MD systems from Japan : The good, the bad and the ugly?

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  • Опубліковано 21 тра 2021
  • Importing used audio equipment from Japan can be tempting - but there’s quite a bit more to think about beyond the ‘sticker’ price. A video with hints and tips sprinkled in amongst demonstrations of three quite different systems imported to the UK with mixed results.
    There are plenty of services to enable people outside Japan to buy from the Japan Yahoo auctions - including 'Buyee', 'Zenmarket', 'Jauce' and 'From Japan' to name just a few. I’m not qualified to recommend one above the others as I’ve only ever used one, for all I know it might be the worst.
    Compact Bluetooth Receiver
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  • Наука та технологія

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,4 тис.

  • @kosmosyche
    @kosmosyche 3 роки тому +1078

    Last time there was a Mecha error, it destroyed half of Tokyo.

    • @UberNeuman
      @UberNeuman 3 роки тому +33

      *dubbed yelling* "OH NO! MECHA ERROR! RUN! RUN!"

    • @rickylovesyou
      @rickylovesyou 3 роки тому +18

      *Wonkyo

    • @Kelvin_Foo
      @Kelvin_Foo 3 роки тому +18

      They should never have gotten into the giant robot.

    • @kosmosyche
      @kosmosyche 3 роки тому +29

      @Allen Tokyo no u

    • @Gappasaurus
      @Gappasaurus 3 роки тому +21

      ...and it made Shinji cry 😄

  • @Kosakaya
    @Kosakaya 3 роки тому +1280

    I work for a used audio equipment dealer in Japan.
    I enjoy your videos very much every time I watch them!
    I am very disappointed with Onkyo audio.
    Very sad. It's good stuff.
    One day, when everything is better in this country, I would like to send you a fully working product.
    From a fan in Japan.

    • @md_vandenberg
      @md_vandenberg 3 роки тому +40

      A friend of mine back in the 90s had an Onkyo Hi-Fi system that was wonderful. Sounded great and could shake the house with it's 14-inch woofers.

    • @peterlarkin762
      @peterlarkin762 3 роки тому +20

      Onkyo made excellent quality units, mostly. Often over-built, high build quality and good value.

    • @watercolour
      @watercolour 3 роки тому +16

      @Zockblatt Shickleblender those shops are neat and you will be overwhelmed by their abundance of choices

    • @IntyMichael
      @IntyMichael 3 роки тому +31

      It was clear to see that this system was a bit abused by its pre owner. Which is something that is quite rare when you get stuff from Japan.

    • @penelopapfr3773
      @penelopapfr3773 3 роки тому

      Hey! I have a question about Sharp boombox, how i can wrote to you ?

  • @steelscooter
    @steelscooter 3 роки тому +311

    Techmoan's failures are still much better to watch than most other UA-camr's successes. 🥰

    • @klausstock8020
      @klausstock8020 3 роки тому +16

      The device failed. Techmoan didn't.
      That's why your comment hits the spot

    • @DTD110865
      @DTD110865 3 роки тому +3

      Personally, I think failures like the first one are kind of sad. The weird thing is that recently I've considered buying old stereos that can play mini-discs, despite the fact that I can story more CD's on an SD card than any other recent format.

    • @Jason-Scott
      @Jason-Scott 3 роки тому

      Lovely Kit 👍🏻👍🏻

    • @skakid0
      @skakid0 3 роки тому +3

      That's coz techmoan's not a twat.

    • @steelscooter
      @steelscooter 3 роки тому +3

      @Fredrik Larsson I think it is our pragmatism and dislike of artifice or fancy BS. There are plenty of great channels from other countries though. Mustie1 is my favourite car/mechanics channel and he is from USA. 👍

  • @bynahelemaal
    @bynahelemaal 3 роки тому +158

    Whenever I see mini disc, my mind immediately thinks of late 90’s, early 00’s action/hacker movies… *starts typing* “alright, I’m in!” *inserts mini disc and downloads files*

    • @collectibleasmr
      @collectibleasmr 3 роки тому

      @@6581punk one of my fave movies of all time!!!

    • @peterlarkin762
      @peterlarkin762 3 роки тому +2

      Ha! So true... Also some movies used an extracted minidisc disc to make it look like a tiny CD or 'hi tech proprietary'

    • @kuchenblechmafiagmbh1381
      @kuchenblechmafiagmbh1381 3 роки тому +3

      You mean Magneto-optical discs, these work identical to the Minidisc, almost twins like CD-DA (the usual audio CD) and CD-ROM (but both as -RW).

    • @vasiovasio
      @vasiovasio 3 роки тому +3

      "The Master of Disaster" from 1995 Hackers movie! Angelina Jolie and the pool on the roof! Ehhh... memories! :)

    • @markfergerson2145
      @markfergerson2145 3 роки тому

      @@kuchenblechmafiagmbh1381 These days I'd almost forgotten that MDs ever existed along with the plethora of other similar formats (like the MODs you mentioned) that were commercial failures.
      OTOH my brother in law died recently and I was handed a box of his collection of VHS tapes. Now I have to try to find a working VCR...

  • @jimbo573
    @jimbo573 3 роки тому +436

    At 19:17 I thought you were listening to "The Grandma" until the scrolling text added "ster Flash"

    • @billykaye6308
      @billykaye6308 3 роки тому +24

      I missed that, I just thought The Grandma was a garage band that donated their music! 😁

    • @benholroyd5221
      @benholroyd5221 3 роки тому +14

      Grandma we love you, grandma we do.

    • @eddhick
      @eddhick 3 роки тому +4

      Was looking for this comment haha

    • @annother3350
      @annother3350 3 роки тому +5

      The Grandmaster Flash?! That's like your dad saying he likes The Nirvanas

    • @annother3350
      @annother3350 3 роки тому +3

      *** Oh -- The Grandmaster Flash Collection -- I take it back

  • @JamieRowlandthejamieusrowlando
    @JamieRowlandthejamieusrowlando 3 роки тому +233

    That second system looks so cool. A weird Y2K Aesthetic gem.

