So I have an old TEAC A3300SX that’s been sitting idle for some time. It’s a stereo 4 track R2R that played the role of my backup band in the 80s before the days of laptops.
Anyway, it still functions but needs some care. Playback/transport is fine, the volume pots need some contact spray but recording is low and distorted which leads me to think that the preamp is blown. Interestingly you can monitor the “source” or the “tape” while recording and when you switch to “source” the sound is fine but when you switch to “tape” that’s where the sound is low and distorted. So the issue is likely somewhere between the input preamp and recording head. I’m need to have a look at the schematic and see, as I need to check if the “source” switch just acts as a bypass passing the signal to the output and not going through a preamp stage at all.
I should say that I would have a “pro” look at this but even in Toronto I am having difficulty finding someone to respond to my inquiries.
Stay tuned.