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The Sony 7506 headphones are perfect for monitoring. I use the similar V6.

Edit: Your output volume on your computer should be under 5 in my experience. Higher than the noise floor of the computer but not too much higher. end edit.


The troubleshooting involved removing the cassette and playing it back with the phone jack on another deck or player. Short of that, you aren't troubleshooting effectively yet. One thing at a time.


Very unlikely that the heads are misaligned, or enough to cause these troubles. Again, playback in another deck. Don't worry about the heads, that is very unlikely.



I've looked at the controls. Do this, if you're not. Only Dolby B should be on, in that section, make sure that is the case, and the others are not engaged or sticky to disengage. Not Dolby C and not DBX. Keep it simple.


Hopefully the effect of the cymbals overloading can be decreased. Again, what you hear in the headphones on the deck while recording is the best you can do with that unit. The better deck to find some day has 3 heads so you can immediately monitor a playback head in line after the record head. Anyway, this deck isn't that.


A usb device with line out is vastly superior to the output jack on any computer, regardless if it is MP3 or better. Here's the one I'm testing this weekend based on another post on this sub. *also your MP3 source might have been from some source and not at all perfect. I mean, there are volume level controls on the computer besides what is on the input of the cassette deck, so having a Line Out from the computer is the best sound you will get.


I have converted MP3's to CD's to send to a friend and I always convert to WAV files first just because it's easier to control the volume from song to song, for me, to make a better product.


The usb thing: Walmart has these, too.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NMXY2MO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I would imagine there has to be some kind of player that has a DC in port for power. Just looked at this shitty USB cassette player/converter and it has a DC in plug so I'd assume there's others that have that. Not saying you should get this one but this one appears to be powered by USB and Batteries depending on what you want. And there's these generic ones that also plug in DC and USB. It seems like the 2nd ones have better review scores. I feel like one of the old tape players I had also had a DC in port, so be on the lookout too. Good luck to ya!

In case you're like me and intimidated by some of the maintenance/repairs you might have to do on the older thrift store decks being suggested by others I've had some luck with some recent amazon purchases.

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-CFDS70BLK-Cassette-Boombox-Audio/dp/B01DUF3UVC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1494607670&sr=8-4&keywords=sony+boombox+cassette - I love this one because it looks almost exactly like my first Sony boombox I got in '91. There's a pretty extensive review of it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tV7gXNZRQnA

https://www.amazon.com/PTTCSM70BT-Bluetooth-Turntable-Recording-Cassette/dp/B00J5XPLTI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1494608974&sr=8-3&keywords=pyle+turntable+cd+cassette - this is my main stereo right now. the turntable leaves a lot to be desired but the tape decks are nice. only complaint i have is the decks open a bit slow but that's pretty minor.

Stay away from all the side loading single button decks on Amazon. I started having problems with the one I had after a month.

Found The Best All Around Cassette Player/Recorder And Radio.
Works really neat sound is amazing I have been looking for one for a while but couldn't find.
Finally found this one on Amazon sound is even better then my Sony Walkman from the 90's.
Here is the link - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GISWDRU?m=AC5SVDMI3Q8TO&ref_=v_sp_detail_page

I have one. It's not bad at all, although when on batteries and using the auxillary connector in my car, I have to max the volume on the player and almost max the volume on my car stereo. Naturally, this drains the batteries fast. I recently picked up a power adapter for it that plugs into my cigarette lighter, but haven't had a chance to test it yet. This weekend!

It has an option to auto-switch, so that when you reach the end of side A, it will swap and start playing side B. That makes it nice when you're driving or otherwise busy.

So far, I have no real complaints. The sound is good enough for me. I haven't tried the USB part yet, but it uses Audacity, so it should work just fine. They have decent documentation online for getting it up and running. One of the top reviews on Amazon will walk you through the set up as well.

Like a good current gen one? I just use this as my daily carry.

Otherwise, like others said, you'd most likely need to do repairs (soldering, new belts, etc.) immediately after buying an old player, or sometime down the road.

If you want to buy one new, The Jensen SCR-68C is a good option. Not the best player ever made but it's in stereo, and it has a radio too if that matters to you.

You might have some luck trawling the local classified ads and seeing if anyone has a used walkman for sale, they come up on kijiji in my area from time to time.

i'd recommend a sony CFD S70, not going to blow your mind but it's better than a lot of stuff being made these days

Uhh yeah under $100 definitely won't be a problem haha. Will this work for what you need?

