proper one from. Any thoughts?

http://www.tapeheads.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=24211&d=1319429905

[Warped Bezel]

You can bet a stepdown transformer at mant places, your version of Radio Shack...or ask Alshalan, after all 100V isn't mains in KSA either I don't think.

[braxus]

Im aware of the step down transformer. I was looking into something better and more permanent then that. I've also heard some step down transformers can effect the sound of the deck, so bypassing it all together would be prefered.

[vidguy]

I use one with my Tandberg. Got it off of ebay, from a Canadian seller.
Nice solid, all metal unit.

I've not yet noticed any issues.

I probably wouldn't use one with an amplifier, but I think it's just fine for a tape deck or CD player.

[braxus]

After talking to Alex, it sounds like kind of a band-aid approach to get the deck to run on 120v. So maybe the step down transformer is the way to go.

[Pacific Stereo]

Absolutely no reason not to use a step-down for a low-power item like this deck. That's how I would do it.

[Alshalan]

Absolutely no reason not to use a step-down for a low-power item like this deck. That's how I would do it.

I agree. *bigthumbup*

[perry]

You hase to get a GOOD one! Otherwise they hum or buzz, and that's the problem. You don't know how good it is until you get it.

[braxus]

You hase to get a GOOD one! Otherwise they hum or buzz, and that's the problem. You don't know how good it is until you get it.

Any suggestions there? I've heard ACME are ok. Not sure what else is good though.

[Warped Bezel]

Any suggestions there? I've heard ACME are ok. Not sure what else is good though.

ACME must be excellent...they never kill the coyote, only encourage him to buy more ACME!

http://www.dailycupoftech.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/acme-cat-11.jpg

[braxus]

I've asked Jim (Scorp) if he can move this thread from the Heads Up section to the Specialties section under Sony. I'd like to continue posting in this thread, especially when I get the deck. And it would make sense the thread be listed in the Sony section.

[braxus]

Not long from now Alshalan will be sending Alex (ANT) the A7ES deck. Alex will look the deck over, see if anything needs attention. What Im wondering is anyone aware of any upgrades or mods on a deck like this that be worth considering? Put your ideas here and I'll see if Alex agrees on the suggestions. I don't want to go crazy on the deck, but if its a simple mod that wouldn't be hard to do or go overboard on, we may consider it.

Now does anyone have any suggestions? I will of course be hearing from him on his suggestions too, but I want to see what others here come up with. For a look at the internals, see below.

http://www.tapeheads.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=24211&d=1319429905

http://www.tapeheads.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=25869&d=1325998871

[braxus]

Anyone? I know its hard to tell from the pics what is in there, but maybe someone has some experience with Sony decks of this age.

[DuckTape]

not sure whered youd want upgrade that thing, but its not THAT old. new belts would always be a good bet

[braxus]

The deck is on its way to Alex and I'll let him figure out what can be done with the deck.

[Alshalan]

The deck is on its way to Alex and I'll let him figure out what can be done with the deck.

The deck is heavy. and it took me 2 hours to pack it !!
total weight after packing is 14.795 kg. *fit*

[braxus]

The deck is heavy. and it took me 2 hours to pack it !!
total weight after packing is 14.795 kg. *fit*

That is interesting. The Aiwa I sent off a month ago only weighed 11KG, so almost 15kg (32 pounds) has got to be really heavy. And the Aiwa was no light weight either. I look forward to getting the deck, and seeing what Alex can do with it.

[braxus]

Perry- any recommendations for a good step down transformer? You suggested the bad ones hum and buzz. So what is a good one then? I'd only need it rated up to 50 or 60 watts. Prefer an official Japanese to American unit- 120volt to 100 volt 50/60 hz.

[scan80269]

A colleague and I custom ordered a set of 10 toroid balanced transformers from www.toroid.com (Toroid Corporation of Maryland) about 1.5 years ago. These were used as isolation transformers for our digital audio gear. We mounted the toroids into salvaged PC power supply cases. They run absolutely silently and with very little heat generation. We went for 100VA rating since each isolation transformer was used to power only one piece of non-power-amplifier gear.

The only issue is that if you want just one transformer, it can be quite expensive to get it custom made, but the quality and performance is hard to beat. If there are multiple people with the same need for 120V to 100V step down transformers, then a pooled order of 10 units or more will make them much more affordable.

[LesX55]

When i bought my CR4A from Sonic Sense ( Denver ), they shipped the deck to B&W and they changed the transformer to a UK spec one, cant that be done for your Sony?

[braxus]

When i bought my CR4A from Sonic Sense ( Denver ), they shipped the deck to B&W and they changed the transformer to a UK spec one, cant that be done for your Sony?

No because this deck was a Japanese only deck and there is a good chance there is no North America spec transformer for it.

[LesX55]

Thats a pity!!
As that would have been the perfect solution.
Can you not take one from a donor US speck deck? Or am i being to simplistic?

[macster]

Since Alex is the repair guy, why not just go with his recommendations? Also, one of those PS Audio multiwave conditioners may work, but bottom line again just ask Alex. Anyway here is a link thingie (http://www.adaptelec.com/transformers-japan-to-us-c-16.html). Also search results linky. (http://www.bing.com/search?q=japanese+to+US+voltage+stepdown+transform ers&go=&qs=n&sk=&form=QBRE)

M~

[braxus]

I wasn't thinking of Alex because what he would sell in Europe would be 220 volt units and I need 120. I was just wondering what Perry had in mind.