    • @michaelhall6178
      @michaelhall6178 3 роки тому +7

      Its wedge shape reminds me vaguely of those old Coomber cassette players that schools in the UK always seemed to have in the 1980s

    • @nulltan
      @nulltan 3 роки тому +9

      Yeah definitely love the screwed in panel look. Gives off an aviation/sequencer vibe.

    • @Halfpipesaur
      @Halfpipesaur 3 роки тому +10

      Early 00's produced some of the most ugly consumer electronics and somehow Panasonic managed to design this beauty. I was looking for a used mini hi-fi last year and Panasonic (and especially Technics) designs really hold up as opposed to other.

    • @vasiovasio
      @vasiovasio 3 роки тому +2

      Yes, real Cyberpunk!

    • @JoshuasRecordings
      @JoshuasRecordings 3 роки тому +2

      @@Halfpipesaur Panasonic seems to have good designs. I mean look at the SA-PM series mini systems. They all have really decent looking designs and sound good for what they are.

  • @13thdukeofwybourne69
    @13thdukeofwybourne69 3 роки тому +335

    "Technical Diagnosis => Just plain Knackered" needs to be on a T shirt or something :)

    • @spacedandy7553
      @spacedandy7553 3 роки тому +5

      Hell yeah!

    • @WR3ND
      @WR3ND 3 роки тому +3

      Tombstone. ;)

    • @cooldudicus7668
      @cooldudicus7668 3 роки тому +2

      I would buy that shirt.

    • @xanth987
      @xanth987 2 роки тому +1

      Def for a bumper sticker and I’d buy one too.

    • @moretimeneeded56
      @moretimeneeded56 2 роки тому +1

      I’d wear it, but it would be kinda stating the obvious in my case!

  • @sandqwert
    @sandqwert 3 роки тому +255

    That shirt is surely making the UA-cam's compression struggle

    • @mrbilly5282
      @mrbilly5282 3 роки тому +4

      Sus

    • @wynard
      @wynard 3 роки тому +8

      Looks absolutely fine to me 5 hours later, maybe something was still processing.

    • @TechBaffle
      @TechBaffle 3 роки тому +6

      Actually impressed it doesn't look blocky!

    • @userPrehistoricman
      @userPrehistoricman 3 роки тому

      @@wynard 9:34 I see some discolouration while he's waving his hand

    • @moviebod
      @moviebod 3 роки тому +1

      It matches his beard.

  • @Skvalpenotta
    @Skvalpenotta 3 роки тому +17

    My dad bought a Sony all-in-one system back in the day, with MD, CD and radio, and really loved the MDs. Nobody seemed to use or know what MDs were over here (Norway), and years later he found an identical system at the recycling center, just tossed in with other electronics. He fished it out and now he has two perfectly working systems, still in use today.

  • @cageycretins
    @cageycretins 3 роки тому +146

    "Auto destruct" by ONKYO!

    • @fisqual
      @fisqual 3 роки тому +13

      Buying Onkyo is like buying a Range Rover. It's incredible while it lasts.

    • @Dangermouse2256
      @Dangermouse2256 3 роки тому +1

      @@fisqual buy the C7030 CD player . I have mine for 8 years . Best money ever spent.

    • @Hotpack7279
      @Hotpack7279 3 роки тому +5

      Im a Onkyo user on almost all Musicparts through the House. (Big THX ATMOS in the Livingroom, Onkyo Stacked Hifi in my Room, Onkyo G3 in the Kitchen and so on) and i never had a Part going wrong.

    • @Dangermouse2256
      @Dangermouse2256 3 роки тому +2

      @@Hotpack7279 yah its good stuff!!

    • @peterjf7723
      @peterjf7723 3 роки тому +1

      It was like the Mission Impossible opening scene where the instructions self destruct after being played. Just a slightly longer delay on the auto destruct.

  • @frankiesomeone
    @frankiesomeone 3 роки тому +63

    damn, that motorised panel is cool

    • @BG101UK
      @BG101UK 3 роки тому +1

      I love it as well. Only one issue: I expect it would struggle to open with a cat sat on top!

    • @gregx5096
      @gregx5096 3 роки тому +2

      So cool how it opens fully to reveal some controls, but also can open less just to let the CD out...

  • @KansaiSamurai
    @KansaiSamurai 3 роки тому +28

    That Panasonic SA-PM50MD was probably made about a mile away from me at the main Panasonic campus in Kadoma City near Osaka. If you ever get to Japan, Panasonic and other audio equipment companies have museums that you can visit and see some of their really cool stuff from the glory days of audio systems.

    • @watershed44
      @watershed44 3 роки тому +2

      @KansaiSamurai
      That is fascinating! I love Panasonic/National electronics, even their mid range equipment generally had excellent performance and lasted for decades it well cared for! I still have a Panasonic RF-4900 Communications Receiver that I bought brand new in 1981 and it still works perfectly, and the thing was built like a tank! The unit was very underrated in it's performance too. Super low noise floor on SW and super sensitive too.

  • @phishpot
    @phishpot 3 роки тому +48

    Love the "Optional option" at 12:39.
    Selectable via the "Menu menu".

    • @USSMariner
      @USSMariner 3 роки тому

      I mean, that's *technically* correct. Same with "that that"

    • @phishpot
      @phishpot 3 роки тому

      @@USSMarinerSorry, you have the advantage of me. Same with what what?

  • @mikeselectricstuff
    @mikeselectricstuff 3 роки тому +303

    I wonder if the problem was that you were running at 50Hz - this could cause saturation issues on transformer if it was designed for 60Hz, maybe resulting in the power supply not being able to deliver enough current

    • @jmi5969
      @jmi5969 3 роки тому +32

      Very unlikely, especially in low-power components.
      Never had any problem with running JDM components in a 50Hz environment.

