Anybody have experience changing the belts on this machine? It kind of hums or buzzes when I push play, FF or RW. I have bought a belt kit and it contains two belts. One is obviously the capstan belt, so I assume the other is for the take up. I have the cassette mechanism loose from the deck, but no idea how to disassemble from there and it looks kind of daunting. The capstan motor runs and that belt is ok. It seems like the take up motor is stuck, so I assume the belt for it is broken, but can't see it. Any help, pointers and conjecture cheerfully accepted. Steve
Hi Steve, the service manual for this is at https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/denon/dr-m10.shtml. It does have an exploded diagram of the mechanism so that might help. My own approach to this kind of work - I've had a number of complex mechs like the Pioneer CT series in parts! - is to take lots of pictures and make lots of notes and drawings. Apart from the belts, don't ignore the idler tyres (tires if you're on the west side of the pond), dried grease, etc. If the reel motor that operates the take-up and supply reels (e.g. for FF & RW) is anything like the Pioneers then it will have a well balanced intermediate idler carrier that allows the drive to go either way and if this sticks due to old grease then it won't help things. Good luck.
Thanks for the suggestions DutchNick, I wanted to keep a machine with Dolby B and C around since that isn't being licensed anymore, hoping it would be a simple matter of replacing the belt. The second belt is deep in the bowels of the transport mech somewhere I don't see. The manual pretty much treats it as a whole unit and doesn't break it down. So many machines and so little time! I have clear out my shop as I am moving and can no longer have a bench full of parts sitting devoted to chasing it down. Also I have two other reel to reels in similar situation. It will probably go up for sale for "non working, use for parts" for the minimal price of shipping.