[braxus]

Update- Alex finally has the deck as of today. He will check its condition and I'll be sending him funds for doing work on the deck. Thanks Alex!

[braxus]

BlazeES- I decided to get the A7ES after my Aiwa 9000 let me down in terms of dynamics. I would expect this Sony to perform better then the Aiwa did.

[BlazeES]

BlazeES- I decided to get the A7ES after my Aiwa 9000 let me down in terms of dynamics. I would expect this Sony to perform better then the Aiwa did.

Awesome. Congrats!

Sorry to hear about the Aiwa. With Alex doing the work, I think you are in good hands without a doubt. The KA7ES is the pinnacle of Sony decks, so you should be anything but disappointed.

Cham-pag-nee or Black?

UPDATE: Scratch that, just scrolled down and viewed the pictures.

Black it Bitchin!

[braxus]

I suggested to Alex he could do testing on the deck like he does with other decks to see how she performs. I'd like to know myself. He has posted results for other decks before. Being the A7ES is Sony's best, it would make sense to test it out.

[braxus]

Bump for exposure. Seems the specs on the first post might come in handy.

[scan80269]

Don't know if the following is applicable to the TC-KA7ES, but my TC-KA3ES decks use a pair of 22uF polarized electrolytic caps in series (positive-to-positive) in the PB head amp on each channel for DC blocking. I've been thinking of modding one unit to replace those cap pairs with Nichicon ES non-polar 10uF caps, just to hear to how the sound changes.

I also tried replacing the M5220 op-amp in the head amp with something else, but haven't found anything that constitutes an improvement, as I spent very little time on this.

[390FE]

There may be some improvments that can be done in the power supply section(s) like better quality high end caps, maybe better rectifiers? Maybe better quality caps in the audio path?

Could there possibly be any improvments that could be made in the Headphone amp section for better headphone sound quality?

It may be a good idea to replace the record relay (looks like it has one) so you won't have any drop out/cut out/noise issues from oxidized/worn contacts for quite a while?

[braxus]

Some info from Alex on the electronics in this deck. I hope he doesn't mind me posting this. He had to say:

"I have to say that the TC-KA7ES is a very complex deck and the electronics has almost nothing in common with other Sony decks, including TC-KA3 and TC-KA6. It uses double-sided PTH boards with lots and lots of SMD components, Analog Devices opamps, many relays etc. etc."

It also seems finding a service manual for this deck is near to impossible. I've never seen one sold anywhere. I even wonder if one was ever made. If it was- its probably in Japanese only.

[A.N.T.]

Some info from Alex on the electronics in this deck. I hope he doesn't mind me posting this. He had to say:

"I have to say that the TC-KA7ES is a very complex deck and the electronics has almost nothing in common with other Sony decks, including TC-KA3 and TC-KA6. It uses double-sided PTH boards with lots and lots of SMD components, Analog Devices opamps, many relays etc. etc."

It also seems finding a service manual for this deck is near to impossible. I've never seen one sold anywhere. I even wonder if one was ever made. If it was- its probably in Japanese only.

I've tried to find the service manual for the TC-KA7ES and I couldn't. Here are some pictures and graphs I've took/measured during/after the service and alignment.

Cheers

Alex

[LesX55]

Am i reading the graphs incorrectly? As they seem to show 0db as being the best recording level for both SA-X and Metal XR with regards too a flat response

[A.N.T.]

Am i reading the graphs incorrectly? As they seem to show 0db as being the best recording level for both SA-X and Metal XR with regards too a flat response

What do you mean? The flattest graph is usually at -20dB level and for higher levels the HF response drops earlier. However the graphs show the response for the single tone sinewave signal. In real music the level of HF is usually considerably lower than the level on LF and MF.

Cheers

Alex

[LesX55]

Thanks Alex
That is cleared to me now......was just being a bit stupid.

Time for bed

Cheers
Les

[braxus]

Thankyou for the pics and graphs Alex. The graphs are interesting. We tested my old 909ES deck many years ago and it was able to go to 25 Khz at low levels. Seems the A7ES can also do the same. How does this deck's performance compare to other decks you've tested? I'm not sure if what I'm seeing is good or not.

I'll also ask. If down the road I'd need to have the belts done on the deck, being its the 200D transport being used, which belt kit would work in this deck? Meaning what common belt kit could I order for it? Would my old K909ES for example work? Also is this still a direct drive deck? Just wondering what the belts are used for.

[LesX55]

Braxus,
The A7Es is a real beauty. I have often drooled over the images on the Vintage Knob site! Alex will do you proud with the deck for sure. The deck oozes high end build and quality.
I am loving my 666Es, it is very user friendly and looks lush.

[A.N.T.]

Thankyou for the pics and graphs Alex. The graphs are interesting. We tested my old 909ES deck many years ago and it was able to go to 25 Khz at low levels. Seems the A7ES can also do the same. How does this deck's performance compare to other decks you've tested? I'm not sure if what I'm seeing is good or not.

I'll also ask. If down the road I'd need to have the belts done on the deck, being its the 200D transport being used, which belt kit would work in this deck? Meaning what common belt kit could I order for it? Would my old K909ES for example work? Also is this still a direct drive deck? Just wondering what the belts are used for.

