So, I'm considering an RCA RP-1882 (https://www.manualslib.com/manual/313285/Rca-P61300.html?page=64). Really, it's from Thomson, but it's branded RCA. To judge from the photos, it's just another cheapie plastic knock-off: cassette, AM/FM, bass boost, auto-rev. BFD. But, it has two tape-heads... R. Head & L. Head. Now I'm scratching my head. Why would a cheap portable tape player need TWO heads?
I think this is a single head model with reversible sides for Left and Right stereo channels. See example here: All four are inside one tape head. And here is a picture from the RCA RP-1882 user manual.
Generally speaking, there are walkmans with 2 individual heads (like WM-EX999 - https://walkman.land/sony/WM-EX999), but it's not common at all. The reason of having 2 x 2-track heads rather than 1 x 4-track head is because of independent azimuth adjustments for each side. Autoreverse units rarely have perfect tape path alignment for both sides, rendering a compromise solution where azimuth isn't perfect on either side. To solve this, manufacturers have come with the idea of dual-azimuth adjustment. However it's to be noted this does not imply having 2 independent heads. Units like SONY WM-7, SONY WM-100/200/500 series and AIWA HS-PX303 are examples of dual azimuth but only a single 4-track head.
Yeah I thought I had one of these weird looking dual head walkmans the ex999 Complete with some original headphones and the remote control in some Gray Sony pouch and headphone adapter which is nice to have on this. Someday I'll get around to getting a belt for it.
just like to chime in and say they have the most annoying azimuth adjustment procedure ive ever endured. love the wm-7 but any service it needs turns into a royal pain lol
