SONY Midi-HiFi System Repair

UPDATE:
I’m running a 3-part live workshop that takes us on… ’A Time Travel Through Vintage Electronics’
We’ll dive into the tech of the times, from the 1950s all the way to 2020s.
The dates and times are still to be confirmed. But if you're reading this, then the workshop hasn't yet taken place.
If you're interested and don't want to miss out, you can sign up here:
menditmarkk.ck...
---
Mark takes in a 1989 SONY XO-D10 Midi Hi_Fi system, which is suffering from sticky belt syndrome and broken plastic. It all works out eventually, and even gets new decals!
Featured in this video is the Lighthouse (MAX) CPM100H label printer, available from the official UK distributor, Lighthouse UK:
www.lighthouse...
Please mention my channel to them if you end up buying one!
Maybe they will send me some more ribbons?
Enjoy!
Mark

[@MendItMark]

I want to try something new. Something more live. So I’m running a 3-part live workshop that takes us on… A Time Travel Through Vintage Electronics. We’ll rewind the clock, dive into the tech of the times… (and study the very history of how things were broken and repaired has evolved) From the 1950s all the way to 2020s. It's still just an idea. The dates and times are to be confirmed. But if you're reading this, then the workshop hasn't yet taken place. So if you're interested and don't want to miss out, you can sign up here: menditmarkk.ck.page/6e8fbd9521

[@robinsutcliffe-video_art]

sounds great!

[@TY-by6zu]

I am Japanese. The first thing that surprised me was that the power outlet had a fuse. This is not possible in Japan. Repairing your appliances is a craftsmanship. I respect you very much. Please continue to show us your amazing skills.

[@barthanes1]

Wow, I think you did about $400 worth of work on that $30 stereo. Thanks for taking us along. Your button hinge solution was great, I'll have to remember that one.

[@OldSonyMan]

Er..... I got one for £1.50 (same problems !)

[@alfsmith4936]

@@OldSonyMan You were robbed!

[@wildfrank]

Mark, every time I see one of your videos I am in awe of the breadth and depth of your knowledge, your work room alone is amazing as well. thank goodness there are still people like you around!!

[@JohnWeedon-u9h]

Was Mark ever in the RAF ... this is the level of knowledge aircraft technicians need to have.... great trade to selct for the youngster...

[@juelonline]

You have given that stereo more attention than Sony ever did developing it. I stand in awe of your talent.

[@joefarr3304]

Agreed... by the looks of it, it was a piece of junk when it was new. Not what people would expect from a SONY product.

[@colin4850]

@Joe Farr It all comes down to price at the end of the day I suppose. You only have to look at the crappy turntable to give you a clue, don't know they bothered with the belt drive on that one. I personally have never been a great fan of Sony Kit, but as you say, you would expect better than that.

[@stephenyoud6125]

Cost of skilled labour in Switzerland, at least 125 CHF / hour, plus a call-out fee if on site. Cost of an old Sony stereo in a house clearance.. 10 quid

[@williamjones4483]

Once he got it opened up and I saw how it was made I had to wonder did Sony really make this thing. Personally I think it was made for Sony by some other manufacturer.

[@bobert4522]

To still be working after 30 years for the most part, and I’m sure this was built down to a cost for a big box store, I wouldn’t call this crappy. Just a simple case for pay for what you get.

[@Adrian_Finn]

This man is a problem solving genius, always thoroughly entertained watching these. Would love to see mark get well over 100k subscribers!

[@andrewpoxon4528]

Words like patience and dedication don’t do you justice. I would like to think of Mr Sony showing this to his senior engineering team. Never give up, never surrender 😄

[@puciohenzap891]

Proper job again! I think the epoxy used was already worth more than the stereo itself😂

[@BarryRudge]

Your dedication to repairing cheap and cheerful Hi-fi systems is second to none and the repair costs must have far exceeded its value.

[@ssgeek4515]

Cutting a thread in the metal casing rather than using a self tapper screw is dedication.great job sir

[@endrepinter357]

hi Mark, i'm from Budapest, Hungary, just now subscribed to your channel, i love your work so much, you're saving, healing old hifi, just like me instead of throw it in the trash. And your professional tools and appliances.....simply amazing! :)

[@markkemp7608]

I worked electronics in the US Air Force starting back in 1981. Was at RAF Lakenheath and working systems on the F-111F but not at your skill level! Really enjoy your videos and your overall vibe as you work. Thank you for the videos!

