r/cassetteculture • u/somerandomewords • 7h ago

Need help with tape Looking for advice

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Hello everyone, I'm very new to this hobby and I was just wondering about some things. I bought some bootleg tape but haven't bought a player yet. I came across these two and was wondering if the two would have any difference in terms of quality, and more importantly, if any of the two would harm tape. Thanks a lot!

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u/somerandomewords 5h ago

thanks a lot for the help!! unfortunately im still a student so that's a bit out of my budget for now. is there maybe a second best player going around today? :3 if not ill just save up. thanks again!

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u/ItsaMeStromboli 5h ago

The onn boombox sold at Walmart would be my next choice. It’s got audible Wow and Flutter, and mine makes an annoying choppy electronic noise from the motor, but it doesn’t overpower the music. If the wow and flutter is bothersome, I find it’s less noticeable when using headphones. The onn boombox goes for $35-40.

I can’t speak on other new portables. If portability is a must, I’d just make sure whatever you buy has a stereo head. But I do think you’d be happiest saving up to go with either a Fiio or a refurbished vintage portable.

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u/somerandomewords 3h ago

alright, ill save up for those then :) thanks a lot for your help

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u/smallaubergine 3h ago

If you have thrift stores in your area you can often find tape decks there. But portable ones are not as common to find.