kennnethr16
Active Member
suggestions needed... thanks
trying to get a few good ideas which brand and model to go with
thanks
trying to get a few good ideas which brand and model to go with
thanks
best sounding 8 track player
- Thread starter kennnethr16
- Start date
Vintage TX
Analog forever
A small good sounding one is Panasonic RS-80.
Had this for 13 years with one belt replaced, still kicking
Video:
http://youtu.be/ZVJgNjvL3XM
Had this for 13 years with one belt replaced, still kicking
Video:
http://youtu.be/ZVJgNjvL3XM
Awesomeaudio
Super Member
A small good sounding one is Panasonic RS-80.
Had this for 13 years with one belt replaced, still kicking
Video:
http://youtu.be/ZVJgNjvL3XM
Sorry, but the video doesn't play. Getting an error.
dr*audio
Fish fingers and custard!
Without trying to sound too negative, what is the fascination with 8 track players? This is a format that can never sound all that good, due to the lubrication on the back of the tape, which makes it so the tape will slip somewhat on the capstan and pinchroller and the lube gets on the heads, preventing good tape to head contact. Also as the tape is wound back into it's pack, it is continually slipping against itself, continually self destructing. They run at 3.75 IPS so you never get good recording quality. The head is moveable so the alignment is never precise. So why would you want to use them?
Nostalgia. I did not own one then- I was the cassette guy in my group of friends. But there is something for me about the clunking, the hiss, the other shortcomings. I also listen to unrestored "Golden Age Of Radio" programs for the same reason- the quality fits the era and the equipment that I recall.
Yours in fidelity (or not),
Tyler
Yours in fidelity (or not),
Tyler
8 track is still cool.
Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=7tABHTbsvRU#t=23s
1tumbleweed
Kozmik Kowboy
Several better-than-average 8 track units:
Akai CR-80D, CR-81D. Not so much the GXR-82D or 83D.
Almost any Wollensak except the very first one (the 8050). My article on these is here:
http://www.8trackheaven.com/archive/whatwoll.html
(Note that the email shown is no longer correct)
Most Pioneers, i.e. the HR-99, HR-100
The Superscope TD28, TD48, TDR820 and TDR830 (which, despite some people's insistence, are NOT Marantz)
Sony TC-228, an excellent unit, unlike their first effort, the TC8
As a rule, recorders sound better than playback-only decks, even if you don't intend to record with them.
There are lots of other decent units (as 8 tracks go) and I'd be happy to comment on a specific unit you come across.
BTW, my experience has been that the stand-alone Panasonic decks are not very good compared to others.
Akai CR-80D, CR-81D. Not so much the GXR-82D or 83D.
Almost any Wollensak except the very first one (the 8050). My article on these is here:
http://www.8trackheaven.com/archive/whatwoll.html
(Note that the email shown is no longer correct)
Most Pioneers, i.e. the HR-99, HR-100
The Superscope TD28, TD48, TDR820 and TDR830 (which, despite some people's insistence, are NOT Marantz)
Sony TC-228, an excellent unit, unlike their first effort, the TC8
As a rule, recorders sound better than playback-only decks, even if you don't intend to record with them.
There are lots of other decent units (as 8 tracks go) and I'd be happy to comment on a specific unit you come across.
BTW, my experience has been that the stand-alone Panasonic decks are not very good compared to others.
1tumbleweed
Kozmik Kowboy
While I respect your right to an opinion, I'm guessing you've never considered the impact of the 8 track. Originally designed as a car-only format, it quickly found its way into home use. At a time when the choices for music in the car consisted of AM radio (FM not yet being universally available), the tape cartridge meant freedom of choice for young listeners. Yes, there were the rather silly car record players, and even the 4 track cartridge, but the 8 track was the medium that gave kids a choice of music. (Cassettes weren't popular in cars for at least another five years after 8 tracks).
Your comments on lube getting on the heads are irrelevant; so does oxide! As far as "continually self-destructing", I have many well-played 8 tracks that still play as fine as when new, 40+ years down the road. No, it's not a perfect format - but it wasn't intended to be.
Why would I want to use them? Because they're fun! Just today I've been listening to a visually beat-up copy of J.Geils "Love Stinks" and I'm amazed at how good it sounds. I've got plenty of crappy-sounding tapes, but this one is exceptional. To paraphrase Mark Twain, the reports of the 8 track's inferiority are greatly exaggerated...
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tom3
Super Member
Look for a quadraphonic player. They are designed to handle the much longer and heavier two program tapes. Bigger motor and heavier flywheel usually. Play quad and normal stereo tapes. Dirt cheap since there's not a lot of demand these days. Learn how to take the carts apart and repair/lube them and you'll have lots of good music for little money. Quad tapes are a pretty unique experience too.
Wally Swift
Super Member
I had an 8-Track player in my van in the mid 90's. When people would ask what it was I'd tell'm "an anti-theft music system".
While it's true that some tapes can sound decent it's really just a nostalgia thing for me. My Panasonic isn't working, I'll probably buy another unit one of these days. Not a priority though.
While it's true that some tapes can sound decent it's really just a nostalgia thing for me. My Panasonic isn't working, I'll probably buy another unit one of these days. Not a priority though.
Dwartz
Iron Oxide Addict
Larry, have you ever seen any of the last Wollensaks (the CTR models)?
I need an 8050 and an 8080 to complete my collection. And I suppose an 8055 with black meters and an 8060 with white ones to be really complete.
My favorites have always been the HR-99 and HR-100 Pioneers. Radio Shack (Realistic) also made some very nice machines, which I think are really underrated. Especially the TR-802 and TR-803 Dolby models.
I need an 8050 and an 8080 to complete my collection. And I suppose an 8055 with black meters and an 8060 with white ones to be really complete.
My favorites have always been the HR-99 and HR-100 Pioneers. Radio Shack (Realistic) also made some very nice machines, which I think are really underrated. Especially the TR-802 and TR-803 Dolby models.
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Awesomeaudio
Super Member
For some reason Mozilla wont allow me to play you tube vids even though my flash player is up to date.
Ended up using internet explorer and Hey Presto !