Hi Scott,

The measurements are pretty good and yes, on Metal tapes and at -20dB DIN the TC-KA7ES does 25kHz (-3dB). It has two usual belts - one between capstans and a small one for the mode motor, the same belts as used in all other decks with the 200D transport and its variants. It has a DD capstan motor with a quartz lock.

Cheers

Alex

[braxus]

Looks like Alex is done the work. Alex- I'll be sending you payment once I get that info from you.

[braxus]

Alex- Payment sent for the shipping costs.

[braxus]

Alex- If you haven't already, don't mail out the deck yet. I may have a service manual for you.

[Analogtape]

Nice deck but nothing touches teac z 7000

[braxus]

Nice deck but nothing touches teac z 7000

Except maybe a Revox B710, Nak Dragon+ZX-9+CR-7A, and especially my Tandberg 3014A.

Alex- that link a poster put in the thread ended up being nothing. So it looks like we're back to mailing it out.

[Analogtape]

Alex mail the deck out this way so i can audition it at matts place along with all the best decks in history nak deck1 aiwa alpine 300 denon nak 582 yamaha 1000 marantz sd 9000. sony tck81 telefunken tc300 3 direct drive motors. lets see how it will stand up to the challenge

[braxus]

Alex mail the deck out this way so i can audition it at matts place ...

Not with my deck you don't. Sorry but I still don't really know you. Plus were you planning on paying the duty taxes owing on the deck as well?

Side note- my Pioneer CT-93 sold within 12 hours of listing it on Ebay for $700.

[Analogtape]

Not with my deck you don't. Sorry but I still don't really know you. Plus were you planning on paying the duty taxes owing on the deck as well?

Side note- my Pioneer CT-93 sold within 12 hours of listing it on Ebay for $700.

id pay the duties for a chance to hear it

[braxus]

id pay the duties for a chance to hear it

Sorry but I'm going to pass on that offer. The Sony won't impress that much anyway. Its their best deck in terms of engineering, but its not the best deck out there or Sony's best sounding deck either. So there is no reason to compare it against other top decks.

[Analogtape]

Sorry but I'm going to pass on that offer. The Sony won't impress that much anyway. Its their best deck in terms of engineering, but its not the best deck out there or Sony's best sounding deck either. So there is no reason to compare it against other top decks.


your referring to the 950 es tck81?

[braxus]

your referring to the 950 es tck81?

I won't comment since the deck isn't done yet and I haven't heard it. But some have said its not the best sounding of Sony decks. I will hear for myself when I get it. A better deck may be the 555ESJ.

[braxus]

Well some good news on the deck. Alex was able to figure out some issues with the deck in terms of its sound quality. He found some places to make some mods on the deck and he noticed an improvement in sound quality after it was done. If Alex doesn't mind, I can post what the mods done were.

Due to finances, I won't be getting the deck until some time in April.

Alex- is it okay to post the mods made?

[A.N.T.]

Alex- is it okay to post the mods made?

No problem Scott, post it here.

Cheers

Alex

[braxus]

Here's Alex's info on what was done:

"...my effort with the Sony so far ended in a very positive change in the sound and I am quite pleased. I always double check my impression about the sound quality with help from my better half as she has a very good ear. She did listen to the TC-KA7ES before the mods and after and said that the sound changed from one you don't really like to listen to, to the sound you can listen to for long time (which means it changed quite a lot).

All I did was to look carefully through the signal pass and see what I could spot and change for better. I've found very quickly that the deck noticeably spoils the sound even in the "source" mode and that gave me a clue. In essence, I've found two major problems:

1) Several rather poorly sounding opamps (namely two M5238 in the monitor buffer and in the recording buffer, plus two NJM4580 in the recording EQ amp). Replaced with NE5532.

2) Many "back to back" double electrolytic caps in the signal path - a rather bad Japanese invention. I had to replace 20 capacitors with good non-polar type.

These two changes were enough to make the deck comparable to, say, my Nakamichi Dragon on playback quality alone or the Sony TC-K666ES I've modified for Les."

So there you have it.

[Scorpion8]

From A.N.T. ...

All I did was to look carefully through the signal pass and see what I could spot and change for better. I've found very quickly that the deck noticeably spoils the sound even in the "source" mode and that gave me a clue. In essence, I've found two major problems:

1) Several rather poorly sounding opamps (namely two M5238 in the monitor buffer and in the recording buffer, plus two NJM4580 in the recording EQ amp). Replaced with NE5532.

2) Many "back to back" double electrolytic caps in the signal path - a rather bad Japanese invention. I had to replace 20 capacitors with good non-polar type.

These two changes were enough to make the deck comparable to, say, my Nakamichi Dragon on playback quality alone or the Sony TC-K666ES I've modified for Les."

Alex, do you have a suggested modification list for the Sony TC-K81?

[A.N.T.]

Alex, do you have a suggested modification list for the Sony TC-K81?

The TC-K81 needs just changing EQ and bias arrangements to be a much better deck. I've done it on mine and was quite happy with the result. Originally that deck has somewhat non-standard PB EQ, which needs correcting, and far too much bias and HF lift on recording side, as a result the HF headroom suffers badly. Just putting EQ right gains about 4-6dB SOL improvement at HF.

