Sony TC-K690 - Calibration and record/play test
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- Finally took some time to complete the repair of my Sony TC-K690 from 1992. A bit more work than I first anticipated or maybe had hoped for (an experienced tape tech would probably laugh at this though), but I feel quite satisfied. Fixing and checking included:
Replacement of the capstan motor (new one from Hi-Fi RetroParts)
Changed capstan belts and take up (right) pinch roller
Cleaned and lubricated the transport (TCM-200V10)
Adjusted playback level (388 mV RMS @ CXA1331S Dolby IC pin 13 and 18)
Adjusted speed (3000-ish Hz, 0.055% W&F in WFGUI)
Checked azimuth (audioTester 3.0)
Checked frequency response (almost flat 20 Hz - 20 kHz with a Sony UX-Pro, audioTester 3.0)
Good IPA-clean of the tape heads
Playback level, speed and azimuth was verified with the U04103-70C combined test tape (A.N.T. Audio)
Major problems: Aligning the tape path without a good tool (I only have a mirror cassette) like the M300 gauge was, well.. time consuming at best. :)
The three head design makes it possible to switch between the source and the just recorded material onto the tape, in case you wonder why I'm fiddling with the controls.
I just bought a K590, i'm waiting to arrive and if it will sound half this good i will be so pleased!
It will do mate just don't use crappy type 1 tapes and get your tape bias calibration spot on and it will sound excellent.
@@Megalocade sony hf 90 they are a nice type 1 tapes
I have this deck but haven't used it in many many years. I'm in the process of cleaning out the clutter in my apartment...I'm a hoarder...and was about to throw this out. Decided to look it up on the web, saw your video and changed my mind!
Nice model, awesome crisp sound.
I was honored to have this same model I bought in early 2020 (and this video helped me to decide to take it). It record cassettes with an amazing precision! It was amazing! The only sad thing bout it, was a shame that I had to get rid of it because of some financial problems, but despite this, I've enjoyned every second while I had it! Maybe one day in the future I can buy another TC-K690. What a cassette deck! If you that watching this video and have the opportunity to buy one of this, grab it!
Nice deck! I picked one up for myself recently. It sounds amazing!
this is awesome! my dream device! and also amazing song I love the midnight!!
F..ck this is incredible how good sounds!
Good to hear you did it yourself, I just picked up a K677ES which seems to have the same mech as this, the belts are gone Im pretty sure, ordered a set to install, I want to try and get the face plate off to clean around the buttons its very dirty and dusty. Just need to figure how to get it apart.
Somebody told me the sound between the K670 and the K690 is almost unnoticeable. Is this true?
I have a TC-K690 just like this one. It's a fine machine, but the tape transport mechanism has suddenly (after 28 years) started acting badly. I got a service manual on line, but it tells nothing about troubleshooting the transport. There appears to be a cam/gear inside that opens and closes the door and also moves the head stack into position and engage the pinch rollers. That's what is not working. The belt that drives it is intact, but the gears seem to jam and then the belt slips. Any suggestions?
Very sorry to hear this, but on the positive side I think the problem can be resolved by "simply" replacing the mode belt. :) It's not super easy, but if you give it some time it's absolutely doable. Have a look at this thread at Tapeheads: www.tapeheads.net/showthread.php?t=30926
It covers the change on an ES-desk, so not everything will look the same (many of these, including the deck in the guide, use a "direct drive" mechanism). But apart from this, the guide should be totally possible to follow and give you a general overview of the steps needed to complete the change without having to remove (and therefore) re-align the left pinch roller.
But if you're unsure, it's probably best to leave it to an experienced tape technician (if you can find any). :)
At your suggestion, I registered at tapeheads. We will see what develops. There are no experienced tape technicians in this area. Maybe I can become one. Thanks for your help!
@@SerafimSvensson Hi, I fixed the tape deck six months ago, but I forgot to thank you for your help and encouragement. Thank you! It was, indeed, the mode belt, but I took everything apart and re-greased the mechanism where needed and also replaced the capstan motor and the other belts. Old motor had gotten noisy. Gears were okay. Done!
@@ptreth Cool, very nice job! I found it a bit tricky at first, but after a few times you'll get the hang of it and it's a walk in the park. :) And thanks for getting back to me with the result, it really brought a smile to my face knowing that my video inspired you. Best of luck with any future projects (I can really recommend Sonys ES-line of decks). ;)
Very nice sounding Deck. I just got one the same deck, Sony TC-K690. It came with no belts ... Now searching for good source to get quality belts. Where did you get your belts.
Thank you! I got them at hifiretroparts.com .. don't know if there are better or cheaper sources available, but they have been working fine for me.
Good luck with the belt change, it's a nice deck and totally worth a bit of love! :)
I bought my belts from a guy from Slovakia on ebay. Inexpensive and nice quality.
@@SerafimSvensson Hey man I know this is an old video but I thought I'd give it a shot, I have this same tapedeck, but whenever I try to calibrate it the way you do in the video, it's impossible to make the highs and lows the same. highs either aren't even there or if I get them to rec cal, the low goes waay past it.
why and how do i fix it?
@@UrielX1212 Pleased you said that I just got a K677ES from a thrift store for $15 and it needs belts, it FF and RW but not play and just about open and closes the door so that belt is also going. I'm going to do them all if I can and just ordered a set from this guy in Slovakia
Are you using Dolby or not?
I'm only using it for a small period of time towards the end of the video to demonstrate how it affects the sound. If you look closely, you can see the Dolby indicator lighten up in the display for either B or C while I'm fiddling with the controls.
@@SerafimSvensson awesome, thank you!
@@radumitroi5507 No problem, thank you! :)
Folks, to test properly one should use music with real instruments and significant high frequencies.
Yeah, maybe it's not ideal from a frequency response demonstrational viewpoint. But honestly.. recording a recording and placing it on RUclips contained in a 128k AAC is far from ideal to start with. I actually prefer making FR measurements with audioTester, and instead listen to something I really like (and not because of how it sounds). :)
@@SerafimSvensson Frequency response is a big part of testing decks, probably the major factor. To not properly test high frequency capability is a gross oversight. Lack of proper high frequency reproduction is arguably a cassette's or deck's most common failing.
@@inforobob Like I said, frequency response measurements are performed with audioTester 3.0. This is also clearly stated in the description of the video.
@@SerafimSvensson Yep, I am referring to a proper listening test. Too many folks using electronic music.
ये डेंग बिकाऊ हैं क्या मेरे चाहिते कितने इंडियन रुपए में है