Rubbish Dump Pickup - Sony CFS-330S

[retroclub]

So this morning I was dumping some rubbish at our local tip and always have a look in the small appliances container in case I come across any boxes. I got lucky today and found this just sitting on the ground next to the skip.

It's a Sony CFS-330S. Brought it home and switched it on. Radio did work for a bit and now just gives off a buzzing noise. Tape deck doesn't play, rewind or fast forward but the motor is working and the head works ok too.

The real bonus here is that it has AUX line in jacks and they work great.
Not sure what's happend to the radio, but should be able to sort the deck with some belts.

Cosmetic condition is really good for age. Guessing this was made in the mid 80's???

Really happy with it, so another one saved from land fill.

 

[Fatdog]

Nice find!! Judging from the condition of it, it was well loved. I'm sure it is in good hands now.

 

[retroclub]

Cheers Fatdog. I gave it a quick clean before taking the pictures.
It was slightly damp when I picked it up so tried to dry it out as best I could. Maybe the dampness is causing the buzzing and radio issues but it plays from my smartphone great. Sound quality is pretty decent for a small box.

Anyway it's crazy getting something like this for free but I bet many people still toss these old boxes out without a second thought.



Keep your eyes open guys.

 

[baddboybill]

Very nice freebie!!!

 

[Northerner]

I had one of these. Nice minis with proper line in. What’s not to like!

 

[retroclub]

Quck update on the radio issue. Switched it on this morning and the radio is working again, but still has what sounds like an electrical buzzing noise when in use. Tape and Line in are fine (no buzzing). Think it maybe needs a few more days to dry out. Could this be a switch issue??

Hi Northerner, yes the line in is really useful. Plays great from my phone.
It's a decent looking mini too.

 

[retroclub]

Does anyone know if I should be using this Sony box with a standard figure 8 power cable??

I noticed that the cable didn't quite fit in the power socket to begin with, so used a set of pliers to pinch it.
I got it to fit, but the radio is making a buzzing noise.

Did these Sony's come with special power cables?

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

Another solid save. Good one

 

[floyd]

I can't say I've ever seen that model either way I think any of us would've been happy to find that , its a good looking box.

These cords might have polarized plugs , and without the right cord it could be causing the hum , I would try it on battery and see if the hum persist.

 

[retroclub]

Cheers guys.

That's a good call JVC Floyd, it takes 6 D batteries, so I'll give it a go later. The buzzing is getting a bit better and it only seems to be when the radio is on. When the line in jack is connected, the buzzing disappears.

Could be the radio receiver has been damage as the unit was a bit damp when I picked it up.

 

[retroclub]

Cheers for the advice JVC Floyd. Tried the box with batteries and it's working fine, so you're right it's the power cable that's causing the buzzing issue.
I'll probably just run it on batteries from now on. I never knew these old Sony boxes use special polorized power cables.

Had a look on Amazon and Ebay but can't see any Sony polorized cables for sale with a UK plug. Bought a proper stereo line in cable for it instead.

 

[floyd]

Sony and later model jvc's use these special cords , I'm jot saying the cord is the problem but they made the plugs polarized for a reason.

 

[Deputy Dogger]

It doesn't matter which way round you plug in the power lead as it's alternating current, only DC current is polarized.