Does the WM-EX7 a decent Walkman? I heard some good stories? Is this the one with with a good headphone Amp out? I know the clutch gear, etc. can crack. I do have a like new remote for a EX1. (Purchased by accident a year ago) Someone had a list of what was a good EX1, EX2, EX5, etc list with good headphone amp output, but couldn't locate it again. EX7 seems like a fair price. I don't feel like working on one. Thanks for some input. "If you have a WM-EX1 or EX7 to sell, message me. I'm tired of playing around on E-bay lately." Thanks again Members!
I don't have none of the units you mention in the post, let alone for sale. However, I want to point out that the EX1 and EX7 came with different remotes, although both with LCD though and micro-plug: EX1 - standard rectangle, I think it is the RM-WM78E, EX7 - round, RM-WME7. Check the resistor ladders in the service manuals to ensure that the main controls work. Or even better, a forum member which has both units with remote, to confirm that they are interchangeable.
Yes, I know remotes different bewtween them. I have theRM-WM78E for use with a EX1. I found my articles. It's the WM-EX2 that really improved!! I just scored a very nice all serviced with Remote and Sony Pouch Bag!! And it's the "Green" my favorite color!! I just wanted to check this style out! They say they rewind and fast foward very Fast!! This one is supposed to have a good Amp out! I paid less than $200. All serviced properly!! Thanks for the reply Emiel.
The obvious limitation I see is the limited button control without the original remote. Unfortunately, I don't know about the sound quality of this model. Judging by the specs, the frequency range of 30-18000 Hz should have good sound if the playback head is not worn out. I think the tape mechanism plays a more important role in the sound quality of this Walkman in terms of wow and flutter effects than anything else.
Let us know how it goes. This model shares many components with many previous and last JDM Walkman models.
I have the EX7 and in my opinion it's a good walkman as far as sound quality goes: output power is enough, low noise, good bass and treble response. W&F can be very good on this walkman assuming there's no wear on the flywheel gear and the clutch gear is good/new. The motor it uses is bigger than other EX models and less prone to wear, but it's still recomended to lubricate it. Main limitation in my opinion is the lack of a volume potentiometer on the unit. So without using the remote, there are only 3 volume levels: MIN, NORM and MAX. For most less sensitive headphones (< 100dB/mW), the NORM position is good enough but one can want a bit louder. On same headphones MAX is too loud. For sensitive headphones/IEMs (>105dB/mW), MIN position is kind of ok (but again one can want louder), while NORM is too loud. So issue is none of the 3 presets is ideal, I almost always would like something in between, which I can only get by using the remote (which is inconvenient). The service manual does not specify output power, but looking at the BA3632K datasheet, the typical rating is 9mW into 16Ω at 10% THD. By the looks of it, the feedback resistors are internal so the gain is fixed. Comparing it to the EX5 (which is rated 2 x 5mW), the EX7 has more power with same headphones. I would only get this one if it comes with the remote because of the lack of volume pot. The rest of important functions (PLAY, FF, REW, Dolby) can be operated directly on the unit.
MIN level is also labeled AVLS, so the MIN setting does correspond to AVLS. Can be seen in this picture: https://www.stereo2go.com/forums/media/sony-wm-ex7.1803/
Yes, I try to avoid the walkmans that need the remote for these main functions and usually stay with 1990 and older. I prefer the basics. Now the EX808 I restored has good W&F and you can do everything off the walkman body. It's been reliable for everyday use. But I find the EX70 and EX60 does have nice sound. But you really have to clean, clean and then the capstans just could be hold up, so you really have to start with a corrosion free to end up with good results. Easy to work on, but very delicate on how you lubricate that one, I know, spent weeks and months, but I was no expert either in the Analog tape repair either. I had to finally speak up about my issues and keep pushing forward. All worth it in the end results. I really appreciate the generous help and kindess with this good group of Members. -Duane
This is what I have. It would be nice to see some basic cleaning and lubrication for this model explained. So far I have replaced the drive belt and both pinch rollers but the W&F remains at 0.45-0.5% which sucks. And I don’t see any corrosion spots anywhere, but I haven’t removed the capstans yet.
