I pulled the deck out of storage lately - and it still works flawlessly, except for the problems with the head. A replacement head, which I got from Panasonic, never worked as well although I even had the electronics readjusted by a specialist. Maxell tapes had a reputation for strong wear. Unfortunately the heads wore pretty quickly. A friend of mine immediately got the successor model after listening to this machine. The independent Stiftung Warentest confirmed my impression - a very good in frequency response far better than others, even more expensive ones. Compared to all the german models, it was much better for the price - compared to many other Japanese ones too.
Besides the inevitable noise addition the frequency response of the recording was almost flat - the differences to the original were tiny and you really had to listen to hear that difference. Not with TDK or Sony tapes though - BASF not good either. I got one new in 1978 - using Maxell tape this tape deck delivered outstanding sound. Highly recommended, if you're looking for a simple playback deck. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. T-shirts, posters, stickers, home decor, and more, designed and sold by independent artists around the world. Looks and build quality are what I look for, and this deck has them in spades. High quality Maxell-inspired gifts and merchandise. The entire affair is just so classy to me. I fell in love as soon I saw the door opening on this deck. What really stands out is the slanted cassette well, loading mechanism and garage-style door. The black front version of this deck isn't really black, but more of a bronze-specked gray that I feel is really unique and beautiful, especially paired with the subtle dull-gold lettering. Analog VU meters can be gorgeous, and this deck really sports them well. Nothing to really write home about, unless you love certain aesthetics. Even the plastic piano-key controls are of substantial thickness.
The metal faceplate is a thick piece of business, and the deck itself is relatively heavy. single capstan, and fine sound for a forty-five year old device. Made in that brief period when ferro-chrome settings were included, and when Dolby B was the only noise reduction available. A range of t-shirts sold by independent artists featuring a huge variety of original designs in sizes XS-5XL availability depending on style. You get playback, record, tape type selection (no metal!), and Dolby B. I don't know too much about the internals, but if the age and exterior build are anything to judge it by, it's a pretty great, basic cassette deck. Purchased one about half a year ago, refurbished with new belts.