2024 Summer of Sony - TC-K666ES Triple Direct Drive Cassette Deck, Part 1
I've now accumulated so many Sony cassette decks that I decided to give my whole summer over to repairing them. We're going to go through them one by one every other week or so and try to get them all working. Units include but may not be limited to my K55, K65, and K75.
Bookending the season will be today's subject: my TC-K666ES beast of a tape deck, a rare machine that boasts three direct drive motors: a quartz locked capstan motor, and two reel drive motors. There's only one other Sony built like this, and it's a two head deck.
This example came from Japan and supposedly doesn't stay working. Let's get into it and see what's wrong with it.
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I have two 666's, one from back in '87 and one bought two years ago. Both have had issues now with the tape type select switches. They also influence the record EQ, and bad contacts can result in bad recording performance. Someone has already replaced some components here. You can save yourself checking this deck with the torque gauge, as the pick-up reel is direct drive it'll start vibrating as a result of the feedback between the spring of the gauge and the motor control feedback loop. You won't have a meaningful result. The motor drive circuits are best left alone if you won't want to go hunting the right adjustment again. You'll need a good oscilloscope for that. But I'm pretty sure that you will have to replace the inter-capstan belt, they had become quite stretched and loose.
I agree with you on the vintage brochures. When iwas a teenager I used to write to manufacturers for information on their decks and other HiFi. I so wish I kept them all!!!
Nice deck. Direct drive is so much easier. I received a Japan only (totl) direct drive Lo-D D-1100MB in mint condition last week. Great machine. Keep up the good work.
Re: TC-K75. I fixed mine which was dead but needed several other jobs to be done on it. I also had to buy two Sony CX-174-2 (Dolby and integrated OP Amp) ICs which made the overall cost at about £110. Oh, and yes also needed to source a LED Meter display IC, which luckily I had 'in stock'.
Summer of Sony - love it! How about Winter of Wollensak next?
Nice Sony summer
Sony was, and still is a giant. Can't imagine the number of staff employed for research and devlopment to manufacturing!
Nice model , k666, I have one too and I recently score an upgrade to that, Sony TC-k777ES II. I have it recalibrated now it sounds awesome . I sent it to a wonderful guy in pennsylvania and he restored it beatifully. but your right the shipping is way too high from japan , its equal or more expensive than your electronics that you bought. Whan can we do, it is what it is!!!
@Oklawolf
2 ай бұрын
Nice! I hope to get a 777 myself one day.
@professorvoluck9311
Ай бұрын
I’m assuming Hifirulezzz?
@guitarshred863
Ай бұрын
@@professorvoluck9311 “ yes!!! in my opinion he’s awesome guy , I hope we have the same opinion. If you know him , please tell me your experience, if you have dealt with him. Voila!
Amazing Tape Decks!
ver nice, litle help 29:49 sony midle one the front panel can be easly clean by cloth and soapy water, i had the same on my pioneer ct-f850 and now looks like new and shiny. just dont push to much becouse of lettering.
yay! i have a tc-k65 too!!
you should scan the brochures
Hi there , what's the link for the Jspan site ? Thanks
Do you service these decks? I need some expert to service my TC-K909ES. It has poor midtone and high frequencies.
@Oklawolf
Ай бұрын
Sorry, I don't.
I find when it comes to old tech is you should never speak to soon!!!