Yes, You really need to remove the Capstans. Clean them very well with Alcohol and the bushings they press in. And lightly oil. Don't loose the washers. And clean and inspect the white gear on the one capstan, its glued on. Basically, I was using watch oil on the posts.(But I stopped this method) I use just a touch of "MOLYKOTE" Em 30 L. On the posts and all gears. Just one spot, it will spread after using it. That was my success. Then you can Lubricate the motor as Valentin just updated the tutorial on it for the EX70 & EX60! You really need to remove all gears and clean the posts and gears then very lightly grease. That solved all my issues.
That W&F is about correct Johny on these. I don't hear no problems at all. That's why I don't tie up all my time looking at figures unless I'm really troubleshooting a issue I can hear or the W&F and Speed is showing me something isn't correct, and especially between Side-A & Side-B playback. I solved most problems as described above. I have found the Capstan bearings need deep clean, very lightly lube watch oil. And the metal pins through the pinch Rollers . Then the Motor. But your figures are around what I have and sounds good. If your Speed is holding good between side-A & B. You're in pretty good shape. That's my Experience in this trial and error and learning process. My specialty for just over 20 years is in LD Players and my mentor taught me well. Then I learned High-end DVD Players(most were 35lbs to 42lbs) Still have boxes of players just for spindle Motors and Lasers. This is where I really learned my Analog Tektronix Oscilloscope. My father was a Electrician Fir GM for 42 Years, So I was unsoldering my Hand Held 79-83 Electronic games speakers wires!(Made Friends Fast) so I could play in class! Lol Just a brief life story how I learned and background.
Thank you! This is a really deep cleaning points. I'm talking about the capstan bearings (brass bushings?) and the pinch roller axles. I was afraid to put watch oil in there for fear that it would leak out and contaminate the cassette tape or rubber parts around. But I get what you mean and I remember seeing this on YouTube repairs. I will have to overcome my fear and do it carefully anyway, wanting the best.
Sounds like a very fun life! I am an electronics engineer with a specialty in Radio Electronics. So all kinds of laboratory equipment (oscilloscopes, generators, spectrum analyzers, power supplies, curve tracers, shunts-attenuators-cables) have been around me since childhood and until now.
I'm a big fan of some bands of the past whose music had a long monotonous sound. Ace of Base - Happy Nation is one of them Now that I have a "perfect" digital copy of them, I can hear all those WooooWs on tape on this player.
Yes, Like pictured. You can get it on Ebay,Amazon. The tube I have, I purchased from Germany on Ebay. because it's easier applied Application tip. I use a exactro Blade tip to apply. I learned this method from a guy on YouTube doing a complete vvarious Sony walkmans. So, now you know my secrets! "Valentin has Excellent guides" but you still need to find a technique with certain models. I've consistently worked with EX60/EX70/FX70(FM Radio ver.) Very nice! So I concentrate on what sounds nice and looks nice to me + quality build. Well, off to bed! It really does take 3-5 hours + to get one in shape and test and clean...... Also, I'm kind of clutz when it comes to trying to setup a Walkman with a oscilloscope and function generator, etc. Because you have all this trouble hooking things up on a small board with out breaking the flex cable to motor, etc. That's a technique in itself with these walkmans. At least IC don't seem to go bad often, just the playback head I experienced in the last one.
The Sony WM-EX2 Arrived Monday, I spent 40 minutes with it. It has a very "Aggressive(Strong) motor!" I think those are the correct words, I will use. Fastest FF and Rewind I have encountered in a walkman. The W&F are very low on this one. %RMS 0.18-0.22. My EX70, EX60 collection is usually around 0.38 - 0.48 %RMS. The Sound is very clean, crisp, maybe a more modern , lively sound reproduction compared to my older Sony's from 1990 and mid 80's. It even ejects the tape Aggressively. It's all plastic, but doesn't feel cheap or look cheaply. It's definitely a different walkman in different times. Easy and quick to use, just a different arrangement, i wish they placed the Headphone Jack on top and not off to the side.
