Sony TC-K590: capstan-motor always running when power is on?

I've a Teac that the capstan powers up with the on switch so that part is not abnormal for some decks, especially higher end units. Can't comment on the other problems you perceive.

I can't think of any good tape recorder I've owned that _didn't_ run the capstan motor all the time. It simply makes sense.

William Sommerwerck schrieb:

Oh. My other non-crappy recorder (onkyo ta-2550) doesn't do it. Thanks for the info (also to Meat Plow). Care to explain why that makes sense? The downsides are that it wastes power and make (soft, but anyway) noises. What is it good for?

Thanks & all the best, rob

the

downsides

good for?

The power waste is minimal, because people don't usually leave their tape decks turned on without playing or recording.

The practical advantage is that the capstan is "guaranteed" to be running at the right speed when the tape starts moving. That's something you'd expect from a "professional" (or "good amateur") tape deck.

for?

The capstan motor usually has a fan blade to cool the deck.

If I remember correctly, the capstan runs all the time in your model type. Many types of tape decks run this way.

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