Cheers

Alex

[Analogtape]

The TC-K81 needs just changing EQ and bias arrangements to be a much better deck. I've done it on mine and was quite happy with the result. Originally that deck has somewhat non-standard PB EQ, which needs correcting, and far too much bias and HF lift on recording side, as a result the HF headroom suffers badly. Just putting EQ right gains about 4-6dB SOL improvement at HF.

Cheers

Alex


how long does the procedure take

[braxus]

Any modifications take time. With Alex- he had to manually look at the circuit boards and figure out how everything is wired- all without a service manual or diagram. And then figure out how each part is interacting with the others to do the job intended. He's got a lot of hours on my deck for repair. And the final price on the work was extremely inexpensive for what work was done on the deck. His work could have gotten way up there in price, but he was reasonable on the fees related to the repair.

[LesX55]

Hi,
Alex did the EQ mod for my 666Es. And the recording quality for type I/II is very very good.
And on playback the balance is perfect....so i would say its worth doing if you use a lot of Ferric/Chrome.

[LesX55]

Scott,
When you get your deck would you like to do a mix tape swap with me and we both use our A.N.T modded decks

[braxus]

Scott,
When you get your deck would you like to do a mix tape swap with me and we both use our A.N.T modded decks

Sure I'd love to Les! I'll let you know when I get the deck.

[A.N.T.]

Here are some final measurements on the Sony (http://www.ant-audio.co.uk/Tape_Recording/Sony_TC_KA7ES/album/index.html) before it will make its way to Scott. I have to say the the 3 frequencies (400Hz, 3150Hz and 13.5 kHz) manual calibration in the TC-KA7ES works very well and gets the frequency response in the range 100Hz-10kHz inside +/-0.5dB on all tapes I've tried on it, including some fancy ones, like the TDK SA-X. Even with Dolby B/C/S engaged the frequency response does not deviate more than by +/-1dB.

Cheers

Alex

[Alshalan]

Here are some final measurements on the Sony (http://www.ant-audio.co.uk/Tape_Recording/Sony_TC_KA7ES/album/index.html) before it will make its way to Scott. I have to say the the 3 frequencies (400Hz, 3150Hz and 13.5 kHz) manual calibration in the TC-KA7ES works very well and gets the frequency response in the range 100Hz-10kHz inside +/-0.5dB on all tapes I've tried on it, including some fancy ones, like the TDK SA-X. Even with Dolby B/C/S engaged the frequency response does not deviate more than by +/-1dB.

Cheers

Alex

I am so happy for Braxus.

[braxus]

And thankyou Alshalan again for selling me the deck to begin with. Patience has paid off.

[braxus]

Deck has been mailed out. I should be getting it between Monday and next week Wednesday. I'll report when I get it home. That said I am waiting for the step down transformer to arrive, so I won't be using the deck till I get that unit.

[braxus]

Well my power step down transformer has arrived, so as soon as the deck is here- I can use it. I should have the deck early mid next week.

[braxus]

Well the deck arrived here in town and I picked it up at the post office today.

I got the box openned and the deck out and in the stereo rack. All functions seem to be operating as expected. I didn't try recording yet- just playback. Most immediate impression was the smooth sound, but rather flat dynamics. Sort of what MP3s do to music. That said- maybe its the lower volume when using my AKG headphones which could be the cause of this. It could be the headphone amp doesn't have the power to juice up my AKG headphones. I'll have to listen to it on my stereo to get a proper idea of what the deck is doing. And compare that against my Tandberg. That said the thing I noticed the most was the purity in the treble range. Very smooth sounding treble. Not extended highs, but again it could be my headphones needing more power. Again I'll have to play the deck over speakers to know for sure. I also have a second set of headphones I could try as well. I noticed the tapes I made on the Tandberg have an improper left right balance which I wasn't aware of. I'll have to watch that on that deck when making tapes. Sound is better then I remembered my other Sony deck to have had. This one is smooth sounding. No edgy quality at all. I'll post some more comments when I give the deck a listen some more. Im happy with the work Alex has done and just need to listen more to get a real idea of what the deck is doing.

[braxus]

Alex was suggesting the Sony's internal phones amp may not be a good match with my AKGs. I'll test the phones out with my other headphones.

[Ghitulescu]

Never use the headphones to test a player, they usually have a lower quality (of course, relatively to what a separate pre/amp can do). In the end, you'll end using its regular (chinch) outputs more often ...

You can use your phones on the amp if you like, or better use a headphone amplifier, something like this, (generic image) (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d1/Heaphone_amp_pro_front.jpg).

[braxus]

I guess I'm spoiled by some decks I've used. That said AKG are picky headphones. I'll try the deck over speakers.

[BlazeES]

Don't judge the deck by the sound through the headphone jack;
Don't judge it by tapes made on other decks.

Record on it Braxus!

[Elite-ist]

That's exciting news to hear you have your Sony TC-KA7ES deck, Scott. I'm looking forward to a few more mix tape swaps with you once you are ready to record with it.

Nando.

[braxus]

Hi Blaze- I will record on it soon enough. I had to see how it would play tapes made on the Tandberg. Since I can hear what the Tandberg can do with those tapes, it would seem simple to play them on the Sony and see what she can do.

