Is it possible to access XBS or Dolby NR & features like loop playback etc when you don't have the remote control plugged into models like the SX73 which only had 3 buttons on the unit. I've looked online but can't really find anything, but wondered if there was perhaps a "secret" way to turn on these features as I know the Panasonic RQ SQ range does have some test modes. I thought I had an issue with my broken (now fixed) unit. Changed belts, pressed play and it played, pressed play button again and it beeped, whirred and stopped right when i expected it to play side B. Turned out you need to long press play to play B side/A side and short press is stop. It got me thinking are other features hiding. Or.... does anyone have a source of an affordable SX70+ model remote that might work? Also has anyone with a SX73 noticed if their unit is noisy? Motor/mech seems particularly vocal compared to my SX25 which is nearly silent (but gutless when it comes to torque (maybe need a new clutch paper washer).
I'm quite pleased with how well this unit is performing, I paid £20 with a suspect broken belt, and it was just gunk. Shame a wrecked two of the tape sensor pads when de-soldering, but I managed to work a solution. I blame the new soldering iron, although it was fine in every other joint I removed/remade. I'm no master at hearing wow/flutter but my go to is Billy Joel Greatest Hits... lots of harmonies, whistling etc which soon shows wobbly play back and this sounds rock solid to me. Also got Erasure The Circus which is a pretty long tape. My older big cassette players play it fine, but my SX25 really struggles with the torque required I guess. No issue at all on the SX73 though, it plays very well!
The operating instructions on Walkman.land indicate that there is a Sound button, only on the remote.
Yeah it does seem that's the case, not really many button combos you can make with 3 buttons and I think I've tested them all. Doesn't appear to be many remotes for sale either, other than ones with original boxed examples, which also have melted belts. If you can pick up a nice one like mine for £20 needing belts or a boxed one for £100 also needing belts I know which I'd chose, I don't usually use the remote because functionality is normally available on the device but not the SX73! ♂️ Shame too as this one is one of the best I've tried for acceptable wow/flutter but no XBS or dolby or loop playing because no sound button. Can't even get into the unit test options as it all hinges on the "sound button" being pressed when turning on.
It looks like the same remote as the one I have for the SX72. The brass housings of the capstans look a oxidized unfortunately, and it requires new belts. The unit looks very much like the SX73. It can be considered for sale depending on the offer.
I don't remember what model Walkman it was that used the remote, but there was an alternative way to access the special features without the remote by multiple tapping of the function buttons on the main unit, which would then give you access to the special features by tapping one, two or three times in a row on one button. But I don't remember which model this was. You could try that.