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https://www.amazon.com/Reshow-Cassette-Player-Compatible-Computers/dp/B018WBUJBS/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=cassette+player+usb&qid=1557774289&s=gateway&sr=8-4

Yes, you can do this, make sure that you're using the cable type ones like this below:

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-3-5mm-2-Male-Adapter-Stereo/dp/B01D5H8JW0

Eh, it's really on a case-by-case basis. Some, people will bid to high heavens, others won't get a lot of attention and the prices will stay low.

In the case of this one the Joy Division tape alone goes for $45.00 on Amazon and the Sonic Youth tape goes for ~$20.00. Others ones on that listing are $5.00 - $10.00, some aren't even available on Amazon.

i would get a 1/8" male to rca male adapter like you would use to plug your phone into a stereo system. like this http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-Cable-CMR206-Stereo-Adapter/dp/B000068O33

i've used this with success. i originally bought it so i could bypass the on-board sound card when using speakers/headphones because the on-board sound was causing a constant hissing noise.


there is also a slider in audacity where you can adjust its input volume. (there are two, one for output volume and one for input volume). they are at the top right of this UI image. maybe raising the input volume could solve your problem (if it's not already turned up).

https://www.amazon.com/RCA-RP3504-Cassette-Shoebox-Recorder/dp/B004SNL9ZK/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1473654112&sr=8-20&keywords=portable+cassette+player

Used ones of this are going for about 40 bucks. I wouldn't go for the ones you linked, they seem pretty bad. old but used stuff should be better, as long as it still works.

I hear good things about this one: https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Stereo-Cassette-Boombox-CFDS70BLK/dp/B01DUF3UVC

It’s just an mp3 conveyer that plays tapes.

https://www.amazon.com/Reshow-Cassette-Player-Compatible-Computers/dp/B018WBUJBS/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=cassette+player&qid=1564107486&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Some cassette sellers sell coby Walkman style players for under $20. This won't get you crystal clear quality but it will work. Jensen SCR68B Stereo Cassette Player with AM/FM Radio https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016BQECA/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_0eCPub0QR52XB Also check some thrift stores People don't expect these kind of people online but, They sell Walkman-era players for 50¢ to $5

Just got the Broksonic from Amazon really neat.https://www.amazon.com/Broksonic-TSG-45-Cassette-Recorder-Headphones/dp/B01GISWDRU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473796464&sr=8-1&keywords=broksonic+walkman

Neither is mine.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-TCS-30D-Pressman-Cassette-Recording/dp/B00006IS5L

https://www.amazon.com/Byron-Statics-Converter-Automatic-Headphone/dp/B07JWC2624/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=cassette+player&qid=1567027242&s=gateway&sprefix=casse&sr=8-4

The Sony Pressman is a little smaller than the Marantz, check it out.

all you need is a walkman and aux cable

Its a Portable. heres a link: http://www.amazon.com/RCA-RP3504-Cassette-Shoebox-Recorder/dp/B004SNL9ZK/ref=sr_1_17?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1457808441&sr=1-17

They have adapters for that, you know.

https://www.amazon.ca/Ultra-Low-Latency-Interface-Digital-Output/dp/B000KW2YEI

Mono to stereo adapter is the correct terminology. You said it right.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002N1XMPO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_vVOMDbE2GJ3Y6

Now available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/TriLink-Stereo-Adapter-Gold-plated-Headphone/dp/B073WRJ44V/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1524502468&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=1%2F4+to+3.5mm&psc=1

Permatex Lithium Grease

I had a problem like this on an old Portastudio.

I put some white lithium grease on the friction-prone portions of the head assembly. That is, any surface that slid against another surface, barring the head itself.

It took some finagling to get it in all the right spots. Then I had to manually move the assembly back and forth, but it eventually started engaging/disengaging normally.

I don't think any of those had that because..."internal microphones" were and are shit. And those Sony's were serious machines, not toys. I have a WM-D6C that came with a cool vintage small stereo Mic:

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-ECM-DS70P-Electret-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B00006HOLL

https://www.amazon.com/Jensen-SCR-68C-Stereo-Cassette-Player/dp/B0016BQECA/ref=pd_lpo_229_bs_lp_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=80DVHW86EJM9SZGRCFX0

My bad. Just over 10 bucks.
And for all the folks asking about ripping tapes to mp3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IVR2HRC?psc=1
20 bucks.