Teac, Sansui, or HK tapedeck. Save?

[beginnersluk]

I have this tape deck I wound up with at no charge, its kind of Wonky before I really start messing with it I am wondering if it is worth hanging onto? I have a reasonable collection of cassettes and would be nice to play them again, not sure if I should try to save this one or save one of my others, all three have issues. Teac a-420 is the one in question. I also have a Sansui D-59M, and a Harmon Kardon CD291.

Are any of these worth repair attempts or should I try to go find a working tapedeck

 

[beginnersluk]

All three have the same issue by the way, motor spins, but they refuse to play any music

 

[kermit z]

Most likely you will need belts on them all.

 

[beginnersluk]

Which one would be the most worthwhile though to salvage? Personally I like the way the Teac looks the best but thats superficial, curious which will give me better sound.

 

[dr*audio]

The HK is a much more modern deck. It's more reliable and will sound better. Those old mechanical transport Teacs are crap.

 

[1tumbleweed]

The TEAC a420 is a nice deck, but nothing special by TEAC standards. My pick would be the Harman, which is very nice. That leaves the Sansui, which it pains me to leave at the bottom of the pile.

I'd say put your efforts into the Harman; if you can get it working (probably needs belts) you 'll have a very good upper-mid range piece.

 

[beginnersluk]

Sounds like a plan, I am going to get rolling on the HK here soon.