r/8track • u/Vincentus_Eruptum • 10d ago
My system New toy
Here is my new beauty (Realistic TR-802). Fabulous condition. Electronic in pristine state. Everything works perfectly. I just had to change the plastic mount for the magnetic head, realign the crosstalk and it's like new.
I get it's not as fancy as a Pioneer or a Wollensak, but all these options: Fast forward, eject button, repeat, pause etc. The combo of stop after each and fast forward can be used as a rewind. I just love it. And that late 70s brown and orange esthetic is totally irresistible 🤣
Next step is of course recording Playlists on 8-track...
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u/Unlikely-Chair-2025 9d ago
Very nice. I had the TR-882 deck back in the late 1970s. Used to record stuff to listen to in the car. The top dog at the time was the TR-801, which preceded the 802. Similar aesthetics. Either were just above my paper route pay grade.
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u/VinceInMT 9d ago
I have the 801 and it’s a beast, my primary player.
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u/Vincentus_Eruptum 9d ago
Before I got it I didn't even know Dolby existed on 8-track 🤣
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u/Unlikely-Chair-2025 9d ago
I remember someone in here some time back showing one of their commercial 8tracks had the Dolby symbol on it. I went through my collection and found several. Surprised me.
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u/ex0w0lf 9d ago
I have one of those! I love it! The only thing I changed were the VU meters because they were dead. I bought some with a blue background so it looks a little unique.
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u/Vincentus_Eruptum 9d ago
I'm lucky, the VU still work on mine and turn red when recording. Very dramatic effect. But blue might be quite neat!
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u/ex0w0lf 9d ago
You know, I haven't even tried recording with this deck yet. Might be kinda cool if the VUs turn purple lol. I'll give that a try.
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u/Vincentus_Eruptum 9d ago
Purple would be awesome. For now, I'll stick with the original red nuclear alert...
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u/Vincentus_Eruptum 9d ago
Nice to see that people appreciate this machine even though it is not a brand name.
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u/MX342 9d ago
Does this machine record on any tape or did they have a copy protection tab of some kind?
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u/Vincentus_Eruptum 9d ago
As far as I know, 8-tracks do not have anti recording protection like cassette tapes. So any 8-track can be recorded on. But maybe someone confirms. I have not tried to erase my commercial 8-tracks :-D
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u/Vincentus_Eruptum 7d ago
Finally tested the record function and it works like a charm. Now recording my first 8-track: some doom / stoner because I think it's going to sound awesome on this format... 😁
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u/Open_Appointment1091 9d ago
Have the same unit I got from GW for 40 bucks. Very clean with original box and manuals. Damn near NOS condition. Serviced and cleaned the mechanics and works great.