Dull-sounding Pioneer CT-F850 cassette deck

[Sternwheeler]

Hello everyone.

I've got a CT-F850 flea market find. So far, I've re-belted and restored operation of the transport. I've resurrected the dead right channel, and got the speed back on track. When I record, I can't tell the source from the tape. But when I play a cassette made on any other deck, including store-bought albums, the bass is pronounced, but the highs are dull. The azimuth screw is gooped down with a really thick glob of something, and before I risk adjusting something that's better left alone, I thought I'd seek advice.

Thank you,

Tracy.

 

[elnaldo]

If the tapes you record in that machine sound good, and pre-recorded tapes sound bad, first thing I'd think is the azimuth is wrong.

Try adjusting the azimuth with a good pre recorded tape (if you don't have a reference tape).You can always set the azimuth back to it's actual position using the tapes you recorded in this deck.

 

[gizzyman47]

Could also try de-magnetizing the heads?

 

[Sternwheeler]

Thank you elnado and gizzyman47. I forgot to mention that I had demagnetized the heads and capstans.

 

[ChrisMarantz]

Have you tried cleaning the Tape Head? If it has seen lots of use - there can be wear on the head. You need reference Tapes to make any adjustments correctly - Chris

 

[Sternwheeler]

Yep and demagged. Deck is now referenced against another with a known speed of -1/2%. I will probably just adjust heads by ear as I don’t have a tape for that, and they are a bit spendy for a deck that’s only going to get playback action. I have a Dolby C/HX Pro deck if I need to record anything. I just like to look at this thing and thought it would fit in nice with some of my older gear.