Sony TC-K700ES Cassette Deck

As you can see in the post below, I have purchased yet ANOTHER Sony ES cassette deck, despite swearing off Sony and only knowing two other people still using tapes.  What can I say, I'm a geek AND a sucker.  I got the TC-K700ES under the impression that it would work, and work it does.  The only thing I have done to it so far is taken the LCD cleaner and canned air to it for a thorough cleaning, and I ran a brand new TDK dry head-cleaner through it a few times.  I also took the hood off and tightened the record timer switch.  The switch is connected to a small board that is held in place by a nut located just behind the faceplate.  The nut had come loose and the switch was floating around.  Unfortunately I scratched the switch plastic while holding it in place and tightening the nut, but it's not very noticeable.

I would only rate the deck a 7.5 for cosmetics, but even so, it is very impressive to look at.  The interior is divided into three discrete compartments, and there are two Elena caps and a power supply nearly as big as those found in my NAD 3125 integrated amp!  I know very little about  cassette deck guts, which is why I have two nice examples awaiting dismantling in the 606ES and RX79ES (just ordered belts- if all goes well the seller will get a plug).  The 700ES mechanism looks very impressive indeed, and as I learn more I will pass it on. I have only played one tape on it, just to ensure all is functioning properly, and from that cursory listen i would have to say it sounded better than my nearly brand new TC-W8AESA dual deck.  It certainly is a beast, and it bears saying again- they don't make them like they used to! Anyone with experience with a high-end deck like this, your comments and advice would be most appreciated.

Now this is more like it

The Sony TC-K700es.  spent yesterday cleaning and fixing the Record Timer switch which had come loose.  More text to follow, as I get a chance to see how it sounds.

Fool's Errand

Well, in the tape mood, I went and bought 2 decks for very little money on Ebay.  One only cost me $12.  Yes, yes- they are Sonys.  A TC-RX79ES and a TC-RX606ES.  Let's not talk about the Sony part.  Why so cheap?  Neither work right.  I have had them open, and their belts are junk and they could use super-cleaning and re-lube.  That might do the trick.  Getting the belts replaced will take more than a bit of dismantling however.  I don't think either of these machines live up to the ES standard the way they should, but they have very nice features such as auto bias calibration, headphone jacks with volume, motorized cassette doors (a note about that- as they are both  advertised as three-motor machines, i believe the third motor is for the door.  In 1996 Sony was already going down the wrong path).  Cleaned up, they are in excellent cosmetic condition.  The 79ES even came with manual and remote- therefore it is the first one I will try to get up and running.  Right now it plays but very, very slowly.  I will also try to locate the dial for motor speed while poking around.  I'll take pictures- its 50/50 that i destroy them both!  Any volunteered advice would be MOST welcome.