‘Muddy’ sound using cassette tapes/deck/through quality hi fi components

[Anthony L]

Dear Whathifiers

Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on why music cassettes (new and 2nd hand) sound ‘muddy’ and lack volume, despite the deck (Akai GXC-709D - fully functional) going through B&W 805D3 speakers and a Primaluna Evo 400
amp. Could it be a ‘simple’ fix like a full service of the deck or is this a common problem? I know the kind of clarity I hear with vinyl is not possible, still, the sound is well below what I expected.
Many thanks in advance

Anthony

 

[Shrek]

Dear Whathifiers

Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on why music cassettes (new and 2nd hand) sound ‘muddy’ and lack volume, despite the deck (Akai GXC-709D - fully functional) going through B&W 805D3 speakers and a Primaluna Evo 400
amp. Could it be a ‘simple’ fix like a full service of the deck or is this a common problem? I know the kind of clarity I hear with vinyl is not possible, still, the sound is well below what I expected.
Many thanks in advance

Anthony

Try cleaning the cassette head and rollers with a cotton bud and alcohol .

 

[Revolutions]

I had a similar problem on one cassette. Never did work out why.