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My SONY 43 Walkman Collection & growing, new member JohnEdward

johnedward - 2009-01-18 21:10

NOTE : Models added after 4-25-09 have a blinking smiley before model number. I try to add new purchases in approximate order of release by Sony. My chance to show off my babies. I owned a WM-3 as my first Walkman bought new in 83 after college and it worked 22 years !! After several years of garbage Coby players I hit on idea to find my first Sony WM-3 on Ebay. I did not find one but my first purchase was a Akai PM-01 in mint perfect working condition with FM tuner module, wow for $12 I was hooked. It was TOO BIG to use while riding bike 17 miles. Could not believe items this old could be found this great condition and I became obsessed with learning and collecting. Now after 9 months I have 146 Walkmans many I think worthy of collecting. I currently have 44 Sony's plus Ultra Rare Sony BBS-10 Boodo Khan Body System NIB with BDR-10 Headphones with Boodo mechanical shaker system ( extra plug to power this separate from stereo signal to headphones). OMG expensive but SOO KEWL! See my Boodo Khan Body System topic for more info and pictures of this most unique rare Sony promotional item for dealers.
Here are my Sony models hope you enjoy and love to hear what you think of my start in just few months. About 1/3 of collection from EU saved on shipping as had sent to Germany and friend brought back at Xmas in suitcase and another 16 in March. When he said 14 walkmans customs said "WHAT" show us!
LIST of SONY's
MODEL # Purchase From
1. TPS-L2 ( England ) released July 1979
2. SRF-80W (USA) 1st Portable FM w docking speakers. release date is March 1,1980
3. Eek SRF-80W ( ITALY ) MINT NEW BOXED
4. Eek WM-2 Red ( USA )
5. Eek WM-R2 Silver ( USA )
6. Eek WM-1 BOXED (USA)
7. WM-F1 (England )
8. SRF-33W (USA) release date is January 1, 1981 Third FM only Walkman after SRF-40W
9. WM-3 (USA)
10. WM-4 (Red) WITH matching Red Sony Speakers SRS-3(CANADA )
11. WM-5 Silver (USA)
12. WM-5 Black (USA)
Don't hate me AgentOrange - it was your comment some time ago that you had never seen one that had me notice this one or would have passed on it since had silver already. I think this is one of my rarest most valuable and best bargain out of 60 I have.
13. Eek WM-5 BLACK my second one Yes have TWO of these RARE beauty's
14. WM-F5 Black (England)
15. WM-F5 Yellow (USA)
16. Eek SRF-35W ( USA ) Equalizer
17. Eek WM-7 (USA) Silver 1st logic controlled walkman
18. WM-DC2 (England orig. owner) MY PRIZE
19. Eek WM-10 Silver with SRS-10 active folding speakers
20. WM-F10/w orig. Headphones (Germany)Burgundy/Silver
21. WM-F10 Burgundy/silver (USA)
22. Eek WM-30 (USA) RARE RED I Agree
23. WM-60 Black (England)
24. WM-F60 Red (England)
25. Eek WM-BF57 Black
26. WM-75 (England)
27. WM-F77 (USA)
28. Eek WM-F77 Black ( USA ) 2nd one this one works perfect Smile
29. Eek WM-F107 SOLAR White (Canada)
30. WM-701C/wBox (England) 10th Anniversary Black Boxed set (701S or 701T rarest)
32. WM-EX1HG only missing box (Germany)15th Anniversary model chrome
33. WM-EX2HG ( Germany )
33. WM-DD11 (Germany)
34. WM-EX5 (USA) 50th Anniversary of Sony Corp.
35. WM-FX485 (Germany)
36. WM-EX500 not work(Germany)
37. WM-EX550 boxed (Germany)
38. WM-EX615 NIB (England)
39. WM-FQ01 (USA)
40. WM-WE01 (Australia) 20th Anniversary Japan release only full wireless
41. WM-EX20 (USA) 20th Anniversary International
model Stainless Steel Thinest Walkman, player/remote
42. WM-EX20 BOXED perfect 10 condition & working
43. Eek WM-EX49 ( England ) Black

johnedward - 2009-01-18 21:28

THE FIRST WALKMAN TPS-L2 I got this from England. Still works Wow. The one that started it all.











