Reddit mentions: The best portable cassette players & recorders

Hi. My grandma had dementia and we had the same idea for her, especially after she had a hard time following what she was reading in books. We asked her if that is something she would like and she said "yes". We got her a machine that had big buttons like this: https://www.amazon.com/JENSEN-MCR-100-Cassette-Player-Recorder/dp/B00UY8QEGW?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_2. They're called retro tape players - they also have them on websites for elderly people.

She could operate it. However, she just wasn't able to follow what they were saying on the tapes and didn't enjoy listening to music anymore. To be honest, the only things she wanted to do were watch TV and look out the window. She didn't even want to watch movies, go out with her friends, or do anything else besides watch TV and look out the window. I think the only reason why she agreed to the tape player was because it sounded like a good idea, but when it came right down to being interested in using it, she just wasn't. Even if I started a tape for her, she would turn it off and turn on the TV.

So before you make a purchase, you may want to play your grandfather some tapes while you are there to see if he can follow whatever is on them and if he stays interested. Hope this helps.

I would imagine there has to be some kind of player that has a DC in port for power. Just looked at this shitty USB cassette player/converter and it has a DC in plug so I'd assume there's others that have that. Not saying you should get this one but this one appears to be powered by USB and Batteries depending on what you want. And there's these generic ones that also plug in DC and USB. It seems like the 2nd ones have better review scores. I feel like one of the old tape players I had also had a DC in port, so be on the lookout too. Good luck to ya!

I've made a few cassetts/mixtapes at home with my old school cassette deck.

You'll need to get the audio out from your PC into some sort of Cassette recorder. The easiest and cheapest would be to run an Aux cord from your speaker output to the mic input on a cassette recorder like this: https://www.amazon.com/Jensen-MCR-100-cassette-recorder-player/dp/B00UY8QEGW. You could also check thrift stores for an old cassette player with an input jack. I got my old 70s cassette deck for $20 at a local shop.

You then start recording the cassette and play your music through while recording and play the album through all the way. Stop recording on the cassette recorder. You will have to record each cassette in real time, one at a time. You can buy a cassette duplicator that takes a master tape and duplicates it to multiple tapes to speed this process up if you wish.

This will get you a pretty meh quality recording especially if you are using old recycled tapes, but that is probably what you are going for if you are making tapes. If you want better quality, you would want to make sure you have a good Digital to Analog converter to output to the cassette recorder, that you use a high quality deck/recorder and you use a chrome tape as the master.

Don't think you're going to find a new cassette player, especially with Bluetooth. You could get this Panasonic from Amazon, but it's discontinued and it doesn't do bluetooth. I'm sure it wold work, but it's not going to cover all bases.

You have a smartphone? How about using something like this to convert your tapes to MP3 files. Or if you already have a tape machine at home and a computer, you could plug the cassette into the computer's line in and use Audacity for free to record them and save as MP3 files.

Infinity War sold 3 million blurays in the U.S last year.

https://www.the-numbers.com/home-market/bluray-sales/2018

Vinyl is still going strong and it had it's decline far before discs did. Bluray discs last 100 years, so don't worry about them going bad. Sure they're less popular, and not selling as well as they did many years ago, but there will continue to be a collector's market for it just like vinyl.

This just means they'll be more expensive and there will be less releases, but not dead. We'll also be seeing more deluxe packaging and such as time goes on with

Even when bluray discs stop getting manufactured, this probably won't be for 2-3 decades, players will still be made. Ever see cassette tapes still get made? They really don't (with a handful o exceptions), but Walkmans are still in production and easy to obtain.

https://www.amazon.com/Reshow-Cassette-Player-Compatible-Computers/dp/B018WBUJBS/

> I’m going to have to be one of those weird old people with a 8 track or VHS player.

Embrace your weirdness. Let them enjoy their buffering compressed streams. :)

I mostly use my 2002 lexus which has a really awesome cassette stereo. I also use a CD player with a cassette attachment and a pretty popular walkman you can buy off amazon. The walkman is really easy to use and includes a headphone jack and a usb attachment so you can upload your cassettes digitally.

Unfortunately, there is a torn ribbon cable that connects the tape head to the board. I might try to replace it with wires, but it has 8 conductors!

Otherwise it's got some nice features, like speed control and reverse play. The built-in speakers are also fun.

Amazon product page here.

Found The Best All Around Cassette Player/Recorder And Radio.
Works really neat sound is amazing I have been looking for one for a while but couldn't find.
Finally found this one on Amazon sound is even better then my Sony Walkman from the 90's.
Here is the link - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GISWDRU?m=AC5SVDMI3Q8TO&ref_=v_sp_detail_page

A 4-track is like if you had 4 walkmen taped to each other, each loaded with a blank tape (so you could record onto it), and with all the headphone jacks soldered together so you could plug one pair of headphones into all four tape players at once. : )

and np, good luck!

