I own a Helix HX-4633N (identical to the unit in
the image posted by cali9dub back in September 2007--a few days after my birthday, in fact!). My unit was purchased as "new old stock" in late
2000 or the first half of 2001 in Newark, New Jersey (imagine my amazement!) after my presumably slightly bigger Cougar J-8383-K (purchased refurbished and of similar format) abruptly went dead in October 2000. I have already tried to have the tape decks of the Helix fixed after they started playing tapes too slowly per my memory of the recording's actual pace back in 2005. But now tapes play too QUICKLY! I doubt the repairer that I gave the unit to for fixing did a good, lasting job (the repair shop since gone). The Helix unit was sitting unused for many years on the store's shelf and I wonder if simply replacing the tape-deck belts of both tape decks is the answer. However, unlike many of this website's users, I am not about to open up my Helix to inspect the electronic intricacies and belt layouts. I have no "Mr. Fixit" skills ('pon my sorrow) and feel I should leave any boombox-opening effort to a TRUSTED repairer or technician. Does anyone know of a reliable boombox or non-boombox stereo repairer in or near Essex County, New Jersey--one who won't simply tell me to replace this rare unit with a mini-system I can't afford anytime soon (and one which can't tune shortwave)? I suppose I can just purchase a variety of tape-deck belts
from the websites that other Stereo2Go users have posted links to and let the trusted expert
figure out which belts to use. Hope my post here
isn't a prolix bore! Thanks!

Welcome to the board EastHelp. You should find some help here. Too bad I only know of West coast stuff. I'm sure someone here knows. This is, after all, the place to be. Best of luck

hi its randy i read your issue with your lasonic i doubt if you had belt replacement making your tapes play fast either on the board or on the motors there is a trim ajustment to control motor speed

Welcome to stgo EastHelp there was a place on Washington Street south of Market street accross from the parking lot in Downtown Newark.That I used to take my stuff to.Don't know if they are still there though it's been 10 years since.