THE second model for Sony was the WM-2. A upscale unique offering built on same WM-2 but with added duel built in microphones and for the time excellent recording qualities the WM-R2. Thank you fellow member Ken Knee for this player. The WM-R2 came in Black and Silver.
The black is stunning looking but it appears the silver is the more rare color.
Info from pocketcalculatorshow.com.
1982. Sony's first recording Walkman. Yes, another valuable model. Yes, we want one.




johnedward - 2009-01-18 21:42

Posted Sat May 16 2009 07:59 PM
A great little machine for the second Sony Walkman model (from indications the WM-1/WM-F1 came out after as a cost competing model without focus on reduction in size). Over 1.5 MILLION copies made of the venerable WM-2... LONG LIVE the Walkman! The WM-2 came in 3 colors I know of Pewter,Black and Red. I love the red with the complimentary design and hardy belt clip. Really screams early 80's. The owner manual states printed 1980.

NOTE mark is reflection of Camera.







Big Grin WM-1 BOXED SEE many more pictures end page 4 Big Grin
ALSO SONY Sales BROCHURE MINT WM-1




WM-F1










WM-3 the first walkman I owned ( more pics later)


WM-4 with SRS-3 matching red passive speakers


johnedward - 2009-01-18 21:49

My WM-5 Black came with Owner manual, Headphones MDR-30, case AND Demonstration Tape ( A Jungle Strut -D. Kume-K. Senba- THE SQUARE B Symphony No.8 -Dvorak-Arr.by T.Mori****a- Time Cycle

johnedward - 2009-01-18 22:07

NEAR PERFECT CONDITION COSMETICALLY missing one rubber snubber on front one tiny light mark BACK.
AMAZING for black color to survive so intact.










johnedward - 2009-01-18 22:15

Original Headphones MDR-30 good foam and sound actually good.



johnedward - 2009-01-18 22:22

BROTHER and SISTER WM-5's Together after 2 decades. A RARE Site


johnedward - 2009-01-18 22:27

WM-F5 BLACK in Good Condition Beware it eats tapes, needs help.
New added WM-F5 YELLOW with bungs perfect intact and working tho dreaded click barely audible yet sound is unaffected.





NOTE the TWO DIFFERENT LOGOS plus STAR



SRF-35W Walkman FM Radio with 3 band EQ. The EQ on this model really wakes up the sound a great addition to FM portable stereo.


johnedward - 2009-01-18 22:41

YES YOUR EYES DO NOT DECEIVE YOU !!! I now have TWO WM-5 BLACK BEAUTY'S. Both in near mint condition nary a mark on them.






The Silver WM-5 has MDR-A30 folding headphones with mono/stereo switch are these original to WM-5 ? Manual says MDR-30T anyone help me out here ? thanks





johnedward - 2009-01-18 23:39

WM-7 A true quality machine felt when held in hand. Comes in two colors Silver and Black. Black is definitely rare.
Following information from fellow members site www.walkmancentral.com
The WM-7 is arguably the most complex of all the Walkman models. It was the first to have electronic “logic” tape transport keys and the first to offer remote control. It is also the only model to have 3 motors, though only one of them is used for tape transport.

The introduction of the WM-7 brought several new features to the Walkman range. As well as the electronic controls, it featured auto-reverse, Dolby B noise reduction and a “hold” function that blocked all the keys when set.

The mechanical sections of the WM-7 were all new, only the motor was shared with another model, in this case the WM-2. The mechanism was made from brightly polished metal and was highly complex yet sturdy. Two sub miniature DC motors operated the clutches and the head bridge, making remote control of the reverse and stop functions possible. Other refinements included magnetic take-up clutches and a dual azimuth system which allowed the head to be aligned separately for each direction of tape travel. The mechanism was interlocked with the door catch so that all modes were released if the door was opened. The auto reverse action was triggered electronically by an optical sensor and could be switched to play the cassette once only or continuously.

