Hi all, new here - have been lurking with interest as I'm looking to buy a Sony Walkman to revive my recently discovered tape collection.

I have read many topics and tried to get a rough shortlist of models together to search for that are recommended and have the classic asthetics that I love about Sony products.

For me the look of the DDII in particular is what I always remember from back in the 80's when I wanted one but could not of course afford it!

Anyway, I'm looking at the following:

WM2

WMDC2

EX658

DDII

DDIII

DD33

701C

EX615

Which of these models use the infamous (cracked) centre wheel?

Do all the rest use belts etc?

Bearing in mind the above which of these is more likely to be problem free (to a degree) or easy to fix by someone here in the UK to make it a reliable everday usable product?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

The 701C will be free of the cracked wheel problem mainly because it doesn't use the DD system with the centre wheel. It uses a drive belt.

However the 701C isn't the loudest walkman about and depending on your choice of headphones may need extra amplification.

In my opinion go for a more modern logic controlled Sony machine like a Sony EX-1 series,EX672 series, etc...   Easy to change belts, few/no board problems. And new enough to cause less trouble.

That EX658, EX615 fall under this category. 701C falls under this too, but is an olderand better machine. These EX 6XX machines have rather low powered amps.

Hi Mick,

Welcome to the forum.

Well, it depends on what you are looking for: sound quality, design, features, equalization, compact&lightness.

From my point of view, your look for:

- sound quality, go for (in this order) a SONY DC6, DD9, DC2 or a DD walkman (DDII, DD30, DD33)

- equalization -> AIWA PX303, PX101, PX505, DD30

- Features -> AIWA JX707, JX505

- Design -> this a very subjective matter...

For both sound quality & equalization, I think that the SONY DD9, DD30 and AIWAs PX101, 303 and 505 are some of the best. The AIWA PX410 is very good too.

For reliability, Aiwas are anything but problem free unless restored (and not easy to do so).

D6Cs are a good choice, new serial numbers tend to be more reliable.

I am going to echo bub's response and say...

Definitely would not be recommending AIWA for the uninitiated.

For someone who has a bit of experience repairing and restoring them or access to a good technician, then there are many models that I'd suggest. But we'd be going off topic as the OP specified he wanted only Sony models.

Aside from the list, for the sheer hell of it, I'd also recommend the WM-D6C too. There are plenty about and crop up frequently on eBay. Regularly seen either boxed or unboxed with most original accessories, and many are in tip top hardly used condition. Sound quality in playback and recording is top notch. Also the tape speed is quartz locked, and so you get the same perfect tape speed as DD models, but without the cracked centre wheel to worry about. It has a very generous amp capable of powering even the most stubborn of headphones.

There are some downsides though if you are willing to live with them.

- There is no EQ settings

- There is no auto reverse

- Some people complain that there isn't enough bass, this can be improved by pairing with appropriate headphones.

- They are a tad bulky/heavy for a conventional walkman

- They need 4xAA batteries

- They are easily damaged if the wrong power adapter is used (reversed polarity), avoid those on sale with playback speed issues

- Early production examples can be problematic, due to PCB material used.

Thanks everyone for the replies thus far, really appreciated.  Yes, has to be Sony - don't need recording or a graphic equalizer and budget is probably £50 - £75 max.  Design (ie the classic 80's very compact), sophisticated DD look is probably my favourite.  Also interested in the 701/702.

Are ALL the DD models likely to have the cracked wheel problem?  Do any not have this design?

That said, if you can change the belt on a HS-J08 then you can be confident that you can fix any walkman.

AO this was stated in the context more for the fact that certain AIWAs have a very bad reputation for capacitor failure. Simply replacing a belt is no measure of repairing a heavily corroded and contaminated unit for a newbie.

Yeah, sorry, I was being flippant.   If you notice I tend to stay away from the technical section, a policy I will now maintain

The only DD that I can think of which doesn't use this design is the DD9. The rest all use the centre wheel which can be potentially cracked.

Doubtful you'd get a DD9 a trouble free for 50GBP, as they are sought after by the collectors and are also quite rare - but never say never. It has apparently very good audio, but is blighted by a low powered amplifier.

Once again, thanks all, really great to get so many helpful answers.

If I did end up with a cracked wheel DD is there any update on whether anyone is re-making these as a spare (I have seen lots of topics on the repair/epoxy ideas) but would obviously love to have a new part rather than a repair like this.

And is there anyone in the UK who can be reommended for Walkman servicing/repairs - I have some tech skills but in different areas to audio/electronics and I certainly would not venture too deep into one, although I guess I may be able to replace belts - is there a how-to on this anywhere?

this dd problem has been hashed over for years now. i tried once and failed. if you have a sony model with that center geer and it just clicks i leave them that way. the sound is still great. once in a while they will jam up. i hit ff or rev. for a second and that works fine till they jam again. i really don't pay attention to the 60+ clicks a minute.