    • @compzac
      @compzac 3 роки тому +66

      It might seem unlikely, but it does seem odd that all the components decided to have a go at roughly the same time, like i get the CD player failing and it was failing when he first plugged it in so it makes sense that it just decided to get angrier and fail entirely, but the minidisc and amplifier going at roughly the same time does seem to be quite an odd thing, maybe this device didnt have 50Hz in its rating and unlike most japanese components it wasnt meant for the 50Hz region, or maybe his step down transformer was just providing it with dirty power or just slightly off voltage that knocked out the old components. what made me think it seems like a power issue is the CD player... its attitude was to behave like it wasnt getting enough power.

    • @Oldgamingfart
      @Oldgamingfart 3 роки тому +86

      Most Japanese electronics are designed for 50/ 60Hz operation, as their Eastern and Western power distribution grids run at different frequencies (50 and 60Hz respectively). Makes for some interesting reading!

    • @0tispunkm3y3r
      @0tispunkm3y3r 3 роки тому +17

      @@Oldgamingfart they have both 50 and 60 hz grids? That does sound like an interesting read!

    • @phinok.m.628
      @phinok.m.628 3 роки тому +28

      Well, Japan has 50 Hz and 60 Hz depending on where you live. Would be kinda unfortunate if it could only be used in part of Japan...

  • @anew742
    @anew742 3 роки тому +19

    6:07
    I half expected to hear DankPods say "Hey it's the aftershow!"

    • @eDoc2020
      @eDoc2020 3 роки тому +4

      Was it just me or did Mat's Bluetooth adapter sound just like the DankPods sexy speaker?

    • @frstwhsprs
      @frstwhsprs 2 роки тому

      @@eDoc2020 All Bluetooth speakers are sexy with the voice.

  • @criggie
    @criggie 3 роки тому +111

    Hey Matt - Here in New Zealand we get a lot of 9~10 year old Japanese used cars imported and have for decades. The console FM radios are often limited to the same frequencies, so a common retrofit is a "Band Expander" which is a box that goes between the car's aerial and the back of the radio. It does need 12V power, but will "shift" all our local frequencies down enough so the radio can receive them. Might help with the Japanese FM radio's reception.

    • @qwertyasdf66
      @qwertyasdf66 3 роки тому +3

      That was my immediate thought too. Are band expanders just a new zealand thing or something?

    • @kaitlyn__L
      @kaitlyn__L 3 роки тому +8

      @@qwertyasdf66 they’re just not common in regions that don’t tend to need it. In fact the first time I heard of them was in the context of Software Defined Radio, not FM receivers.

    • @sw6188
      @sw6188 3 роки тому +9

      I'm in NZ as well. Band expanders are just plain awful. Yes they work, to a degree. In built up areas where there are a lot of tall buildings (downtown Auckland for example) and due to the proximity of high levels of RF coming off the SkyTower, the expanders just cause a whole lot of noise and distortion. In most cases (with the older cars anyway) the junk JDM radio is removed and one that will tune 87.5 - 108 MHz is fitted. Much better sound, no confusion as to what channel you are listening to and you can get the frequencies above 102 MHz.

    • @criggie
      @criggie 3 роки тому

      @@sw6188 concur - but Matt's got poor FM coverage so saturation of spectrum shouldn't be an issue.

    • @sw6188
      @sw6188 3 роки тому +1

      @@criggie Saturation and intermod may not be an issue but it his reception will be even worse with an expander if it's bad already. The best thing he could do is plant a nice big FM Yagi on the roof.

  • @SupaPhly0
    @SupaPhly0 3 роки тому +84

    Mecha Error sounds like a great band name

    • @stepheneyles2198
      @stepheneyles2198 3 роки тому +4

      No doubt means "Mechanical Error" - I wonder what had happened? Need to find where Mat gets rid of his stuff methinks!!

    • @highpath4776
      @highpath4776 3 роки тому +6

      @@stepheneyles2198The West Yorkshire waste disposal sites have a special container for techmoan rejects

    • @nowster
      @nowster 3 роки тому +2

      @@highpath4776 You'd be better off looking in South West Lancashire, round the back of Wallace and Gromit's place.

    • @arkaikan
      @arkaikan 3 роки тому +2

      more like an anime or so...

    • @Kofla2000
      @Kofla2000 3 роки тому

      Or a game developer

  • @mhuntuk
    @mhuntuk 3 роки тому +209

    “Mecha error”-no joke about giant robots?!
    And “no longer in my possession” sounds a bit cryptic-but I presume it’s just at the tip?

    • @HannuPulli
      @HannuPulli 3 роки тому +7

      Mecha vs mechanical, besides it's just 2.5 characters in Japanese

    • @facethestrange15yearsago81
      @facethestrange15yearsago81 3 роки тому +7

      He has a neighbour called Neimashu Nokamura. He threw it through his window.

    • @djackmanson
      @djackmanson 3 роки тому +35

      Get in the damn Minidisc, Shinji

    • @oxymoron02
      @oxymoron02 3 роки тому +13

      @@HannuPulli Pretty sure Matthew was aware it meant mechanical. "Mecha" is a term used in anime to describe giant piloted robots.

    • @RAMChYLD
      @RAMChYLD 3 роки тому

      I wanted to crack one, but apparently someone else beat me to the punch.

  • @swrzesinski
    @swrzesinski 3 роки тому +44

    That Onkyo maybe had problem with dried up electrolytic caps. It could be serviced but it could be hard reapir.

  • @dav1dbone
    @dav1dbone 3 роки тому +76

    The Onyko system, typical symtoms of cap failure, cd motor undervoltage, through usage similiar issues developed with md and amp, could be an interesting repair.

    • @tookitogo
      @tookitogo 3 роки тому +1

      @@johncoops6897 My thoughts exactly!

    • @unitedunitedunited_
      @unitedunitedunited_ 3 роки тому +3

      He seems to get annoyed when people in the comments say "replace the caps

    • @dav1dbone
      @dav1dbone 3 роки тому +2

      @@unitedunitedunited_ never noticed that, bit of no brainer though imo, get it working and pur it on ebay rather than have it take up room in cupboard.

    • @nickwallette6201
      @nickwallette6201 3 роки тому +7

      I can’t even enumerate all the stuff I’ve fixed by replacing capacitors. Floppy drives, PS/2s, monitors, Pentium 3 motherboards... it’s _always_ the caps.

    • @BBC600
      @BBC600 3 роки тому +4

      Sadly, even if it were as simple as capacitors he no longer has it to try that out.

  • @kamonegix
    @kamonegix 3 роки тому +43

    Oh wow, seeing that Yumi Nakashima (of GO!GO!7188 fame) album on the mini disc in the first system was quite a blast from a past.... I do own that album on CD and seeing that in a Techmoan video is quite amazing.

  • @presterjohn71
    @presterjohn71 3 роки тому +63

    A lot of middle-aged people just sighed with relief when you said "it only picks up radio 2" What other station do you want?

    • @AtheistOrphan
      @AtheistOrphan 3 роки тому +10

      I changed from Radio 1 to Radio 2 years ago, when Radio 1 started sounding like a load of bricks in a tumble dryer.

    • @Sophiechic
      @Sophiechic 3 роки тому +2

      @@AtheistOrphan I work with people that are in their 40s and 50s that listen to radio 1 im 38 I've hated it for years now I'd rather have a rusty screwdriver twisted slowly through my ear canal.

    • @melodious1750
      @melodious1750 3 роки тому +1

      Try the new 'Boom Radio' on DAB, or app on phones, tablets etc or website, it's like radio used to be in the 'good old days.

    • @mr.bobcyndaquil4214
      @mr.bobcyndaquil4214 3 роки тому

      But the Shipping Forecast is on the Home Service...

    • @jhdore
      @jhdore 3 роки тому

      Literally any?!

  • @andersdenkend
    @andersdenkend 3 роки тому +47

    Those proxy services for Yahoo Auctions Japan are best used for "impossible to find at home"-items where the price is not of the utmost concern.
    Other than that japanese "used" goods are (mostly) incredible. They really take good care of their stuff and if there is just the tiniest of dents or scratches on the box, they show a macro-photo of it, apologize, and sell it as "junk". Meanwhile in Europe people re selling a GameBoy cart with sharpie on it and boogers inside as "like new".

    • @liucyrus22
      @liucyrus22 3 роки тому +1

      Some things are comparatively dirt cheap in Japan too. Like some classical pens selling for less then half the price they are elsewhere due to low prices due to intense competition when those pens were new. Shipping for these light items was not much either.
      But that was my niche case.

    • @armchairgeneralissimo
      @armchairgeneralissimo 3 роки тому

      I do some work for someone who imports cars from Japan the condition these cars arrive in is typically outstanding you would not get the same results buying from a British auction 8 times out of 10 you're going to get a bag of nails that was flogged at auction because it could not be sold on a forecourt.

  • @stridermt2k
    @stridermt2k 3 роки тому +37

    Wow I liked that Panasonic. I was a huge fan of their stuff in the 80's.
    That system is making me thing "Space 1999" LOL.

    • @watershed44
      @watershed44 3 роки тому

      @Michael Thompson
      I loved season one of Space: 1999! Indeed that unit would fit right in with the comlock.

  • @grahammcdonald
    @grahammcdonald 3 роки тому +13

    The smiley face of that boombox!
    That slide-up to reveal the CD tray.. a slide-up panel that was already not containing anything!

  • @HenrikDanielsson
    @HenrikDanielsson 3 роки тому +67

    Mecha Error has to be one of the most badass error codes I've seen. Makes you wonder what is actually going on inside these machines.

    • @rickylovesyou
      @rickylovesyou 3 роки тому +15

      A mechanical error I assume.

    • @Hotpack7279
      @Hotpack7279 3 роки тому +1

      Disc Moving Mechanism. My Pioneer MJ-D707 Minidisc had the same Issue

    • @alparslanesmer4251
      @alparslanesmer4251 3 роки тому

      @@Hotpack7279 what exactly do you mean with "disc moving mechanism"? Is it about the motor that rotates the disc, or the disc receiving/ejecting mechanism? I received an order of Onkyo MD-101A yesterday, just like @techmoan's and it gave me the same Mecha Error. I want to figure out what exactly it is.

    • @antistampycatuttpthdtcvgcp4582
      @antistampycatuttpthdtcvgcp4582 Рік тому +1

      *insert WWII air-raid siren here*

  • @MeriaDuck
    @MeriaDuck 3 роки тому +3

    The ten-year-old in me just LOVEs that motorized panel.

  • @reversethursday4975
    @reversethursday4975 3 роки тому +36

    It isn't a proper Saturday until I see some vintage Tech from techmoan. Thanks for everything you do 👌

  • @billykaye6308
    @billykaye6308 3 роки тому +125

    “Well we’ve probably Learned nothing as usual...” & “You can ignore my advice, probably the better option.”
    Mat, you f’in just crack me up! Either you are the most relaxed dude on UA-cam or the missus slips Xanax in your cuppa! 😂

    • @highpath4776
      @highpath4776 3 роки тому +6

      The most influencing influencer on YT ?

    • @angrymario8259
      @angrymario8259 3 роки тому +3

      @@highpath4776 defenitly

    • @biauas
      @biauas 3 роки тому +4

      it's a reverse psychology!

    • @JaredConnell
      @JaredConnell 3 роки тому +3

      @@highpath4776 most under the influence influencer lol

    • @RenaissanceEarCandy
      @RenaissanceEarCandy 3 роки тому +1

      @@JaredConnell 🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @AnnaJam
    @AnnaJam 3 роки тому +101

    That new intro is the most flashy, unnecessarly high tech, and overly sparkly intro I've seen for a while
    It's perfect
    - Anna

    • @jabbany2715
      @jabbany2715 3 роки тому +6

      A bunch of channels have been making refreshed 4k intros and I'm only now starting to feel like that 4k monitor purchase is making a difference XD

    • @Kalvinjj
      @Kalvinjj 3 роки тому

      @@jabbany2715 I just got a Full HD one like 2 years ago and sure as heck there isn't much money burning a hole on my pocket to grab a 4K.
      Maybe one day. But not really in any hurry.

    • @user-74652
      @user-74652 3 роки тому

      @@Kalvinjj I would definitely hold off on buying one until you can really afford it. Because once you buy one, you can't go back. Not so much because of the video quality, but more because of the sheer amount of stuff you can fit on the screen.

    • @Kalvinjj
      @Kalvinjj 3 роки тому

      @@user-74652 Yes I can imagine, the jump from 1366x768 to 1920x1080 was awesome for productivity, 4x the working area is another story too.
      Tho anything bigger that justifies more pixels won't even fit on my desk so reason number 2 to not buy one yet.

    • @Thermalions
      @Thermalions 3 роки тому +1

      @@Kalvinjj Depending upon your internet bandwidth you might still want to set UA-cam to stream at >1080p (where available). While your system will ultimately downscale it to 1080p, it can result a sharper picture than UA-cam's normal 1080p crappy compression.

  • @mikeey6804
    @mikeey6804 3 роки тому +13

    "That was the last component, there was nothing left to break."
    *Speakers combust*

  • @stepheneyles2198
    @stepheneyles2198 3 роки тому +41

    I love the sliding cover on the micro system; nice to see it's still working as well... :-)

    • @andys.5757
      @andys.5757 3 роки тому

      @@lakinnenlako6883 Guess it wasn't the point of the video, getting it to work as opposed to showing imported stuff that ends up being too expensive and doesn't work.

    • @daghtus
      @daghtus 3 роки тому

      Yeah, it even made me kinda jealous. Looks really cool.

  • @Sherwin657
    @Sherwin657 3 роки тому +5

    Found you recently and been bingeing and learning so much. Thanks for sharing your hobby and knowledge

  • @williedoit3381
    @williedoit3381 3 роки тому +15

    Sir, were you born in a rocket science classroom? Is Albert Einstein a family member of yours? The way you took apart that CD player to troubleshoot the problems, was incredible. Keep up the good work sir and thank you

  • @herrmayhem1915
    @herrmayhem1915 3 роки тому +7

    I imported my car from Japan (to Australia). The FM band on the car stereo was limited to 90MHz so I could only get a few stations here. A few years after I got it the stereo died and it took out the sat nav system and air-conditioning as well as it was all integrated into a single head unit. Importing stuff from Japan is an exciting hobby.

  • @mpersad
    @mpersad 3 роки тому +9

    I really love these unusual machines you find! Terrific video.

  • @TomsManShed
    @TomsManShed 3 роки тому +19

    The Sharp was worth it just for it's happy smiley face :)

  • @nvrndingsmmr
    @nvrndingsmmr 3 роки тому

    Your sense of humor is absolutely magnificent. It takes an already great experience up yet another level and makes it that much now enjoyable hahaha

  • @elonmask50
    @elonmask50 3 роки тому +40

    Brilliant episode Matt, just needs a filippin’ ek! from one of the muppets added in after each of the Onkyo components died.

  • @freesaxon6835
    @freesaxon6835 3 роки тому +11

    That Panasonic system is in fact the computer "Deep thought" from hitch hikers guide to the galaxy 😁

  • @CandyAppleBlue
    @CandyAppleBlue 3 роки тому +6

    Thank you very much, Mat, for using our new album Second Sight on the compact disc format to demonstrate the features of the Panasonic SA-PM50MD Mini System and the Sharp SD-FX200 portable device. The Panasonic has a very sleek-looking and "eyecatching" design indeed, while the latter is much more intergalactic looking. We agree with you 100% that bidding on these old audio systems on various auction sites "is a bit of a gamble but then again that is all part of the fun." Have a great weekend. Signing off with gratitude. ~ Candy Apple Blue

  • @LeeBergerMediaProd
    @LeeBergerMediaProd 3 роки тому +13

    No jump cuts! I just realized after watching many of your videos you don’t take the easy way out by editing several takes together and living with jump cuts. Bravo!

  • @rickm.2956
    @rickm.2956 3 роки тому

    You have no idea how much I look forward to seeing your new videos, Mat.

  • @a1white
    @a1white 3 роки тому +9

    Those orange lights give that Sharp boombox an hilarious face 😂

  • @justaguy1253
    @justaguy1253 3 роки тому +49

    A video on UMDs would be neat. I recently found out that not only movies were on the format but even some music albums got released.

    • @worldcomicsreview354
      @worldcomicsreview354 3 роки тому +8

      Oddly, they seem to have been for games only in Japan, never seen movie ones. Thier star has also waned considerably, you can find packs of 10 loose ones clingfilmed together for ¥1000. Probably all crap (or dated sports) games though, no Liberty City Stories buried in there!

    • @iaincowell9747
      @iaincowell9747 3 роки тому +3

      @@worldcomicsreview354 Japan did have movie UMDs.

    • @lShishkaBerryl
      @lShishkaBerryl 3 роки тому

      I've found a digital archive of the ripped videos but no music, I'll keep an ear out for it

    • @justaguy1253
      @justaguy1253 3 роки тому

      @@lShishkaBerryl yeah I personally own the Nirvana album but I’ve seen a Bob Marley and a Metallica one.

  • @alexeisavrasov888
    @alexeisavrasov888 3 роки тому +3

    Mate, I just wanted to say I've really enjoyed your videos over the years. Even when you're talking about complete crap machinery it's fun. And I love the end credits music. Please keep doing what you do so well!
    My Aiwa TPR-950, my pick for best boombox ever made, was stolen in the early 1990s and I don't think I've ever fully recovered.
    cheers from Oz

  • @0xyg3n
    @0xyg3n 3 роки тому

    This is the ultimate mildly interesting channel. It's bliss.

  • @Bullorg
    @Bullorg 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you for all the high quality content.

  • @UnprotectedDesignFlaw
    @UnprotectedDesignFlaw 3 роки тому +6

    Man, I love this videos; you're living the dream I once had.

  • @lklpalka
    @lklpalka 3 роки тому +19

    Mr. Carlson diagnosing the Onkyo issues would be an interesting UA-camr collab.

    • @lucassquire4768
      @lucassquire4768 3 роки тому

      The problem is, it needs a retrofit Magic Eye Tube, which i have instructions for on my patreon

    • @watershed44
      @watershed44 3 роки тому

      @Ed Lewis
      Yes it would I wish somehow they would do a few collaborations!

  • @TechBaffle
    @TechBaffle 3 роки тому +1

    Loving the new intro, combining new with retro!

  • @amrooo1997
    @amrooo1997 3 роки тому +1

    I literally understand nothing about speaker nor minidisks player but the way you showed me all of these with so much love really cool great keep it up man

  • @castlephoenixandsculptureg6467
    @castlephoenixandsculptureg6467 3 роки тому +7

    I have replaced over 100 spin motors when I was a technician same problem!

  • @stepanrebik6776
    @stepanrebik6776 3 роки тому +5

    Man do I enjoy your content

  • @elizondoalonso
    @elizondoalonso 3 роки тому +1

    You're the star every week I like to watch to. Have a Blessed week!

  • @sporkafife
    @sporkafife 8 місяців тому

    Okay, the fact that ypur Bluetooth adapter firs perfectly in that little plastic notch on your boombox is the moat satisfying thing ive ever witnessed

  • @mhoppy6639
    @mhoppy6639 3 роки тому +4

    God I love this channel. Love the Panasonic system. Matt your work just gets better and better. Been with you since 1k subs and the magic that was there then is still there in spades. But as a gen X er and nearly 50 I would say that wouldn’t I? 😂

  • @frglee
    @frglee 3 роки тому +4

    If you were looking for used audio kit that looks cool, Bang and Olufson always made nice stuff. Trouble is, even old B&O stuff is not cheap nowadays, even on ebay. Maybe people collect it as an investment or something?

    • @beetooex
      @beetooex 3 роки тому

      With any old hifi I find you need to look at 'collection only' eBay auctions to get a deal. Professional sellers that will ship items wait months for someone to pay over the odds with a 'buy it now' sale or very high minimum bid.

  • @julianwalch3567
    @julianwalch3567 3 роки тому

    My Saturday morning ritual has been especially good recently-many thanks!

  • @ianfrancis3605
    @ianfrancis3605 2 роки тому

    The best channel on UA-cam in my opinion. As a Brit now living in the states, it’s great to hear a fellow Brit voice, talking about such cool stuff. If there is something you think I could help you find across the pond, just let me know.

  • @AndersEngerJensen
    @AndersEngerJensen 3 роки тому +8

    WTH? We've been shipping speakers on air freights for years... why would they suddenly affect planes today? Have they been drinking in Asia or what? I mean, I have several pilot friends who can confirm that normal mobile phones today isn't even interfering with air travel - it's just a notion to "be on the safe side to avoid trouble and potential lawsuits". :P But speaker magnets? Makes no sense.

    • @highpath4776
      @highpath4776 3 роки тому

      Depends on the ?Au? unit of magentism I suppose. Do magnets affect wireless coms now ?

    • @randomnickify
      @randomnickify 3 роки тому +1

      "Be on the safe side to avoid trouble and potential lawsuits" ... you did answer yourself :)

  • @maxdefranker
    @maxdefranker 3 роки тому +3

    Highlight of my weekend? Watching a new episode of techmoan!

  • @erik365365365
    @erik365365365 3 роки тому

    As usual another great vid! Idk why but this topic has me hooked! I have such a small tape collections and a smattering of boom boxes from the 80s and 90s so I’m not in the boat of needing to buy one. For some reason seeing this old tech and finding the break point when tape decks and such just weren’t good anymore is such a throw back!

  • @WelteMax
    @WelteMax 3 роки тому

    Great shirt! I love paisley - certainly in 2160p! Keep up the great work with the musical retro-tech.

  • @ericthemauve
    @ericthemauve 3 роки тому +21

    Surface Mail from Japan to the UK is cheaper than by air Matt. You just need to wait for a while.

    • @CypherAod
      @CypherAod 3 роки тому +2

      2-3 months usually!

    • @kennethmendenhallii1598
      @kennethmendenhallii1598 3 роки тому

      I really wish you'd said Ground Mail because there would be a terrible joke to be made haha

    • @filminginportland1654
      @filminginportland1654 3 роки тому +4

      Surface is always cheaper than Air Mail, but not every seller (or repackager) offers it. And during this pandemic, I’ve noticed surface shipments across any distance has been extremely iffy, with many packages either showing up insanely late after getting lost for a while, or not showing up at all.
      So I’ve had to use higher-grade shipping options just to ensure I even get things and that they arrive in a somewhat-timely manner. It has completely hampered our department (IT), as we order stuff constantly and ship to employees worldwide. Though in Matt’s case, if surface is an option, he _would_ save a lot, he’d just need to be very, very patient and hope another ship doesn’t get stuck in the Suez Canal lol.

    • @filminginportland1654
      @filminginportland1654 3 роки тому +2

      Kenneth Mendenhall, II Not sure “joke” is the right word, but yeah I see your intent. Though many shippers still say “ground” for surface shipments that go by sea.
      I’m still frustrated that Japan has such a superior electronics market. It’s odd to me that they would sell _so many_ things that are designed & manufactured _only_ for their domestic market. They aren’t the only consumer electronics enthusiasts in the world, and you’d think they’d want to open up at least the American market due to our sheer market size.
      With twice Japan’s population, a substantially higher GDP, and a huge middle-class (yes, a large American middle class most definitely still exists), you’d think they’d utilize it more. I wouldn’t ordinarily think that a single market (their domestic market) would be enough to even make it worthwhile to develop & market a product solely for that market. I don’t know of many American companies of any real size who do that. I understand why they wouldn’t always include Europe, given all of the variations they’d encounter due to how many nations exist there (such as a multitude of different languages and voltage standards). But the US market, at least, gives you 350,000,000 customers in one market and you only have to deal with one language and one voltage.
      I remember relatives who went to Japan in the 90s and always came back with stereos and other electronics. They all said how great of a selection they have and how cheap everything is there. My dad still has my brother-in-law’s old mini component system from Japan circa 1992, and it still works & sounds fantastic. I wish similar systems were still made & sold.

