Teac A-2300sx

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PsyCoNo

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I recently just aquired a TEAC A-2300SX. What information on this deck can anyone give me? There isnt a whole lot out there.
 
If it's the A-2300SX-2T, it's a GREAT mastering deck! I bought one new, many years back, and it's a real workhorse! Master your next project at 15ips and discover why analog is still so popular with drummers and bassists! ;-)
 
What does the "2T" stand for? I am not getting very good results from it either. . .everything sounds very muffled. The tape I am using IS old. . .that might be some of it. Forgive me, I am new to analog, haha.
 
The "2T" means that it's the 2 track mastering version; the tape records a stereo signal on two wide tracks in one direction only; a standard "hifi" recorder will record two narrow stereo tracks in one direction, and two narrow stereo tracks in the opposite direction (four tracks total, but not going in the same direction).

If the output sounds muffled, buy a reel of new tape; calibrate the deck for the new tape, and try it again. But do this after you've looked at and cleanded the heads, guides and rollers. If you're not comfortable with doing the calibration yourself, take it in... there's still lots of guys who can do this for you.

Hopefully the heads are in good condition... if they're worn badly, you'll hear it.
 
Thanks for the info! I will certainly have that done, and hopefully it is the mastering version.
 
That is to filter out the FM pilot tone. It messes up the dolby encode decoding... Fats
 
Does anyone know how to tell if the heads are still in good condition? It seems that mine have a little wear. . .there is alittle brownish stuff on it. Im guessing this is wear from the tapes being run through, but i have no idea.
 
The brownish stuff shouldn't be there, rub it off with pure cleaning alcohol. Either the deck has been used a lot without cleaning, or the tape you are using is from the end of the 70's beginning of 80's, and is shedding heavily. In that case: Throw the tape away (unless there is stuff you really need, in which case you need to get the tape to a place that bakes and copies it).

New heads look like this:

Code: 
 ___ _____ ___
|   U     U   |

The "U's" are small slots just at the end of the tape. A seriously worn head has the middle worn down so there are no slots left.

Code: 
 ___       ___
|   I_____I   |

Anywhere inbetween is pretty much OK.
 
thanks for the tip ragebro, I just cleaned them up and they look ALOT better. Im not sure exactly what you mean by slots, mine look pretty smooth to me. . .maybe its REALLY worn?!?
 
No, I'm not sure all have slots... If the head is completely smooth, it's definitely not worn, a worn head had a groove where the tape goes. That's what tape wear is. :)
 
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