To allow the casing to be as compact as possible, only 2 AA sized batteries were used, enough for the motor but not enough for the Dolby circuit. To get around this, the designers used a DC-DC converter to step up the voltage, as they had with the TC-D5. The converter was bulky, so it was placed in a space next to the battery holder.

Operation was simple. Providing the safety switch was not set to “hold”, pressing either of the two play keys would start the tape in the direction desired. Two LED indicators showed both the tape direction and the battery condition. Winding in either direction could be initiated instantly without damage as all movements were synchronised electronically. As well as having Dolby NR, the WM-7 also had a switch that allowed chrome and metal tapes to be played back correctly.

The remote control was a “first” for a personal stereo. It worked using a special pair of headphones which contained a control unit in line with the cable. The stop and reverse functions could be triggered from this device. The system operated by open-circuiting either the left or the right headphone connection, and because of this the WM-7 could not be used with some amplifier or loudspeaker systems without a special adaptor.

The WM-7 introduced some new and interesting features, but these were only achieved at the cost of massive complexity. It’s amazing how soon many of these features became available on lower cost, mid range models. Text copyright © Walkman Central. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.




Forgot to put in the proper reel cassettes so here ya go. Cant have a cassette player without a tape.



ao - 2009-01-19 02:35

Oh superb, another collector with taste. I love your black WM-5, this is a very special unit, great condition too. Did you find it with the MDR-30s?

A little history on this unit, the WM-5 was Sony's first attempts to put the WM-2 in a metal case. The issue Sony had here was that they were unable to retain the external volume control due to the constraints with the moulding. This is why you see the clear bubble indicator. They dropped this with the DD1.

Great stash, great images, thanks for sharing.

johnedward - 2009-01-19 10:38

Why thank you Agent for compliment and if I am a collector with taste it is due to you and many others efforts to have info on the web and this site.
1. To answer your question yes the MDR-30 came with the black unit I assume that is correct for model even tho manual says MDR-30T?
2. Also can you or anyone tell me is the folding MDR-A30 that came with my Silver WM-5 correct for that model?
3. Am I correct the WM-F5 black model is rarest of the 5 colors?
4. Would you and other members venture a guess as to value of the three models fully functioning with headphones/manual/cases/demo tape . ( no boxes )

johnedward - 2009-01-19 10:56

Patience all, later tonight I will add the next 5 models WM-F10 w headphones, WM-F60, WM-F77, WM-701C orig. box, WM-EX1HG. Then will finish with the lesser desirable but fun later models.

I will then introduce my Big Grin TOSHIBA Leaving Collection actually my favorite Mfg. with 18 models. NOW LISTED Am most proud to have all early models KT-R1, KT-R2, KT-S1, KT-S2, KT-S3 and the Japan only release KT-VS1 all with FM tuner modules ( dog need the red AM module)
MY TOSHIBA COLLECTION

johnedward - 2009-01-19 18:47

Evening all here are 2 pictures of WM-F10,WM-F60, WM-F77, WM-701C, Wm-EX1HG ( totally impossible to photograph darn chrome ) I will post many more of each next 2 days takes to long time to upload pics but worth high quality you can zoom in a lot. There is a WM-60 black on walkman musuem page mine is Red F60 and think stereo2go said his favorite was the sibling WM-F77 which have the two in single photo pretty kewl siblings. Same chassis I think. JOHN



SRS-10 ACTIVE folding compact speaker system for walkmans. For its size the two AA batteries really can wake up the sound compared to a passive walkman only powered speaker. Really love how small it folds to. Fellow member has pictured on his great collection post a SRS-20 which may just be a SRS-10 with model number 20 indicating Europe ?





