Hi there, This week I restored a TP-S30 cassette player, i normally only do Sony's (DD series, D6C and other high end players). I must say I am impressed by this walkman. Its mechanical really a masterpiece in my opinion. It was not just changing the belts but the where a lot of other issue's to get this piece working. But it was worth it. I recapped it, change the belt and solved some mechanical issue's and its working great again. I understand this is the first Aiwa that was made to compete with the Sony TPS-L2, and in my opinion the Aiwa is superieur. I bought it from the first owner that bought it back in 1981 for $725 (converted from 1350 Guldens). The original user manual and soft case where included, he tried to fix it but was unable to get it back working. Because the unit was already opened by someone else it was much more difficult to get it working again. This unit is a real undervalued collectors item in my opinion, what are you think about it? Greets Tom
My Aiwa TP-S30 also gave me a hard time, almost gave up on it and succeeded only on the second or third attempt. Mine was in a pretty miserable state when bought, AIWA logo had to be re-made, Garfield and blue stripes cover especially nasty scratches: Totally agreed, cassette mechanism, once you figure out whats broken and how to fix it, is beautiful. W&F below 0.3, OK for a Walkman:
Nice work, even the units with a few battle wounds need love and this one is built like a tank, I'm amazed at all of the sliding parts and this was done before CAD. I don't have one of these but it's just what I'd expect, the insides are as nice looking as the outside. AIWA's Buttons and Switches were always the best for me, they looked very mature and delicate at the same time. Here's some USD pricing in October 1981 to give you an idea of what was selling and for how much. Sony had some ownership of AIWA but I've never found how much control they had at this time.
i agree, the AIWA is definitively a better player as the TPS-L2. i also agree, that as underrated as it it, it is a pain in the bud to fix, but also later fun, when you know how to do it. now you have to find the early JVC, Panasonic etc. to find out that they‘re better quality than the one wich came with the big name ;-)
Since the TPS'L2 and even the WM2 appear to be based on dictation machines I wonder if this was the first "clean sheet" personal stereo design. Regarding the price https://www.poundsterlinglive.com/b...rical-spot-exchange-rates/usd/USD-to-NLG-1981 gives about $250 which is a lot closer to Mister X's price list.
Thank you very much for your response the wow flutter is also around the 0.3 at my device. I saw your pictures and I noticed something and that was plate A that you have fitted. According the service manual it has to be fit different then what I see in your picture.
Obviously the guy was mistaken with the amount that he told me. But is was still a lot of money back in the day.
I have an old Aiwa TP-S30. Unfortunately the belts dissolved. Can anybody tell me how many ( 2 ) belts there are and what length they have. Is there are service-manual how to fix this? Thanks for the help
Here's the service manual, this site is safe, you'll need to sign up. https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/aiwa/tp-s30.shtml
Hi everyone, thanks for posting the service manual. I managed to replace the belts and my Aiwa TP-S30 is working again. Mechanically everything is fine (Play, Forward,Rewind,Stop) do their job. Unfortunately I can't hear the music only strong hissing and sometimes some beats in the background. I have uploaded a sample file for you to listen. I recorded it with volume on 10 on the Aiwa (max). Maybe someone can give me a hint wants wrong with my it
All of them need replacement, the specs are on the capacitors and also in the service manual. Greets Tom
Hello everyone, I just wanted to say that I recently purchased an identical cassette player/recorder. It too, is in need of belts being changed, and most probably, based on all your posts, in need of a full rebuild (recap) cleaning and lube... I don't yet have it in my possession, it will be mailed to me in the next couple of days, next week for sure. As soon as I have it, I'll take photos and post them. Any and all help is appreciated, regarding it's repair. I wish you all a great 2022! Happy New Year! Cheers, Rod.