    • @firesurfer
      @firesurfer 3 роки тому +3

      @@filminginportland1654 The electronics market is very fickle in Japan. They want only the best and newest, most unique items. Products become dated in only a few months. As a consequence they make only a limited number of a certain item. There is no point in making it available for a wider market. Once it's sold, it's gone.

  • @Brookspirit
    @Brookspirit 3 роки тому +4

    I can't unsee the face on that boombox.

  • @battlepants5818
    @battlepants5818 3 роки тому

    I always enjoy your videos with a nice cup of coffee!

  • @Kylefassbinderful
    @Kylefassbinderful 3 роки тому

    Wow you updated your intro. It looks GREAT!!!

  • @ZGryphon
    @ZGryphon 3 роки тому +12

    The aesthetic on that Panasonic unit reminds me of nothing so much as the control panel for the PA system at my high school. All it's missing is a mic on a bendy arm and another box with toggle switches for all the rooms. :)

  • @Agri458
    @Agri458 3 роки тому +7

    Get in... another techmoan video about my favourite type of hifi!

  • @lobsterwhisperer7932
    @lobsterwhisperer7932 2 роки тому +1

    I'm interested in all types of HI-FI equipment and I've learned so much from this channel, thanks.

  • @philgallagher1
    @philgallagher1 2 роки тому

    I do love the way Techmoan spends the best part of half an hour advising us of the pros & cons and do's & don't's of something then at the end says it's probably best ignoring whatever he just said! Nice work, Mat!
    I am still happier finding out what he thinks about something before pulling the trigger, though!

  • @theodoretekkers
    @theodoretekkers 3 роки тому +38

    I imagine you'll see a broken MD player outside Techmoan's window! 🤣

    • @peterg.8245
      @peterg.8245 3 роки тому +4

      Early SNL style throwing the TVs out the window

    • @theodoretekkers
      @theodoretekkers 3 роки тому

      @@peterg.8245 you're right 🤣

    • @atles8379
      @atles8379 3 роки тому +2

      Or a stack of "knackered items" 😊

    • @Steve-GM0HUU
      @Steve-GM0HUU 3 роки тому +1

      Guys at TM's local recycling centre must think, "Here he comes again, another boot load of electronic junk"? 😀

  • @devian1907
    @devian1907 3 роки тому +7

    For the discplayer , there is speed adjustment trimmer near the cd drive motor. İf you turn it up a little bit to give more power to the motor, i think that cd player might work perfectly.

  • @Tumathy
    @Tumathy 3 роки тому

    I am unsure if you read the comments, but the quality of your videos, both visually and content-wise is fantastic...

  • @thebenalvarez
    @thebenalvarez 3 роки тому

    YT algorithm dropped your channel in my feed. This channel is top notch! That Panasonic hardware would have been so cool to have when I was a kid. Looks like something from the Apollo program that I’ve seen at Johnson Space Center.

  • @tenchuu007
    @tenchuu007 3 роки тому +3

    That second one was very much the style in the early 2000s. I had a quite similar one.

  • @Gabriel87100
    @Gabriel87100 3 роки тому +5

    10:54 this actually looks like it would be right at home inside the White Base in the original Gundam anime series.

  • @panaceiasuberes6464
    @panaceiasuberes6464 3 роки тому

    Amazing video as always.

  • @orbit3042
    @orbit3042 3 роки тому

    I always learn a lot from your videos. Cheers.

  • @Seth-hc2bj
    @Seth-hc2bj 3 роки тому +12

    Good God that panasonic machine is beautiful

  • @cjc363636
    @cjc363636 3 роки тому +2

    The Panasonic just looked so cool and odd. Like 80s medical tech or - like you said - space ship console. Just as a display object, it's really neat.

  • @nicwilson6587
    @nicwilson6587 3 роки тому

    I do enjoy Saturday TechMoan. Thanks Mat

  • @fehercsongor7091
    @fehercsongor7091 2 роки тому +2

    That Panasonic system looks incredible, so futuristic and unique. It reminds me of the first Resident Evil movie's production design.

  • @halbmetallmensch
    @halbmetallmensch 3 роки тому +7

    Woah, at first I thought the Panasonic system looks really cheap, which Techmoan pretty much confirmed. But all lit up it looks so amazing, and I love the cover over the CD player!

    • @armchairgeneralissimo
      @armchairgeneralissimo 3 роки тому

      Exactly my thoughts unpowered it looked like some old millitary junk fresh from the 80s.

    • @watershed44
      @watershed44 3 роки тому

      @BenNew
      Panasonic items especially the low level and some mid range stuff did come off looking cheap but they still were really durable and reliable when it comes to actually working.

  • @a4andrei
    @a4andrei 3 роки тому +6

    Well, a very common fault on older systems is the dreaded capacitor. Maybe something in the power supply is messed up and can't supply enough current. Surface-mounted electrolytic capacitors are notorious for leaking and drying out.

  • @karlandersson4350
    @karlandersson4350 2 роки тому

    The second system looks amazing. I love that.

  • @tararenemartin
    @tararenemartin 3 роки тому

    Thanks, Matt! Excellent video as always!

  • @uK8cvPAq
    @uK8cvPAq 3 роки тому +23

    Capacitor problems causing the voltages to sag on the first one?

    • @tookitogo
      @tookitogo 3 роки тому +3

      My thoughts exactly!

    • @lklpalka
      @lklpalka 3 роки тому +3

      Time to bring in Mr. Carlson!