WM-10 with the SRS-10 active mini speakers. I believe it appears almost like it was designed to match the WM-10 as the 10 in SRS matches and they are nearly identical in size. The pair make a perfect traveling portable stereo. The baby in picture is my 3 month old son in 1992 wearing YES CAN IT BE..... SONY headphones and listening to my WM-3 walkman... he was brainwashed at young age to be a walkboy !!! Behind it is my center slice cut out of Amethyst quartz geode with mining figures in pewter inside and pewter train on top. I owned a jewelery store in 80's a left over trinket.




ITS A SONY S symbol - decal appears that the Red dotted S Sony symbol ran from 1981 to 1991/92 roughly a decade of use. Here are 5 of my models that still have sticker on them. See Wombats good post on subject, search Any SONY experts?



EXTREAMLY ELUSIVE RARE RED WM-30

THE RED COLOR APPEARS TO BE VERY HARD TO FIND
















Here are some additional shots of the WM-30 with less traditional background to kick up the image fun a bit. My High School and College photography classes may be paying off ... and a LOT of time and effort taking 100 shots and using 6 Big Grin
Twenty years ago had a hobby in the gemological field so enjoy the unique backdrops. Have added my two WM-F10's and WM-10 to round out this posting on these wonderful albeit fragile design triumphs by Sony Engineering.





HAVE TO HAVE THAT REEL TO REEL LOOK I Agree



johnedward - 2009-01-19 18:52

THE RED WM-F60 I bought out of England. Hard to appreciate the red brushed and metalflake metal front panel does not show well in pictures. Love this unit enough buttons etc. to keep one busy for hours Razz Sadly after next month tv air signal goes the way of the DODO bird.















johnedward - 2009-01-19 19:16

The siblings WM-F60 and WM-F77




Now have two one works excellent other slight belt wow/flutter

johnedward - 2009-01-19 19:21

the basics of walkman collecting for Sony TPS-L2 and the 10th Anniversary WM-701C











johnedward - 2009-01-19 19:26

The WM-EX1HG is simply awful to photograph. No matter where I move or light object it reflects something from room on surface. To listen to piano on this player is heaven , so warm and true sounding. I Agree
15th Anniversary and 15 FEATURES
① alkaline batteries and rechargeable batteries used in "36 hours continuous playback."
② The time of three minutes to find a song song "25 times faster than searching for music."
③ pop pop in the cassette single push "One-push eject"
④ quickly at the busy morning hours of charging two "five-minute quick charge."
⑤ cue want fast songs "9 Songs & scan music songs find"
⑥ repeated many times to hear songs like "a song repeat remember songs."
⑦ SUPPORI to get breast pocket "20mm thin size."
⑧ firmly prevent unexpected malfunction "hold shutter thin"
⑨ emphasized vocals and low-range "features vocals up $ EXD.BB circuit"
⑩ thin, durable body, "high-strength aluminum alloy magnesium formulation"
⑪ checking the operating status at a glance "LCD remote control batteries Notice"
⑫ freely choose a place to attach "with a remote control WANIGUCHIKURIPPU"
⑬ involving hard to adopt a strong code "HAIGUREHEDDOHON reduced sound leakage."
⑭ friendly sound to the ear "comfort volume switch (AVLS)"
⑮ swinging sounds of listening hard to walk, "guard mechanical shaking sound"











autoreverser - 2009-01-20 01:51

hi john, thanks for sharing your collection !

the black wm-5 is indeed an extremely rare walkman, especially in that condition, must admit i'm a bit envy !

isolator42 - 2009-01-20 06:56

Wow, don't think I've ever even seen a WM-F60.
I have a WM-60 & they appear to be rare enough...
I can see the similarities between the two.
I guess the WM-F60 is a Japan only model?

johnedward - 2009-01-20 07:26

On Walkman museum site under the list of Sony's there is a WM-60 black from Norway I believe listed. I bought my red WM-F60 out of London so I would not say it was a Japan release only model. Would guess a EU model only. But definitely do not think available in USA or Canada. Glad you enjoyed viewing collection. Much more to follow in other manufacturing models I have. My favorites are the AKAI and TOSHIBA's but one can not be collector without some great Sony's.

rerooted - 2009-01-20 17:17

as far as the wm-f5 goes i looked on a japenese website and found some. yellow seems to be the most common but there are a fair amount of black ones around. there are 2 other really cool colors issued that were shown. one was issued for i think the hawaiian islands and the other for okanowa. i have never seen either of these 2 for sale anywhere.

johnedward - 2009-01-20 20:17

I believe you are correct on the two Okinawa and Hawaiian colors total made was 5 colors yellow, black, red, blue and green. Anyone have picture of matching color in ear headphones for the WM-F5?

johnedward - 2009-01-20 20:29

Here is final installment of pictures. The NIB from England (seems later models much more available than in states from EU) WM-615. Very nice sounding unit but mechanism is certainly not quiet engaging like the 701C. Also the WM-EX500 and WM-EX550 boxed but not new. These two I would consider budget models. I know many of you feel the 90's and later not worth collecting but as new collector I love listening to my Walkmans and some of the later ones sound amazing. Also in another 10 years these will be getting very old too and collectable but agreed never to degree the first 5 years were. The mid/late 80's plastic gimmick ridden poor quality generally for price point selling hold least interest for me and ones I have acquired they are most often ones that do not work.






ao - 2009-01-21 04:50

viennasound - 2009-01-22 02:09

Very lovely walkmans! Nod Yes
I like those "new wave" design too.
Perfect collection.

isolator42 - 2009-01-22 05:44

quote:
Originally posted by JohnEdward:
I have one very similar to that one in the middle. Mine's model number is WM-EX506. Got it on eBay BNIB for £6.99. Nice all metal casework & very good sounding. It's the cassette player in my in-car set up, running through the AUX-IN & sounds great. Also 1 AA battery lasts for ages... Smile

walkgirl - 2009-01-28 01:20

Yes Big Grin, those are fantastic walkmans!

I have 2 new in the box wm615 walkmans, the white
ones Smile

johnedward - 2009-03-15 20:38

This WM-75 “Sports” model was compact, but far from basic. As one of the smallest models in the series, one might expect it would be fairly simple, though this was not true. Features such as Dolby B NR, switchable auto-reverse, metal tape compatibility and dual headphone sockets were all included, and the mechanism was of high quality all-metal construction.

The design of the cassette viewing window in the style of a ship’s porthole was a humorous touch, but, as if to balance this with a little practicality, the metal plated rim was raised. This, along with two silver studs at the bottom of the cassette door, protected the finish against scratches if the machine was placed face down. Text copyright © Walkman Central. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

johnedward - 2009-03-15 20:41


johnedward - 2009-03-15 20:56

Not really into the FM only models but figured a good collection should have examples of earliest models. I really love listening to this SRF-80W at my desk still sounds amazing for size/age.
WALKMAN CENTRAL
The SRF-80W may seem somewhat out of place in this section, but it is an important model and worthy of attention. The package came in two parts, a pocket-sized AM/FM stereo receiver and a large stereo loudspeaker/amplifier unit into which the receiver fitted. Like the TPS-L2 of the previous year, the SRF-80W radio unit functioned only with headphones; it had no internal loudspeaker. It was the next stereo headphone product launched after the TPS-L2 and the only new model of this type released in 1980.