I did this test just now to try it out. I tried it over speakers and that was a fail. My speakers and amp just don't have balls at this time. Only way was through headphones. So I plugged the phones into the preamp. Volume was at 3 oclock on the knob to get decent volume.

Much better this time. The Sony has some balls. Dynamics "almost" as good as the Tandberg, but not 100% there. The difference was the Tandberg had that extra little bit of snap in the treble range, which could possibly just be a head alignment difference. But the highs were there on the Sony, so if the head was out- it wasn't by much. This time the treble was a little harder and crisper on the Sony then what I heard yesterday. Could be the headphones just have more power going to them this time.

One issue did come up on the Sony and that was on a few tapes it seemed to lose contact with the tape and the sound went muffled. Usually happens near the beginning of a tape. I wonder if this could be something that initially was caused from recording on the Tandberg, as it didn't do this with all tapes. My Tandberg could of caused some tape damage in those areas.

[scan80269]

Scott, watch out for the TCM-200D transport in your TC-KA7ES eating tapes! Having worked on 5 TC-KA3ES decks with basically the same transport, I believe there is a potential tape-eater lurking in each of these otherwise excellent transports.

One main culprit is the secondary pinch roller on the left side. It tends to glaze much more readily than the larger pinch roller on the takeup (right) side. On a couple of TC-KA3ES, I could not completely eliminate the tape-eating behavior until I installed a new secondary roller assembly.

Also, the height of the tape guide above the secondary roller is quite critical and needs to be set precisely.

I like to shine a flashlight through a hole in the cassette shell to see how the tape travels over the erase head during playback. When something is not right, I can see the tape skewing relative to the erase head, and this can sometimes be spotted shortly before the deck proceeds to actually eating the tape.

One of my TDK MA-XG tapes was eaten by my first TC-KA3ES before I could do anything about it! *fit*

[A.N.T.]

Scott, watch out for the TCM-200D transport in your TC-KA7ES eating tapes! Having worked on 5 TC-KA3ES decks with basically the same transport, I believe there is a potential tape-eater lurking in each of these otherwise excellent transports.

One main culprit is the secondary pinch roller on the left side. It tends to glaze much more readily than the larger pinch roller on the takeup (right) side. On a couple of TC-KA3ES, I could not completely eliminate the tape-eating behavior until I installed a new secondary roller assembly.

Also, the height of the tape guide above the secondary roller is quite critical and needs to be set precisely.

I like to shine a flashlight through a hole in the cassette shell to see how the tape travels over the erase head during playback. When something is not right, I can see the tape skewing relative to the erase head, and this can sometimes be spotted shortly before the deck proceeds to actually eating the tape.

One of my TDK MA-XG tapes was eaten by my first TC-KA3ES before I could do anything about it! *fit*

I did check the transport on that TC-KA7ES in all usual respects, including the tape travel with a mirror tape, left guide position and the head position (hight and tilt) with the M-300 gauge, tape tension on both supply and take-up reels etc. and couldn't find anything wrong with it. Both rollers looked very good and the belts were in excellent shape. It could be that I've missed something - it is always a chance with old decks but I've tried quite a few different tapes on that one, including C-150 cassette that I use to confirm the transport behaviour and it was working fine. There is always a small chance that a tape can get eaten on a dual-capstan machine if the deck did not remove the slack properly or the tape did not get in to the guide when loaded - it did happened to me on otherwise perfectly working decks couple of times, but what Scott describes is not that, I think.

Cheers

Alex

[scan80269]

Yes, Alex, I agree that the Sony TCM-200D transport can be made to behave properly. It took me a while to realize a bad secondary roller can skew the tape even with correct tape guide height setting. I have a few TDK C-120 and memorex C-110 tapes I use to check for tape eating tendencies. What's interesting is that when things are properly adjusted, even a previously chewed up tape can play through the chewed section repeatedly without trouble!

Can Scott's deck be suffering from an inter-capstan tension issue? Since the Rec/Play heads do have a pressure pad lifter (blue dots), even a slight tension loss can easily compromise tape to head contact. Just earlier today I emailed Fred Marrs to inquire whether or not his "Sony TC-KA" belt kit has a capstan belt with dimensions matching Sony's 3-364-600-01 replacement belt, since you indicated in a different post that this replacement belt may be too short and narrow to work as a proper replacement in TCM-200D transports.

I'm just beginning to learn how fickle these closed-loop dual-capstan transports can be sometimes.

Cheers,
Sam

[braxus]

Tried another tape in the deck. No issue cropped up yet. The tape I played was freshly recorded off the Tandberg and the Sony played it very well. I say the bass is slightly less full on the Sony compared to the Tandberg, plus the treble range doesn't have quite as much bite either. They are very close in sound though. I'd say the Sony has 95% of the sound of the Tandberg.

Next time I'll try recording on the deck.

[braxus]

I did some recording this afternoon on the Sony. This time the highs were there as much as I hear on the Tandberg. Very extended. The Tandberg still has a fuller bottom end in the bass department. Dynamics were about the same as before- not quite as good as the Tandberg- but close.

