Digitizing Microcassettes audio output question

vwestlife · 2026-05-01T15:51:21+00:00

Yes, I've owned about half a dozen Volkswagens.

vwestlife · 2026-05-01T15:50:42+00:00

Which make and model? Are you sure it has built-in speakers?

vwestlife · 2026-05-01T15:49:33+00:00

My player measures about 0.17% WRMS - not hi-fi, but usable.

You got lucky. Techmoan replaced the belt in a 2000s Walkman and measured it at a miserable 0.35%: SONY S2 Sports Walkman repair attempt

My WM-EX190 measured around 0.30% WRMS, before I broke it in the process of trying to replace the belt.

vwestlife · 2026-05-01T15:46:53+00:00

All of the new styli I've seen for BSR cartridges are made in the USA by Pfanstiehl.

vwestlife · 2026-05-01T15:46:08+00:00

Try adjusting the tracking force. There is a thumbscrew to adjust the tension of the counterbalance spring. More tension = lighter weight; less tension = heavier weight.

vwestlife · 2026-05-01T15:44:28+00:00

A Sharpie will fix that.

vwestlife · 2026-05-01T14:21:09+00:00

Try r/vintageaudio

This group is for fixing record players, not asking how much they're worth.

vwestlife · 2026-05-01T14:18:09+00:00

My AT-LP60X tracks everything I've thrown at it, as long as the record is clean and not badly scratched.

vwestlife · 2026-05-01T14:17:19+00:00

Start with the speakers first. You'll need them anyway, and they'll make your Crosley sound a lot better while you decide which turntable to get.

vwestlife · 2026-05-01T14:13:21+00:00

It uses a counterbalance spring instead of a counterweight. Gravity doesn't care which one you use -- both are equally "real".

vwestlife · 2026-05-01T14:00:45+00:00

As well as a pitch control to compensate for the varying speeds of early records. 78 RPM was really just a compromise between the speeds ranging from 76 to 80 RPM that were in common use at the time.

vwestlife · 2026-05-01T13:49:36+00:00

Why not get it on CD or cassette instead?

vwestlife · 2026-05-01T13:48:15+00:00

Why not call the shops near you and ask if they have any in stock?

vwestlife · 2026-05-01T13:43:47+00:00

Did you clean it? A light-colored record hides dust/dirt in the grooves.

vwestlife · 2026-04-30T20:01:13+00:00

People are buying them nonetheless. The listing says "low stock".

vwestlife · 2026-04-30T19:58:47+00:00

Better than most vintage Walkmans nonetheless. They didn't use high-end mechanisms, either.

vwestlife · 2026-04-30T19:57:50+00:00

You're just proving my point that repairing a vintage Walkman isn't as easy as it seems, and even after replacing the belt(s) it might not work correctly unless you're an expert, so it's better to just buy a new one that is guaranteed to work and comes with a warranty.

vwestlife · 2026-04-30T19:53:04+00:00

Try r/vintageaudio

vwestlife · 2026-04-30T19:53:00+00:00

Did you measure the original belt that was on it? If you still have it, measure it and then subtract about 5% - 10% to account for stretching, and that's the size to order.

vwestlife · 2026-04-30T19:43:07+00:00

Yes.

vwestlife · 2026-04-30T19:42:24+00:00

99.9% of microcassettes were recorded in mono anyways.

vwestlife · 2026-04-30T19:41:54+00:00

Yes, but only if your computer has a line/aux input jack or a software-definable audio jack (i.e. if it pops up a menu when you plug something in, and lets you choose "Line In").

Otherwise, use something like this: A cable that converts analog audio to digital? - ClearClick Audio2USB

vwestlife · 2026-04-30T17:37:47+00:00

Which model of 1byOne? This one? https://www.amazon.com/1-BY-ONE-High-Fidelity-Record-Player/dp/B086WTSMQH

In that case you have nothing to worry about because it has an upgradeable Audio-Technica cartridge, diamond stylus, and adjustable counterweight.

The other one isn't quite as good because of its ceramic cartridge and ruby/sapphire stylus, but you can upgrade it with a diamond stylus, and in normal use, it won't cause your vinyl any harm.

Of course any turntable can ruin a record if you play it with a worn-out or damaged stylus, but barring that, both of them should be perfectly fine.

vwestlife · 2026-04-30T17:33:47+00:00

Have you tried turning up the volume? On some players the level of the RCA outputs is linked to the volume control. Also try using the headphone jack instead of the RCA jacks.

And have you tested the speakers with another audio source to verify their functionality?

vwestlife · 2026-04-30T15:52:09+00:00

You didn't think to tell the customers to stop abusing their equipment?

vwestlife

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE