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

Anthony L

Active member
Mar 16, 2025
1
1
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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
 
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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 .
 
I had a similar problem on one cassette. Never did work out why.

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