Hey all! I just purchased my first WM D6C with no prior service history. But, in almost every way it appears to be in mint condition. I have a few questions and concerns that I figured would need professional opinion so I thought I'd write to this forum. First I'd like to mention that every function including playback, fast forward, rewind, pause, volume, record, auto stop, and basically everything else appear to be in working order. Though, while functioning, I will note that the walkman produces a noticeable machine whir that can be heard in a silent environment from meters away. I haven't had the chance to be around other D6C's so I can't tell if this is abnormal, but it seems loud enough to be present while recording with an external microphone. Second, while listening to music there is an occasional crackle (considerably loud static) that tends to be much louder than the music itself. I've noticed during listening, if I fidget with the record button or bump it slightly, it will cause static that makes the peak meter jump around drastically. It can also be caused by other functions on the device such as when I place mild pressure on the volume slider. This crackle can also sometimes accompany a low rumbling sound that's difficult to explain, but usually will last only a few seconds after fidgeting with the record button. Sometimes even moving the unit around (during playback) or picking it up will cause some crackling, but if I keep it still on a flat surface there's no issues. As I mentioned before, everything else with the device feels fantastic! I can very easily overlook the small things mentioned but I wanted to write to you all anyway in case there was anything major I may be missing. I do plan on giving my D6C a proper service someday, so if there's anybody local in the PNW or anywhere else that's willing to make my Walkman as new, I would be more than grateful Kindest regards, Trey
The loud whirring noise is not normal. The static issue can be fixed with contact cleaner in those parts that are creating the problem. Put contact cleaner in record knob, volume slider and work them from all the from zero to max and back a few times after you put the contact cleaner in them. Do the same with the switches and work them many times and that should fix that issue.
Make sure to never use an AC adapter to power a D6C from the wall socket! That is a sure recipe to fry the CX20084 chip. So many D6C have been tragically ruined from silly well meaning people trying to power it from an AC adapter. Don't use Lithium Energizer AA's either! Just use Eneloop AA to be safe. (PS: I started with a D6C off e-bay as well... months of careful hunting to find a good one from a serious seller... it paid off. That was my first good cassette player of any kind. And, as expected, as everyone said in various forums and from reading... it was indeed awesome. Just astoundingly good. So cassette could be good?! Wow I kinda quit while I was ahead with the portables... and then did the same stalking of e-bay for months... to snag a neat little dream deck of mine. Insane next level audio! Sure enough, just like the tape guru's said it would be!)
I have only ever used Eneloop Pro batteries to power my D6C, but it did come with the original hefty Sony AC 6v adapter so it's very possible the previous owner had used wall power before. I've heard a fried CX20084 chip will cause extremely fast rotation as well as no sound during playback, and I have neither of these issues. The cassettes I've tested sound great and I haven't noticed any issues with the device except for the crackling and machine whir.
Do you have any ideas what the loud machine whir could be caused by? I have to assume this machine has never been worked on due to its condition and lack of history. It is a very early model (SN: 19531). If I do normal maintenance such as rubber rejuvenation and belt replacements, do you believe the whir could be fixed? Thanks a ton for the prompt reply!
@Deb64 is one of the really good techs on this forum, hopefully she will see your question and reply.
The whirring noise is likely coming from a worn capstan ring, it's quite common on D6/D6Cs to be loud in operation for this reason. It's why I recommend replacing the whole rubber set, clean and re-lubricate (capstan bearing, motor, rotating parts). https://fixyouraudio.com/product/sony-wm-d6c-cassette-player-walkman-complete-rubber-set/ As part of the service it's also recommended to depot or replace the 3 potted modules, especially since it's a low serial. New made ones are available from Deb64: https://www.ebay.com/itm/263851487685 https://www.ebay.com/itm/263537248339 As for the crackling, clean the REC/PB switch with contact cleaner (Deoxit/Kontakt 60). If you really want to use external AC adapter, there are 2 options: 1. The original SONY adaptor could be used if modified to have an internal voltage regulator so it outputs 5-5.5V. For this you will need a low dropout regulator, since a classic LM7805 will require at least 2V of drop (which you don't have here). 2. Or add a 4V regulator to power the servo circuit, this way even if voltage at the DC in jack will get higher than 6V the CX20084 will be protected.
Hello Trey, Just what hyperscope said "Make sure to never use an AC adapter to power a D6C from the wall socket! That is a sure recipe to fry the CX20084 chip" I have had to replace that chip in customer's sets since I was Sony Dealer and warranty repairshop . that how I became a owner of that walkman because chip got fried . Sincerely Richard