[khongtiennang]

I did check the transport on that TC-KA7ES in all usual respects, including the tape travel with a mirror tape, left guide position and the head position (hight and tilt) with the M-300 gauge, tape tension on both supply and take-up reels etc. and couldn't find anything wrong with it. Both rollers looked very good and the belts were in excellent shape. It could be that I've missed something - it is always a chance with old decks but I've tried quite a few different tapes on that one, including C-150 cassette that I use to confirm the transport behaviour and it was working fine. There is always a small chance that a tape can get eaten on a dual-capstan machine if the deck did not remove the slack properly or the tape did not get in to the guide when loaded - it did happened to me on otherwise perfectly working decks couple of times, but what Scott describes is not that, I think.

Cheers

Alex



I think if you already consider all elements that can lead to tape eating by new SONY ES with TCM- transport carefully and it some times eates tape nevertheless, then try to replace the spring of this left pinch roller assembly since it can be weakened or strengthened when time goes by.

Sony recommend to relace the whole assembly.

I uses a Sony TC-KA5 ES since 5 years( purchased as a junk/japanese model) and it never eates tape also with bad Maxell Metal tapes(very thin tape and very prone for curling) from japanese market

[braxus]

Well I made up a mix tape on the Sony. It was a used tape, but in decent condition. First thing the deck did at the beginning of the tape was munch the tape a bit for the first 10 seconds. I took the tape out and noticed sideways creases in the tape (like a sideways line crease) every few inches. Rewound it and it did it once after that. Then it stopped doing it. So something about being at the beginning of a tape this deck doesn't like. It seems once it gets into the tape for the first minute, its fine. Problem is I'm hesitant to bother getting someone to service for this, since its a 100 volt deck and I doubt anyone can power one of these. And I don't like the idea of sending my transformer with it. Plus getting someone to work on a Japanese only model. Naturally the 200D transport is common, so at least that is in my favor. Not sure if I should do something about this or not.

[A.N.T.]

Well I made up a mix tape on the Sony. It was a used tape, but in decent condition. First thing the deck did at the beginning of the tape was munch the tape a bit for the first 10 seconds. I took the tape out and noticed sideways creases in the tape (like a sideways line crease) every few inches. Rewound it and it did it once after that. Then it stopped doing it. So something about being at the beginning of a tape this deck doesn't like. It seems once it gets into the tape for the first minute, its fine. Problem is I'm hesitant to bother getting someone to service for this, since its a 100 volt deck and I doubt anyone can power one of these. And I don't like the idea of sending my transformer with it. Plus getting someone to work on a Japanese only model. Naturally the 200D transport is common, so at least that is in my favor. Not sure if I should do something about this or not.

Hi Scott,

My suggestion would be to replace the right pinch roller - it is a relatively easy job on this mechanism - and see if it cures the problem. I can post you a new roller. I am sorry that I've missed that problem here.

Cheers

Alex

[hossomat]

Hi Alex,

why would the right pinch roller be the likely culprit and not the one on the left? I often made the experience with this mechanism that either the alignment of the left roller is off or the brake torque of the supply reel is too little, causing the tape to crease (or both, in some cases).

Some insight from you on this would be appreciated, thanks.

Christian

[A.N.T.]

Hi Alex,

why would the right pinch roller be the likely culprit and not the one on the left? I often made the experience with this mechanism that either the alignment of the left roller is off or the brake torque of the supply reel is too little, causing the tape to crease (or both, in some cases).

Some insight from you on this would be appreciated, thanks.

Christian

Christian, I've measured the supply torque and it was about 8-10 g-cm, which should be OK for that mech, and the position of the left roller was OK too - checked by M-300 gauge. It could be either of two pinch rollers, and I just hope that it is the one on the right side because the problem happens at the beginning of the tape (and also because it is easy to change, unlike the left one) . Sometimes a problem like that can occur even if the rollers are just dirty - I had once a case where a dual capstan deck has started to chew tapes after I've played a very old and horrible tape in it - and a thorough cleaning of heads and rollers cured the problem. The TC-KA7ES has one difference comparing to other decks with the 200D mech - the pad lifter on the head. Perhaps it makes it more sensitive to the rollers condition.

Cheers

Alex

[braxus]

Alex- how complicated is removing the old pinch roller? It all looks like one assembly to me (with the arm). Also as to the heads- I thought the blue dots on the heads was standard to many 3 head Sony decks.

[A.N.T.]

Alex- how complicated is removing the old pinch roller? It all looks like one assembly to me (with the arm). Also as to the heads- I thought the blue dots on the heads was standard to many 3 head Sony decks.

Hi Scott,

The right pinch roller is quite easy, the left is difficult (as you need to replace a complete assembly and re-set the roller and guide hight using the M-300 gauge). The right roller can be removed and replaced even without opening the deck, just from the front - with a bit of skill. For you, however, I would advise to take the mech out (it is quite easy) and then replace the roller. I will email you some pictures I took when I was working on the Sony with a step-by-step guide.

Cheers

Alex

[scan80269]

Having restored 5 TC-KA3ES decks, I would say the 200D transport can be very fickle. Height of the supply roller/tape guide assembly is very critical, and the transport is quite sensitive to the lack of cleanliness of the capstans and rollers, especially at the supply side.

One thing I may have overlooked is the possibility of worn tape guides contributing to the tape eating syndrome. By observing with a mirror cassette, I have seen how the tape tends to be less than perfectly flat (on the guide axis) immediately after passing over the tape guide. Unfortunately I have been unable to locate replacement tape guides for this transport, or replacement takeup roller assemblies for that matter.

