Zardoz Posted March 14, 2024 Posted March 14, 2024 Hi all, I recently procured a Teac A-3340 four track reel to reel deck. It's not my first deck (I once had a Sony TC-377 many moons ago) but my first that prosumer deck with 15ips etc. The issue is that the audio quality is quite poor on playback (even at 15ips), even after cleaning the heads with isopropyl alchohol, the left channel/channel 1 seems to not work in playback. Using AGFA PEM369 as I suspect the Ampex 456 and 478 I have kicking around is no good. Transport seems ok. Machine was in storage in a garage for over a decade, so things are probably not as good as they should be. What should I be looking at in terms of repair? Is there anyone well versed in these machines these days who can fix it that won't cost me an arm and a leg? Or should I flip it and keep my eyes peeled for a slightly more modern 15ips machine?
Dean Gale Posted March 15, 2024 Posted March 15, 2024 Is it lack of high frequency as well ? They are really getting up there in age could be a cap if they output coupled . Could be a simple as the heads need demagnetising.
ENIGMA Posted March 15, 2024 Posted March 15, 2024 (edited) When they get this old and sit around for a bit they will need a service and serious consideration for a recap plus don't run it until it has been re-oiled in case the motor bearings are dry. That may solve the audio issue pending any deteriorated components and it could even be just dirty connections/switches. They are a good machine and built well with really good motors,. Being point to point wiring on the boards - they take a bit of work to service them as wires go everywhere too and from each board. I recapped a 2T 3300SX which is similar and the exercise is definitely worth the effort on these series Teac's. And, be a bit weary with playing old tapes, especially if they are gunking up the heads or make noise across the heads. The choice to flip is a decision you have to make pending what other machine you like and why. There is allot of work in any RtR machine recap or service regardless of what brand. More modern doesn't necessarily mean better - a good known brand/model machine, its condition as well as if its fully working and/or serviced is the key if you want to get plug and play. Edited March 15, 2024 by ENIGMA
stereo coffee Posted March 16, 2024 Posted March 16, 2024 On 14/03/2024 at 2:02 PM, Zardoz said: Hi all, I recently procured a Teac A-3340 four track reel to reel deck. It's not my first deck (I once had a Sony TC-377 many moons ago) but my first that prosumer deck with 15ips etc. The issue is that the audio quality is quite poor on playback (even at 15ips), even after cleaning the heads with isopropyl alchohol, the left channel/channel 1 seems to not work in playback. Using AGFA PEM369 as I suspect the Ampex 456 and 478 I have kicking around is no good. Transport seems ok. Machine was in storage in a garage for over a decade, so things are probably not as good as they should be. What should I be looking at in terms of repair? Is there anyone well versed in these machines these days who can fix it that won't cost me an arm and a leg? Or should I flip it and keep my eyes peeled for a slightly more modern 15ips machine? Expand With power off and the front panel internal parts accessible , use contact cleaner on the nine potentiometers and four - 3way switches below the meters, including further switches up the right hand side panel, and see if that improves audio playback.
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