    • @dexter2811
      @dexter2811 3 роки тому +1

      Probably

    • @tomahan044
      @tomahan044 3 роки тому +1

      Definitely a psu problem

    • @kwerk2011
      @kwerk2011 2 роки тому

      Having to manually "kick-start" the full size disc was a pretty perfect physical demonstration of what the caps should be doing.

  • @CriticalEatsJapan
    @CriticalEatsJapan 3 роки тому +28

    Awesome! Come visit Japan after travel bans are lifted and go on a shopping spree! ;)

    • @sittingstill3578
      @sittingstill3578 3 роки тому +5

      That would be an awesome collection of videos. Then he could ride trains and understand why so many people love them.

    • @DJNeiloSF
      @DJNeiloSF 3 роки тому +4

      I'm looking forward to doing that 😀. Besides Hard-Off, are there any particular stores you recommend in Japan for used audio equipment?

    • @handlesarefeckinstupid
      @handlesarefeckinstupid 3 роки тому +1

      Shine if he got together with Chris Broad from Abroad in Japan and went shopping...

    • @CriticalEatsJapan
      @CriticalEatsJapan 3 роки тому

      @@DJNeiloSF Maybe some local spots you might come across depending where you go, but yeah HardOff would be a safe bet.

  • @b-macjsp3550
    @b-macjsp3550 3 роки тому

    I truly admire the new intro. 💻👌

  • @Five-O_Reviews
    @Five-O_Reviews 3 роки тому

    Hi Mat, I stumbled across your videos about a week ago, searching for "SSI" Cineplex 200 Audio Home Theater System, I had one in the 2000's and I loved it, cheap and functional. I believe it was made locally in California. Some searching brings up not much info. Anyway I've already watched so many of your videos that every suggested one shows "watched" now! I'm HOOKED!

  • @rucker69
    @rucker69 3 роки тому +11

    The whole "interference with aircraft systems" twattle is exactly that. No speaker magnet is going to disrupt an aircraft system. Likewise, it's just as laughable that a personal cell phone can disrupt an aircraft system.

    • @daviddavidson2357
      @daviddavidson2357 3 роки тому +3

      @@AnnaJulia-vx2rm You could pack a plane with magnets and the only thing it will _maybe_ do is affect the onboard compass, which is stored in the nose of the plane so you would really need to fill the entire plane up with supermagnets and then you're probably going to run into more pressing issues, like these giant magnets getting stuck to each other or sticking to steel parts of the plane. When I say supermagnets I mean the ones that have warning signs and you need to wear padded gloves (so you can get a trapped hand out without removing your skin and not breaking bones) when handling them whilst being careful not to get pinned in a way that'll crush your bones.
      Think of the amount of magnetic toys told on amazon, the amount of magnet fishing magnets sold and other magnets that are totally unshielded and sold daily and shipped via airmail.
      Firstly the magnets need to be moving in a way that the poles change to induce an electromotive force in any cabling next to them and when I say move I don't mean jostle around slightly, I mean spin freely or move past a wire and back again repeatedly.
      As for phones, plenty of airplanes offer cell service onboard now with their own cell to satellite transceiver. A phone can induce current (I had a weird issue where my mouse would scroll randomly until I tied it to getting a text message as my phone was right beside my mouse cable), however critical aircraft cabling is shielded, at worst everyone using their phones at once might cause some clicking on the radio.

    • @cheapasstech
      @cheapasstech 3 роки тому

      The reason you shouldn’t use cellphones one aircraft is because you pass between cells too fast which will mess with the network on the ground... and imagine an entire plane talking on cellphones... sigh

  • @enp82003
    @enp82003 3 роки тому +4

    This is your second video that I remember you talking about your experience with bad PlayStations from the day. I didn't experience that here in the us or atleast didn't happen to anyone I knew. Would make an interesting video

    • @ZGryphon
      @ZGryphon 3 роки тому +3

      I vaguely remember something about an early batch tending to have short-lived disc mechanisms, but I can't remember the details. It wasn't on the scale of, say, the Xbox 360 "red ring of death" issue.

    • @enp82003
      @enp82003 3 роки тому +1

      @@ZGryphon yes I think every old 360 has a death clock with their cheap solder.

    • @ZGryphon
      @ZGryphon 3 роки тому +6

      @@enp82003 I was in the electronics section of a big-box store once, years ago, and their display 360 had the RRoD. When I mentioned it to the kid working the electronics counter, he replied with a perfectly straight face, "It's a demo unit. It's _supposed_ to show what the product does." :)

    • @enp82003
      @enp82003 3 роки тому +3

      @@ZGryphon hahaha. Oh man ps3 was the same though with over heating and having to reflow to get the thing working. Sucks such big name companies make things that won't last. If there is another reviewer 40 years from now reviewing old tech they are gonna have a hell of time finding working anything.

    • @johnjaleco5683
      @johnjaleco5683 3 роки тому +1

      I had a cd32 that from new only read discs when it was upside down . Sent it back and the replacement was still working up to last year.

  • @Zwiesel66
    @Zwiesel66 2 роки тому

    Thank you for this very helpful and informative video.

  • @StarSetByte
    @StarSetByte 3 роки тому

    Seeing that through the wire 8inch CD always brings a smile to my face

  • @FlippytheMasterofPie
    @FlippytheMasterofPie 3 роки тому +3

    One of the great things about Japan and America’s relationship throughout the years since WWII is the lack of import duties for items under $200. Although nowadays in the COVID era, since Japan Post isn’t delivering to the USA, you’d have to use a service like UPS or DHL and that can cause the price to jump up pretty high. At least DHL is fast, I guess

  • @graealex
    @graealex 3 роки тому +5

    Oh wow, the bogus "magnets will interfere with airplanes" explanation.

  • @SlickEd91
    @SlickEd91 3 роки тому

    Another awesome video man

  • @musichead4555
    @musichead4555 3 роки тому

    What a gem, also digging the looks