I'm in the UK, and used to own an Aiwa HS PX-303 in years gone by. Taken from me by a burglar, I've been hunting for one and that search has led me to this forum, in the hope that I can eventually find one. I know it's a futile search... but hey ho, you gotta try. Most of my equipment is relatively low grade. I have a few DACs but my main portable unit (as this is Stereo2Go after all) is an Astell & Kern AK70 which I listen to with the TY Hi-Z HP-650. I have digitised a chunk of my vinyl collection and cleaned them up, and listen to them in FLAC. Likewise I still have most of my old mix tapes, which are TDK chrome, and I'd love to be able to listen to them on the move again.
These are still out there! They show up on Ebay from time to time and also on Yahoo Auctions Japan in their Asian form, the HS PX-30. Other than the model number these are exactly the same thing. Unfortunately that's kind of where the good news ends. These tend to go for a lot of money, especially in good condition. They also all seem to suffer from leaking electrolyte from the caps and don't work without some serious maintenance (cap replacement + board cleaning). There are experts on these forums that can handle this, but depending on how bad the damage is it can easily run over 100 USD for the repairs. So depending how determined you are, it is possible! If you're ok with an alternative, you might look into one of the Sony DD models. These can be had for less money and fixed on your own with parts from Marian. They perform very well too!
Ah! I didn't know this. I'll see if I can hunt these down. I didn't even think about the Yahoo auctions. Sadly, English is all I speak, to my shame. But I'll try and hunt PX-30 and see what I find. I actually got two 505 units that need repair, so I can practice. I know I'm going to have to learn electronics and be capable of repairing these myself... as is the case with all retro equipment. The service manuals are a little expensive, but next month I should have a little money spare to be able to get manuals for the 303 and 505. Adventure ahoy! Many thanks for the information. Much appreciated.
She is a looker, a high-tech one, a pinnacle of compact cassette technology (one of ), Michelle, don't give up. A pic from the Old S2G I guess.
Well, it's been about 25 years since the burglary (he got 100 hours community service) and I'm still lookin' :-D - I don't give up easy!
Here is the PX505 service manual, that I got on the previous S2G. I don't have the one for the PX303 unfortunately.
Hello Michelle Knight Welcome to S2G. HS PX-303 is one of the best looking AIWA Walkmans. I hope you find one soon but to be honest with you Its hard to find one in good condition.
Hi! Thank you for the welcome ... as it happens, this very evening, an opportunity for a 303 has appeared. I'm going to have to work for it, however. Parts to be ordered, soldering practice, patience and research. I'm actually a little giddy with excitement. All this time searching, then I come here and ... bam! This is too much excitement... I'm going to have to lie down!