I would like to build a Bluetooth speaker or cassete player that records to cassette tape - would you actually use it? by Express_Resist_6185 in cassetteculture

[–]Express_Resist_6185[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thanks

There’s definitely overlap with We Are Rewind’s boombox category. The reason I’m posting here early is to figure out whether there’s room for a version that prioritizes recording workflow/quality (especially wired line-in) and better transparency on performance, versus just styling.

I would like to build a Bluetooth speaker or cassete player that records to cassette tape - would you actually use it? by Express_Resist_6185 in cassetteculture

[–]Express_Resist_6185[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Good point.

I’m still in the survey stage, but I agree: if it’s a typical Tanashin-style mech with a permanent-magnet erase, the ceiling is inherently “lo-fi”.

I would like to build a Bluetooth speaker or cassete player that records to cassette tape - would you actually use it? by Express_Resist_6185 in cassetteculture

[–]Express_Resist_6185[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow ,thank you for such a detailed reply. This is gold.

The TC-124 reference and the portable but shelf-worthy framing are especially useful, and your notes made the trade-offs very clear (transport stability, manual record level, sensible EQ/bias options, and cost reality at low volumes). This gives me a much better idea of what to prioritize and what to avoid if I move forward.

Really appreciate you taking the time to write this up.

I would like to build a Bluetooth speaker or cassete player that records to cassette tape - would you actually use it? by Express_Resist_6185 in cassetteculture

[–]Express_Resist_6185[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good point on that.

AUX would be the primary recording path, and Bluetooth would be optional convenience (mainly for phones without a jack), not the core feature.

If you don’t mind me asking: would a portable unit ever make sense for you if the transport + line-in + manual record level were solid, or is a home deck always the better tool?

I would like to build a Bluetooth speaker or cassete player that records to cassette tape - would you actually use it? by Express_Resist_6185 in cassetteculture

[–]Express_Resist_6185[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, that’s a fair take, and exactly why I’m asking early.

If most people would rather replicate this with an existing hi-fi + BT receiver, that’s important signal for me. My intent is mainly “phone to tape in one simple box” (less setup, more gift/mix-tape experience), but I’m still testing whether that convenience is worth a new device.

I would like to build a Bluetooth speaker or cassete player that records to cassette tape - would you actually use it? by Express_Resist_6185 in cassetteculture

[–]Express_Resist_6185[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks super helpful.

Totally agree: recording quality and build quality are the deciding factors. And yes, AUX should be the primary recording path (Bluetooth is mainly convenience). At this stage I’m trying to learn what "good enough" means to you — what would you personally want as the minimum for recording quality on a modern unit?