TASCAM 133 - good for playback of pre-recorded tapes?

[wrxr7]

Hi Everyone.

I just picked up a TASCAM 133 at an estate sale, with the hope of using it simply as a means of playing my collection of pre-recorded cassettes. After much searching, I've read that:

A. This is a good player and pre-recorded media should sound great!

B. Only type II tapes should be used and any others will sound off, due to bias differences.

Can anyone tell me which is correct? Again, I won't be using this for recording, only playback. I already have a new belt and tires on the way (the belt has deteriorated and the unit will not play - hope to have that fixed this week!)

Thanks in advance.

 

[oldvinyldude]

You should be fine with whatever tape type you use. Most pre recorded cassettes prior to the early 90's were on type 1 tape anyway. Just set your tape type switch to "Normal" for any standard tape. Set for Cr02 for chrome tapes, except those marked Crome-120us equalization-these should be played with "Normal" or type 1 setting.

Quality of playback will vary all over the lot, depending on age of cassette, and other factors. Newer tapes generally will have better playback quality.

Dig in retro fan

PS-some decks have sensors that set the playback type (Type1 Type2, etc) automatically, by "reading" the cassette shell. I am not familiar with the specifics of your machine. Check back here, or consult other online resources for this feature.

 

[mrdbdigital]

Bias only applies to recording, not playback.

Dave

 

[oldvinyldude]

Bias only applies to recording, not playback.

Dave

This reminds me that I need to read more and post less:yes:

Thanks Dave

 

[mrdbdigital]

This reminds me that I need to read more and post less:yes:

Thanks Dave

But you were OK to say what you said. The "tape type" switches usually set both the playback equalization and the bias level for different tapes, we just don't need the bias part for playback only use.

Dave

 

[wrxr7]

Thank you both for the responses.

After installing the new belt and idler tires, this deck is working again. It sounds quite nice, but it's running slightly fast when comparing a tape to the CD.

Does anyone know where the speed control pot is located on this deck?

 

[skywavebe]

I believe it is located on the servo control board and if not that the back of the motor. The best way to find out is to get a service manual and look in the speed calibration section. I have not worked on one of these since at Teac in the mid 80's so I don't recall exactly. Try Hi Fi Engine for the SM.