Whenever one of my TC-KA3ES ate a tape, I could see the tape skewing significantly against the erase head, by looking through a hole in the cassette shell. The tape typically started shifting against the erase head right after the leader, and if playback was not stopped immediately, the tape would have been badly crunched, having shifted out of the tape guide. The supply roller/guide was always the "crunch" point.

Other than incorrect guide/roller height setting, I firmly believe the condition of the supply roller and the tape guide right above it are among the biggest factors contributing to the 200D transport eating tapes. All 5 of my TC-KA3ES required supply roller assembly replacements before the tape eating behavior became virtually non-existent. YMMV.

[Paolo Cipollone]

Before even admitting a newly restored and aligned deck in the same room with the rest of my setup :) I usually test it with dozens of tapes, including the potentially problematic ones. Many of these have been recorded over the years by premium quality decks, in perfect shape.

I usually listen in mono through headphones at the beginning, middle and end of the tapes, then flip the tape over and repeat the process. If there is abnormal tape skew, an experienced ear will note it for sure. If needed I adjust the azimuth setting for every tape. Note that this is still far from the 'eating tape process'.
I am forced to do this because I would never feed a deck I don't completely trust with my precious collection of tapes.

It is very easy to identify the atrocious distortion the precedes the tape munching, and in many cases you can avoid it without damage.

I have found the hard way that no static jig will give any warranty of smooth tape travel. Minute imperfections in pinch rollers geometry will give less than perfect interface with capstans. This, for example, will be crucial in Tandberg transports and will ordinarily cause tape skew. My golden rule is that you have to test the darn thing in action, extensively, and like Scan, my experience is that often the culprit lies in the left (supply) roller and guide.

Ciao,
Paolo

[A.N.T.]

Having restored 5 TC-KA3ES decks, I would say the 200D transport can be very fickle. Height of the supply roller/tape guide assembly is very critical, and the transport is quite sensitive to the lack of cleanliness of the capstans and rollers, especially at the supply side.

One thing I may have overlooked is the possibility of worn tape guides contributing to the tape eating syndrome. By observing with a mirror cassette, I have seen how the tape tends to be less than perfectly flat (on the guide axis) immediately after passing over the tape guide. Unfortunately I have been unable to locate replacement tape guides for this transport, or replacement takeup roller assemblies for that matter.

Whenever one of my TC-KA3ES ate a tape, I could see the tape skewing significantly against the erase head, by looking through a hole in the cassette shell. The tape typically started shifting against the erase head right after the leader, and if playback was not stopped immediately, the tape would have been badly crunched, having shifted out of the tape guide. The supply roller/guide was always the "crunch" point.

Other than incorrect guide/roller height setting, I firmly believe the condition of the supply roller and the tape guide right above it are among the biggest factors contributing to the 200D transport eating tapes. All 5 of my TC-KA3ES required supply roller assembly replacements before the tape eating behavior became virtually non-existent. YMMV.

Thank you for the information! It is possible that something has changed in the supply roller assembly for the later versions of the 200D transport (thought all the part numbers for these bits are the same) or it was a bad batch of rollers/guides/springs... . I have several decks with the 200D mech and had no problems with the supply side rollers or guides so far... . Both of my TC-K870ES never eaten a tape and I use one of these as a test deck on a regular basis.

Taking this information into account (especially because all your decks were from the "KA" range), it looks like Scott needs a new supply pinch roller assembly. Do you know where to get one (p/n X-3356-621-1 LEVER (PINCH LEVER S) ASSY)?

Cheers

Alex

[braxus]

http://www.partstore.com/Part/Sony/Sony/TCK909ES/Sony/Sony/X33566211/New.aspx

Alex- is this the one on the left or right side? If left- it sounds like I'd have to get someone with the proper equipment to install it?

[A.N.T.]

http://www.partstore.com/Part/Sony/Sony/TCK909ES/Sony/Sony/X33566211/New.aspx

Alex- is this the one on the left or right side? If left- it sounds like I'd have to get someone with the proper equipment to install it?

It is one on the left - apparently it is a known problem on the KA series, as scan80269 points out. You'll need at the very least a mirror cassette to install it, better the M-300 gauge.

Cheers

Alex

[braxus]

It is one on the left - apparently it is a known problem on the KA series, as scan80269 points out. You'll need at the very least a mirror cassette to install it, better the M-300 gauge.

Cheers

Alex

This could be fun. I don't know if any Sony tech here in BC even have these testers anymore to even set the deck properly. Last time they did my deck, they left it for weeks because they didn't want to touch it. Shipping will be expensive as well if I send elsewhere.

[scan80269]

This could be fun. I don't know if any Sony tech here in BC even have these testers anymore to even set the deck properly. Last time they did my deck, they left it for weeks because they didn't want to touch it. Shipping will be expensive as well if I send elsewhere.

Nakdoc and Willy Hermann both sell gauges that should make quick work out of getting the supply side roller/guide assembly set back to the proper height. I recommend DIY with one of these gauges instead of trusting some tech who may or may not have the proper gear like you said.

