Care and Maintenance, Repairs, Troubleshooting

English

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

This section describes the care and maintenance tasks that must be performed to optimize the operation of your Marantz equipment.

MAINTENANCE

HEAD CLEANING

If the heads are not cleaned for a long period, dirt or dust may be deposited on the heads and capstans, causing degraded high-frequency characteristics, volume drop, or degraded re- cording and erasure performances.

To prevent this, clean the heads, etc., periodically as follows.

1.Turn the power off.

2.As shown in Figure 10, clean the parts which come in con- tact with tape, including the heads, capstans, tape guides, pinch wheels, etc., with a cotton swab soaked in head clean- ing solution or denatured alchohol.

HEAD DEMAGNETIZATION

When a magnetized metallic objects (such as a screwdriver tip, etc.) comes in contact with a head or capstan, or when the deck has been used for a long period of time, the head may be magnetized and noise may be generated. If the head is extremely magnetized, the high frequencies in recorded tapes could even be erased due to it. To prevent this, demagnetize the heads and capstans periodically (every 20 hours of use) using a commercially-available head demagnetizer. (For the operation, please refer to the instruction manual supplied with your head demagnetizer.)

Caution:

Be sure to turn the power of the cassette deck off before using a head demagnetizer.

CLEANING OF EQUIPMENT EXTERNAL SURFACES

The exterior finish of your unit will last indefinitely with proper care and cleaning. Never use scouring pads, steel wool, scour- ing powders or harsh chemical agents (e.g., lye solution), al- cohol, thinners, benzine, insecticide or other volatile substances as these will mar the finish of the equipment. Likewise, never use cloths containing chemical substances. If the equipment gets dirty, wipe the external surfaces with a soft, lint -free cloth. If the equipment becomes heavily soiled:

–dilute some washing up liquid in water, in a ratio of one part detergent to six parts water

–dip a soft, lint free cloth in the solution and wring the cloth out until it is damp

–wipe the equipment with the damp cloth

–dry the equipment by wiping it with a dry cloth

REPAIRS

Only the most competent and qualified technicians should be allowed to service your unit. Marantz and its factory trained warranty station personnel have the knowledge and special equipment needed for repair and calibration of this precision instrument.

In the event of difficulty, call the toll-free telephone number listed on the face of the warranty to obtain the name address of the Marantz Authorized Service Center nearest you. In many cases, the dealer where you purchased your Marantz unit may be equipped to provide service. Please include the model, serial number of your unit together with a copy of your purchase re- ceipt and a full description of what you feel is abnormal in its behavior.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Should faults occur, it is in many cases not necessary to consult your dealer or technical service department. On the basis of the following checks you will be able to rectify a number of faults yourself without difficulty.

If the fault cannot be remedied after the following check, please consult your dealer or nearest Marantz service agent.

The tape does not travel.

1.Check that the power cord is plugged properly.

2.Check that the POWER switch is set to ON.

3.Check that the tape is rewound.

The tape travels, but no sound is output.

1.Check that the cassette tape is recorded.

2.Check that the mixer, amplifiers and speakers are connected and functioning properly.

Tape will not record.

1.Check that the protection tabs of cassette tape are not broken.

2.Check that the recording level is set properly.

Sound is distorted.

1.Check that the recording level is not too high.

2.Check that the head is not dirty.

Sound is unstable.

1.Check that the head is not dirty.

2.Check that the pinch wheels (capstans) are not dirty.

3.Check that the tape is wound regularly.

Noise is noticeable.

1.Check that the head is not dirty.

2.Check that the head is not magnetized.

3.Check that the DOLBY NR switch is set properly according to the tape.

Hum interferes with the sound.

1.Check that cords are connected properly.

2.Check that there is not any source of magnetism (TV, motor, transformer, etc.) placed near the unit ?

3.When this unit and amplifier are stacked, hum noise is some- times generated depending on the amplifier model. In such a case, place the components in positions where interfer- ence does not occur.

NOTICE

The tape counters are only approximate measurements of minutes and seconds and are not intended for timing-critical applications.

PMD520 specifications

The Marantz PMD520 is a professional-grade portable cassette deck designed primarily for musicians, audio engineers, and enthusiasts who require reliable recording and playback quality. This versatile device emerged in the late 20th century, catering to the specific needs of those who value high-fidelity audio performance in a compact format.

One of the standout features of the PMD520 is its dual-capstan transport mechanism. This technology ensures precise tape handling, minimizing wow and flutter for an accurate playback experience. The dual-capstan design allows for more consistent tape tension, which translates into better sound quality and reliable performance, crucial for critical listening environments.

The PMD520 also includes a built-in microphone preamp with phono or line-level switchable inputs, facilitating seamless connection to various audio sources. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for on-location recordings, interviews, and rehearsals, where different types of microphones and instruments might be utilized. Additionally, the device is capable of supporting high-speed dubbing, enabling quick duplication of tapes without compromising audio quality.

Another notable aspect of the PMD520 is its ability to handle different tape types, including standard cassette as well as metal and chrome formulations. This versatility ensures that users can choose the tape that best suits their recording requirements, further optimizing sound fidelity. The cassette deck is engineered for low noise operation, featuring advanced circuitry that minimizes unwanted interference.

The user interface of the PMD520 is straightforward and user-friendly, with clearly labeled buttons and a solid construction that stands up to the rigors of professional use. It features a sturdy, rack-mountable design, which makes it suitable for studio setups, as well as portable applications. The front panel provides easy access to record, play, stop, and fast-forward functionalities.

In addition to its high-quality audio features, the Marantz PMD520 is known for its durability and reliability. Constructed with robust materials, it is designed to withstand the challenges of frequent transportation and use in various environments. Overall, the Marantz PMD520 remains a respected choice for anyone seeking a reliable cassette deck that excels in audio performance and operational efficiency. As the nostalgia for analog recording continues to captivate new generations, the PMD520 stands as a prime example of Marantz's commitment to quality and innovation in sound technology.