The idea of a pocket radio of course was nothing new. However, combining a quality stereo radio with lightweight headphones was a real step ahead. The SRF-80W radio was unusually small for what it could do, offering full coverage of the MW and FM bands and including such refinements as slow-motion tuning, an FM stereo decoder (complete with “mono” switch and LED indicator) and a dual concentric volume control that could be used to alter the “balance” of the sound. 3 “AAA” batteries fitted in the rear provided the power, whilst the FM antenna was formed by the headphone lead. This model was the perfect complement to a miniature stereo tape player like the TPS-L2, until manufacturers managed to combine both functions into one unit.
The loudspeaker unit made the SRF-80W far more useful than an ordinary pocket radio. The unit contained, along with two respectable loudspeakers, a powerful amplifier, tone controls, an FM rod antenna and a timer function. When the two units were assembled together, the radio drew its power from the four “C” sized cells housed in the loudspeaker unit, or from an external mains adaptor. This was a good idea as “AAA” cells have always been expensive for the amount of power they can provide, explaining perhaps why so few Walkman models use them. When securely docked, the rod antenna was also connected, making the one in the headphone lead unnecessary. All connections were made automatically using connection points at the bottom of the radio and a special shielded contact assembly in the loudspeaker unit. To release the radio, all one had to do was to press the “eject” key on the top of the cabinet. An orange key on the top left of the loudspeaker unit functioned as a timer, playing the radio for one hour after it was pressed. For continuous use, the slide switch on the radio could be used instead. Ejecting the radio from the loudspeaker unit automatically cancelled the timer. Two tone switches were fitted, one to enhance the bass and one for the treble. They could be used in combination, giving four characteristics of tone. No volume control was fitted to the loudspeaker unit, the one in the radio was used.

The TPS-L2 owner would have appreciated the final refinement: It was possible to connect the headphone output of this machine directly into the amplifier of the loudspeaker unit, meaning that one could also listen to cassettes at a good volume. In this mode, the volume control of the cassette player was used to regulate to sound, and the tone controls and timer of the SRF-80W loudspeakers still functioned. The radio unit could be left in place as the connection of an external source automatically disconnected it.

Despite being a headphone stereo, the name “Walkman” was never applied to the SRF-80W. This policy changed when a new, simpler FM-only pocket radio, the SRF-40, was introduced a year later. Text copyright © Walkman Central. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

johnedward - 2009-03-15 21:05

Sony SRF-40W release date is June 1,1980 the second FM walkman I believe ( not picture/don't have)

Sony SRF-33W release date is January 1, 1981

johnedward - 2009-03-15 21:07

Added a second WM-F10 ( my 23 yr old sons favorite now he has his own and he even likes 70's Rock and Roll THERE IS HOPE !! )

johnedward - 2009-03-15 21:15

In my reading over past threads saw that another member had this ODD model. Oddly enough the wierd psychadelic color scheme is different on his than mine. The belt holder has to be unique. WM-FQ01


johnedward - 2009-03-15 21:28

I have focused in the Sony line on acquiring ALL the Anniversary models. First TPS-L2 and then 5th (WM3EX STILL NEED), 10th WM-701C (Boxed black)see earlier in this thread, 15th WM-EX1HG chrome (warmest smooth sounding Walkman I know of,see earlier this thread) and finally 20th Anniversary (2 models) WM-WE01 Japan release only, WM-EX20 International Stainless Steel Bling !
I understand there are some other models with 10 or 15th year anniversary on box but believe the above are good examples of official Sony Release, noted the WM-701S silver/or Tiffiny are also official VERY limited offerings and out of my wallets range.
HELP - ANY ONE have remote and headphones for the WM-WE01 PM me please !!


johnedward - 2009-03-15 21:35

WM-EX20 International 20th Anniversary with SURROUND SOUND mode unique to this model only I believe for Sony. Thinnest Walkman 16.9mm. Amazing 100 hr gumstick/AA combined. Forgive pictures it is hard to photo the Stainless Steel. NOTE: Back of model has half window with spinning wheel while playing that says "WALKMAN ESTABLISHED 1979" and changes direction with tape ! Very nice touch SONY.


johnedward - 2009-03-15 21:46

NOTE Serial number # 12873 which I believe is a low number ( bought from orig. owner who purchased in Japan new may explain low number). Considering the serial number of the JAPAN only release WM-WE01 of mine is # 125834 which is 10 X my EX20 and one would think far less WE01 were sold in Japan only versus Entire world for EX20. Any Thoughts or post your EX20 Serial number.



