r/8track • u/jokevik • 15d ago
8-Track Setup Help
Hi all - new to vintage audio equipment and decided to get my hands on an 8-track player recently.
I also bought the speakers shown here and am wondering what wires I need to connect them.
Additionally I’d welcome any other beginners advice on what gear I’ll need / other things I should know to get my setup up and running.
Thank you in advance!
1
u/Perna1985 15d ago
In addition while you're on Amazon buying those wires, look for the long Q-tips with the wooden handle like the doctor would stick in your throat or up your nose. And get yourself some 90% isopropyl alcohol. You'll want to clean the 8-track head, the two copper contacts, and the capstand using them. I would also put a little dab of liberty synthetic clock oil just under the pulley on the motor to lubricate the bearing, and then another one at the base of the capstand, and just below the flywheel on the capstand the synthetic clock oil will soften up the old grease while lubricating the bearings and make the player work better.
1
u/Vincentus_Eruptum 13d ago
Open the unit and check the belt. On machines that old it often needs to be replaced. Not a very expensive or difficult repair, but necessary.
Also prepare yourself to spend time servicing 8-tracks, mainly the pads (they are often reduced to dust) and the splice. And once in a while respooling the entire tape...
3
u/coffeeandtrout 15d ago
RCA Plug to speaker wire, something like this, order length by how far away you want your speakers. Plus you can hook up a vintage Record Player without buying a phono preamp, it’s built in.
www.amazon.com/Speaker-18AWG-Adapter-Cable-UIInosoo/dp/B097XP8FKZ
If you like those speakers look for Minimus Sevens, greatly underrated speakers, in my neighborhood I see them from $10 to way more than is reasonable. They are a surprise in a little box.