Nice collection! :D

I had all of these except for the Show cassette (I had the vhs) and The Walk, until my home burned two years ago.

Just recently I have purchased a cute 'lil cassette player ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JWC2624/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ) and one batch of cassettes from ebay.

No Cure yet, though. I am hoping that when we finally sort through the rest of the remainders, some of my cassettes survived after all.

edit: omitted word and punctuation.

Sony STRDH190 2-ch Stereo Receiver with Phono Inputs and Bluetooth (Renewed) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KYL58KK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_J.jwDbRN10C9D

Sony TC-WE435 Dual Cassette Deck (Discontinued by Manufacturer) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00001XE0A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EakwDbQH3FHXC

Yamaha NS-6490 3-Way Bookshelf Speakers Finish (Pair) Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00018Q4GA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ebkwDbHMR9H8P


Here ya go, check these out. That AT LP120 is a good start, add a Sony Strdh190 amp, this one is refurbished, but a new one is only about 40 bucks more. Look for something along the lines of this Sony cassette deck in your local thrift shops, don't buy some crap no name brand, stuck with the big names, Sony, JVC, pioneer, Technics, Nakamichi. Get a decent set of bookshelf speakers like these Yamahas, few extra bucks you can pick up the Sony ones.
All this, some cables and a surge protector and you're all set.
Good luck.

I have one. It's not bad at all, although when on batteries and using the auxillary connector in my car, I have to max the volume on the player and almost max the volume on my car stereo. Naturally, this drains the batteries fast. I recently picked up a power adapter for it that plugs into my cigarette lighter, but haven't had a chance to test it yet. This weekend!

It has an option to auto-switch, so that when you reach the end of side A, it will swap and start playing side B. That makes it nice when you're driving or otherwise busy.

So far, I have no real complaints. The sound is good enough for me. I haven't tried the USB part yet, but it uses Audacity, so it should work just fine. They have decent documentation online for getting it up and running. One of the top reviews on Amazon will walk you through the set up as well.

yep sorry i cant really put more up i'm messing around with all this stuff and I gotta go to work lol. Its this http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UY8QEGW/ref=ox_sc_mini_detail?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid= Duno why it says CD but its the same model, im going to try a more expensive one that i left at one of my parents house way back when and see if it does the same thing. Im thinking its just the pitch i grew up with cassettes but never really questioned how they worked and all the facors, im starting to love them. Ok this post is making me late for work im sorry to tease with just this inofomation lol. I will upload as soon as I can expect within the next 12 -24 hours.

> I've used them in the past, and have never had an issue

Fair enough, don't want to tempt fate, especially with an original restoration.

I used to use something like this back in the day as my radio didnt have a tape record function, only playback. With something like that, all you'd need is a 3.5 to 3.5mm cord, plug one end into your headphones jack on the source, such as your computer, and the other end to the mic/line-in jack on the recorder.

>Just wondering if something like this could convert mp3 to a cassette tape. I assume so since most things go vice versa but idk.

Not in this case. A lot of hand-held cassette players are play-only. They don't record.

I expect you're engaging in overkill looking to a "converter". You don't need a USB connector or custom software. Just run a stereo mini jack from the headphone jack on your computer to the input of any cassette player with a recording head. (lo-fi example)

Though, why do you want to transfer things to cassettes anyway? Most of the time you'd be better off with a portable MP3 player and a cassette-deck adapter.

Like a good current gen one? I just use this as my daily carry.

Otherwise, like others said, you'd most likely need to do repairs (soldering, new belts, etc.) immediately after buying an old player, or sometime down the road.

If you're looking for cassettes you can still buy new, the Sony HF and the Maxell UR are your best bet. They're perfectly fine for recording onto, not the greatest tapes in the world obviously but they get the job done.

I think walmart sells Maxell UR's in store as well, if you want to buy them in person.

Get a tape player with an A/C adapter. Something like this.

Get a 12v inverter. Something like this.

Using the headphone jack on the tape player, they can connect a 3.5mm AUX cable in their car (assuming they have an AUX input?) and a 3.5mm RCA cable to connect to the home stereo.

*Also, if I may make a suggestion, using the car inverter > a/c adapter > AUX input in the car will undoubtedly create a bit of engine noise through your speakers. Using one of these will eliminate most of that noice.

Walkman

I just got this one. I like it. Super cheap. Plays tapes fine.

Most cassette decks can play and record, just look for one that feels solid and actually works at thrift stores. I see decks all the time for $20 or less. Just don't get cheap, plastic, modern stuff that look like a Jensen: https://www.amazon.com/JENSEN-MCR-100-Cassette-Player-Recorder/dp/B00UY8QEGW/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=jensen+cassette+player&qid=1570928230&sprefix=jensen+cass&sr=8-2
Look for vintage stuff, with well known brands such as Sony, pioneer, etc.