HERE IS MY SECOND WM-EX20 BOXED Some further information on this model.
Release date 10-10-1999
Stainless steel clear coated thinest body ever made by sony 16.9mm
SRS Headphone surround technology mega sound chip.
100 HOURS longest continuous play walkman made
believe WM-EX9 also has this ability.

johnedward - 2009-03-15 21:56

WM-EX5 with mirrored transparent panel and end loading. This is the most amazingly perfect cosmetically Sony I own! And it works flawlessly.
Serial number # 168251 not to low Roll Eyes
Considered to be one of the most beautiful of Sony's Walkmans.
Wt. 170gr
62 hour Stamina continuous play
Mega Bass and Groove
Dolby B
36x FF/Rwd belt tension was lighter under play tighted up for FF/Rwd this allowed less power to be used during play.
Backlit remote with penetrating ear phones
Available WM-FX5 with AM/FM digital tuner

Cool AWESOME REFLECTIVE CLOUDS and TREE EX5 beauty









NEW with Protective Sheet and BOX (note not mine for reference)

johnedward - 2009-03-15 22:22

WM-3


johnedward - 2009-03-15 22:29

What a lucky guy have both the WM-60 Black and WM-F60 Red

Walkman Central WM-60
This unusual model was never that widely known and was not available for very long, which is a shame as it had some interesting details. Barely larger than the WM-2 series (if one discounted the projecting tape transport keys), it offered Dolby B NR, auto reverse with two modes (repeat/stop) and a five band graphic equalizer, which was built into the cassette door. It also featured dual headphone sockets, something that had not been seen for a while. The supplied headphones were of the banded in-ear type and could be folded for easy storage.

Mechanically, the WM-60 was most unusual. In a time when cassette mechanisms were being increasingly assembled from molded plastic, the WM-60’s mechanical parts were mostly of pressed metal. The mechanism was quite complex, so many small metal parts were needed.
Normally an auto-reverse cassette transport is fairly symmetrical, operating in the same basic manner whether playing forwards or backwards. The WM-60 was different, using an asymmetrical layout that operated in a completely changed manner depending on direction. The reel clutches in particular were of contrasting design, with one being gear driven and the other friction operated. A system of two separate azimuth adjustments for the two directions of playback was fitted, as had been the case with the earlier WM-7. The arrangement was not so successful however, and proved difficult to adjust.

The WM-60 was nicely and neatly styled, with a metal cassette door, chromed control keys and a discreet colour scheme. It offered every feature one could want from a cassette player and was reasonably compact. It is strange that it was not more popular. from www.walkmancentral.com

johnedward - 2009-03-15 22:33

My WM-DC2 from England original owner who's father started a audio/music equipment store in the 40's this is the sons (now owner)personal DC2 which he had upon my request/pay to have 35 year certified Sony Tech at his store check over, set Azimuth etc. No cracked center gear and perfect function. Truly a SUPERB SONIC experience to listen to this DC2. It appears on this forum to be the finest sounding /spec walkman along with DD-9 for Sony line.

johnedward - 2009-03-15 22:41

WM-EX2HG Improvement 2 years later from EX1HG ( 15th Anniversary ) increasing continuous playback time to 50 hours.



A FAIRLY RARE 3some the EX2HG, EX5 and EX1HG ALL WORK PERFECT.

johnedward - 2009-03-15 22:56

No worries you may think I am focused and only collect SONY. I have 80 more Walkmans to post up yet in groups by manufacturing company. Yep I am stone throw away from reaching 100 Walkmans in 6 months. The World and Thrift is my shopping mall!! Smile Big Grin Cool NOW at 118 WooHoo ! Check out my 18 Toshiba's in another post.