I have the WHS-300 gauge from Willy, and have used it on a few TC-KA3ES that got new supply roller assemblies with excellent results. With the transport removed from the chassis, and the cassette door swung out of the way, it is easy to see the roller/guide assembly height change against the small piece of the gauge as the screw is turned. The only thing I found somewhat tricky was how to keep the head block fully engaged (as in Play) after power is cut. One way is to power on the deck with the eject button held down (same as for tape path cleaning). After the door opens, and the head block goes up, turn off the power. The transport is then ready for removal from the chassis.

[braxus]

I'd rather not do this myself. I don't trust I could do the job as needed.

That said- do you have spares of this roller? Or could you order one for me? Maybe both rollers to be safe?

[vinylhammer]

Before sending the deck out for repair or replacing parts, I would try adjusting the supply pinch roller. Mark a reference on the supply pinch roller nut and pinch roller holder with a small piece of masking tape to get yourself back to the original starting point. Adjust the nut out a quarter turn and check if the tape is still getting ate. The munching could get worse, no change, or cured. If it is not cured, repeat. If it gets worse go back to original position and screw the nut in a quarter turn and test for munching. Repeat if necessary and hopefully you will find a position where your tape no longer gets eaten. *reelspin*

If you can't find a spot that works, you probably need a new pinch roller assembly or your play head guide is grossly out of alignment. We are going to assume that ANT has the head aligned correctly since he used an alignment gauge on it. From working on one of my decks, I suspect the supply pinch roller guide is not square to the tape path. I could change the angle a few degrees by loosening the screw holding the guide shifting it when re-tightening the screw.

Now, if you were able to adjust the supply pinch roller so the tape no longer was eaten, you still have a couple issues to attend to. Different brands of tape and model years of the same brand may not like the new alignment. Check several other tapes to make sure they don't get eaten. If any do get eaten, you need more adjustment or you have a bad pinch roller. The second issue is, by adjusting the pinch roller, you are adjusting the azimuth of the tape at the play head. If you get this far and your deck is no longer eating tapes, we can help get your azimuth close to the correct position.

[390FE]

My 909ES every once in a while doesn't like to play a tape correctly. It sounds like when the tape skews off the head & the azimuth is off. Though it has not eaten or damaged a tape (knock on the wood sides). Then for a while it plays & records tapes properly with proper azimuth. Comes & goes. Making me think it was a capstan belt being worn.

My left pinch roller is/was very glazed looking in the tape path only. I have cleaned it several times. This last time I went to an extreamly drastic measure (NOTE: I DON'T recomend doing this) to try to remove the glaze on the left roller. I first used acetone on the roller (this has worked good for me in the past for removing dead layers off automotive rubber parts). Then I used Lexol's Vinylex, says it cleans, protects & beautifies rubber (among other things). It did clean off some stuff the acetone didn't remove. Let the Vinylex soak in for a day. Then used acetone to clean off the Vinylex. It did seem to remove some of the glaze but not all of it. And it took a lot of time. After the first tape or so through it seems to be not acting up so far/yet.

Maybe some of that rubber rejuevinator/regrip fluid used for deglasing rubber parts & is sold by some parts service suppliers may work.

Braxus download the free SVC Manual for the 909ES (if you can't find it just PM me) as it gives the part #s & locations of the pinch roller assemblies for the TM-200 transport.

[scan80269]

I'd rather not do this myself. I don't trust I could do the job as needed.

That said- do you have spares of this roller? Or could you order one for me? Maybe both rollers to be safe?

Scott, I just dug up one spare Sony left side roller assembly (including the arm) for the TCM-200D transport. I can send it your way, by itself or with a number of the Fuji ZII tapes that have arrived. The right side roller assembly has not been orderable from anywhere for quite some time.

Replacing the left roller assembly is really quite straightforward, but to set the guide height properly afterwards, you do need to use a M-300 gauge, or one of the equivalents sold by Nakdoc or Willy.

Since A.N.T. has checked your TC-KA7ES and verified left guide height among various inspection points, the condition of the rubber for the current left roller is IMHO the main suspect responsible for the tape eating behavior, so replacing that roller (actually the whole left roller assembly) and setting the guide height properly should be enough to banish the tape eating. None of my 5 TC-KA3ES decks have eaten a tape ever since they received this treatment.

[braxus]

Scott, I just dug up one spare Sony left side roller assembly (including the arm) for the TCM-200D transport. I can send it your way, by itself or with a number of the Fuji ZII tapes that have arrived. The right side roller assembly has not been orderable from anywhere for quite some time.

Hi. I just noticed the replies here the last few days. Actually what I'm thinking of doing (at some point later this year), is to send you the entire deck with power transformer (if you don't have a proper 100V transformer), and see if you can do the repair for me. Its cheaper then to send it back to Alex, and you are only south of me here. It will cost me a couple hundred in shipping bills, plus repair costs, but I'd rather someone competant with Sony's work on this deck. Im not one for doing this kind of work myself. So if you can accept that, hold on to the pinch roller part for me. I've asked Alex to see if he can send the right one to me as well. I'd rather get both done at the same time. Let me know what you think of as far as doing the repair for me. I can always PayPal the funds to you.

As for the Fuji tapes- its going to take me a few months to get some payments to others out of the way. If you want- you can hold on to them till after I send you my deck. Then ship everything back to me in one shot.

[braxus]

PM sent. Check your mail.

[braxus]

Alex- check your mail. Scan8 has agreed to do the work. You can also send him the right side roller that you have.