They look like OEM Walkman headphones. Do you want to buy them lol?

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-WM-FX195-Walkman-Cassette-Shut-Off/dp/B00005LL3T

Uhh yeah under $100 definitely won't be a problem haha. Will this work for what you need?

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https://www.amazon.com/Reshow-Cassette-Player-Compatible-Computers/dp/B018WBUJBS/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=cassette+player+usb&qid=1557774289&s=gateway&sr=8-4

https://www.amazon.com/RCA-RP3504-Cassette-Shoebox-Recorder/dp/B004SNL9ZK/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1473654112&sr=8-20&keywords=portable+cassette+player

Used ones of this are going for about 40 bucks. I wouldn't go for the ones you linked, they seem pretty bad. old but used stuff should be better, as long as it still works.

Cassette players are still popular B/C of 13 Reasons Why and Stranger things

One of the items listed under "top college picks" on Amazon

its just outside of our core competencies, the opposite of what we do. might actually have more luck at a sound studio.

Actually, just need this: https://www.amazon.ca/JENSEN-JENMCR100-Cassette-Player-Recorder/dp/B00UY8QEGW/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1549163589&sr=1-2&keywords=cassette+with+mic

I get a really convincing Daniel Johnston sound from this
tape recorder

I just record out from my interface into the aux in on the tape player and then back again from the headphone jack, really sounds authentic DJ DIY

Here's a good start if you're looking for something cheap.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0016BQECA/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1453078145&sr=8-1&pi=SL75_QL70&keywords=walkman

Something like that?

Well you could get this

....and do yourself a solid by listening and converting to mp3.

I’ve got this one under a different brand name, but it works well enough and isn’t too expensive. Should come with instructions on how to record into audacity.

I can get a cassette tape player/recorder (optionally powered by USB) on Amazon for $13, and I can get a Bluetooth transmitter that will work with it for $8, so $21 total.

So what does this gizmo that costs three times as much do for me that's worth the extra money?

Get something like this and make your own from all the Vaporwave you have...

Ignoring for a moment the "who plays cassettes in 2011" elephant, the other problem is that the same item is $29.20 on Amazon and they claim the list price is only $29.95

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Walkman-Digital-Weather-Cassette/dp/B001407E86

That's what keeps me out of Best Buy

Something like this should do it:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018WBUJBS/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdo_t1_0byMDb4RZ766R

yoo I had this and maybe a silly songs with larry one as a kid. I played them all the time on my veggie tales boombox

Don't troll him. The obvious way to record the audio is tape cassette. Then you play the video when the powerpoint is running.

Pro Tip: Remember to rewind so it's ready for next viewing.

It’s just an mp3 conveyer that plays tapes.

https://www.amazon.com/Reshow-Cassette-Player-Compatible-Computers/dp/B018WBUJBS/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=cassette+player&qid=1564107486&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Some cassette sellers sell coby Walkman style players for under $20. This won't get you crystal clear quality but it will work. Jensen SCR68B Stereo Cassette Player with AM/FM Radio https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016BQECA/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_0eCPub0QR52XB Also check some thrift stores People don't expect these kind of people online but, They sell Walkman-era players for 50¢ to $5

Just got the Broksonic from Amazon really neat.https://www.amazon.com/Broksonic-TSG-45-Cassette-Recorder-Headphones/dp/B01GISWDRU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473796464&sr=8-1&keywords=broksonic+walkman

I don't know of any others. Maybe a cheaper classic portable style or Walk Man.

• HamiltonBuhl Classroom Cassette Player, 2 Station
  
• RadioShack CTR-121 Desktop Cassette Recorder
  
• Craig CS2303 Portable Cassette Player/Recorder
  
  An around 17" wide turntable is probably why receivers and dual cassette decks are also 17" wide.

You can still buy a cassette player

did they use this to record the audio?

https://www.amazon.com/Jensen-SCR-68C-Stereo-Cassette-Player/dp/B0016BQECA/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1494978123&sr=1-3&keywords=cassette+player

Its a Portable. heres a link: http://www.amazon.com/RCA-RP3504-Cassette-Shoebox-Recorder/dp/B004SNL9ZK/ref=sr_1_17?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1457808441&sr=1-17

https://www.amazon.com/Jensen-SCR-68C-Stereo-Cassette-Player/dp/B0016BQECA/ref=pd_lpo_229_bs_lp_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=80DVHW86EJM9SZGRCFX0

My bad. Just over 10 bucks.
And for all the folks asking about ripping tapes to mp3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IVR2HRC?psc=1
20 bucks.