johnedward - 2009-03-16 01:25

WM-DD11 (Eleven) Can anyone tell me much about this as it seems to be early 90's last of DD's? Very little on this forum or net. thanks

johnedward - 2009-03-29 11:35

WM-FX485 even though a plastic bodied inexpensive model I must admit the unit actually has a good quality sound and radio works excellent and plays at unusual loud volume for inexpensive player.. For a daily use this walkman actually is a GREAT choice and you don't feel bad if it fails.
Great function choices in digital screen easy to scroll through.
Partial/full auto reverse
Tape = metal/norm
Dolby B
AVLS -silly feature in my opinion
Sound Options - MegaBass/Groove
FM mode MONO/STEREO
20 PRESETS very kewl
IMPORTANT NOTE : Many walkmans that come with remote only basic play,stop,ff,rwd available function from player all extra features have to use remote.. A TOTAL PAIN especially when buying used often remotes/headphones missing. THIS UNIT has ALL functions accessable from player.
Use any headphone you want.
With Koss Porta Pro's it Rocks.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED DAILY PLAYER

ao - 2009-03-30 09:18

I'm no expert on these later models but some of them do look interesting. I was always of the thinking that Sony concentrated exclusively on the casing & ergonomics rather than the build/sound quality. Its a Mega-bass thing, boost the bass & trebble to give the illusion of range, it's all smoke & mirrors.

Isn't the WM-60 an interesting unit. I love the two totally different approaches to the mechanisms for FF & RW. And, did you know, it was the last Walkman to feature 2x headphone jacks.

johnedward - 2009-03-30 10:48

Hi AO, for most of the later models would agree that emphasis was on Glitz and features that really did not make performance what it could or should have been. With exception the WM-EX20, WM-EX1HG have excellent performance mostly judged by ear.I prefer the EX1 especially for piano as like using such very high spec/ability unit like my DC2 it is too harsh/sharp vs. the EX1 has the most amazing warm smooth delivery of sound. You have not heard a piano until its been on the EX1.. TRY IT.
Yes I do find the WM-60 quite interesting especially way F60 and 60 have volume and headphone jack on entirely different sides. I am putting up post this next day or two with great pictures of WM-60 black and WM-F60 red side by side and also picture with WM-F77 which apparently shares much of design with the 60.
Could you elaborate on the different approach to the mechanisms FF and RW. Did not know was last walkman to have 2x headphone jacks...interesting.

rerooted - 2009-03-30 20:49

as far as the 1990's go i think the panasonics with the S series out do the sony's as far as the base boost goes. i have a few of the 1980's sanyo's which to me are as good as the sony's sound. the ones with the equalizers are even better. it's probably a matter of taste plus what kind of music you like.

johnedward - 2009-03-30 21:39

Hi Rerooted..I definitely agree for the 90's my favorite's are the Panasonic RQ-S series ( V indicates am/fm). I have several with one that manual shows Frequency Response of 15-20,000 Hz very impressive for any player though it does not quote the +- 3 or 6 db. It also has a 6 mWx2 output for headphones so plays loud vs. most or 4-5 mW output except the really early 80's. Sadly no specs on Wow/flutter etc. It is a RQ-S44 and hands down of 100 walkmans I have it has to finest build quality/feel in your hand. Opening /closing lid is like a fine swiss watch. Smooth and ultra precise. Beyond sadness the seller in UK packed with too little padding and those dang heavy UK prongs on charger he had pointed toward the player.. serious dent in top side panel.. unit stuck in take up mode and wont shut off unless battery taken out... killed me when I got it. Way past my ability to repair these very small high tech units. It is Model RQ-S44. Sorry AO that was off topic some. Next few weeks will be posting info/pictures of my Panasonics all 25.

ao - 2009-03-30 23:10

Back to the WM-60. I was referring to the overly complex auto-reverse which had two totally different mechanisms for forward & reverse.

Fellow board member Tim Jarman wrote about it here - http://www.walkmancentral.com/products/wm-60

skippy1969 - 2009-03-31 06:37

Gorgeous collection John!!!! Eek Eek Nod Yes