[@dryroasted5599]

You did an amazing amount of hand work on this one; machined parts, hand-built wire hinges, and reprinted labels. No way you'll ever get your money back for the amount of labor you did. I hope the owner appreciates it! Thanks for taking us along.

[@mikelucinder3284]

Do you really think he does it for the money? No-one pays for a crapper like this to be repaired. It's done for KZbin content.

[@virmontisfbg]

This must have been a repair for a good friend or someone of the family considering the time and effort you spent on this thing. Fantastic work, well done!

[@DrVektor]

I'm obsessed with the brushes, even in love with them. Those brushes are the key to the heart of this repair lust.

[@ArreglandoCosas]

Mark your work is just amazing. Those little inventions to solve problems are just incredible to watch. I can only hope your customer to see the video and give you a well deserved extra money for the time and love you gave to this Sony. I love your work. I've seen all your videos. Keep them coming!

[@MVVblog]

I am sincerely impressed, for me this is the best electronics channel ever! On my KZbin channel, this Sony stereo would definitely have been thrown off the balcony.

[@sapalm3890]

Ma non è possibile, sei anche qua? Stai guardando le stesse cose che guardo io, il mondo è troppo piccolo 😂Stammi bene te e la tua famiglia, e attento alla figliola, spesso ci si rende conto del male della gente solo quando è troppo tardi. So perchè preferiresti evitare di diventare uno grosso, attirare l'attenzione è un'arma a doppio taglio, e fai bene. Comunque, di tutto quello che hai in casa, spero tu riesca a prenderti cura delle poche cose che hanno veramente importanza. E poi, tutta quell'elettronica non è certo salubre. Ciao, sei un pezzo di pane come mio papà 👋

[@bhopale1]

No one could have gone into that much details, probably given a postcode to recycling centre, hats off Mark, as I always say craftsmanship at its best.

[@GeordieAmanda]

I like the way you wire the live as the shortest length and leave a little slack on the neutral. I was taught the same way, in case you trip over the mains cable etc, the first conductor that would pull out would be the live.

[@anthonychallis2472]

I lift my hat to you. Your patience and quality workmanship is a real credit to you. I bet you got so much satisfaction out of bringing that Sony unit back to near new. As someone else posted, you took more care than Sony ever did. Pity about the turntable lid, due to the very high leverage you need extremely strong springs to stop the lid from flopping down.

[@iantyler4045]

That unit got much more love than it deserved but I salute your persistence. The labels were the icing on the cake. It's better than new now.

[@idcoxall]

I have had an interest in all things electromechanical for some 50 years now and I STILL crave the likes of your workshop.

[@joshbrannelly4039]

If you weren’t alive…this repair would never have been done….by anyone! You are an absolute legend of the craft! Hats off!

[@guyb7005]

29:39 love this man's attitude. Even frustrating events trigger his charm.

[@ryanincro17]

As soon as I saw a notification for a new upload, I rushed to the desk to setup and watch this teardown/repair. As always 10/10 video. Please keep the videos coming. You're a natural teacher!

[@stretchmorgan]

This guy is amazing. If someone could scale this kind of thing up to a factory type operation it would represent a revolution in consumerism.

[@simongrove3276]

Another fantastic repair, love the way you make and add extra parts for the broken plastic bits, pure genius

[@RoughJustice2k18]

A lot of decks from the '80s by now would suffer from "gooey belt syndrome" - a couple of hours' work to clean that mess up before fitting new belts and it all works sweetly. Australian power plugs (insulated or not) don't have fuses inside them; I never understood why the UK needed fused power plugs. You took a dusted-up '80s stereo and made it happy again, saving it from becoming landfill and giving it a second life. Nicely done! 😎

[@nathangunn7587]

I love marks repairs it's great to see someone in this day and age repair things properly and also done with care and attention to detail

[@NeilsNonsense]

Some seriously impressive improvisation and problem solving on display there. I am in awe of your skills, and in envy of all your workshop kit :)

[@WayniKlaru14344]

This is absolutely an outstanding fix. You did a lot of patience in there, mate. You save one vintage stereo in the landfill. Good for our environment. You did a pretty good job in doing some plastic surgery and braces.😉 Your channel is growing. When I came across your channel a year ago, It is just in 3k. I did not hesitate since the video is raw and has potentials and now here you are reaching to 50k. I am happy for you mate. I do believe you have the skills, patience and sense of humor plus the smile and laughs in doing so. I love electronics and just learning it. Watching all your videos about repairs and troubleshooting. You inspire me to pursue as a hobby in tinkering old electronic stuffs. Thank you so much. Excited for your next video. Keep doing what you do. More power !! God bless. Your avid fan in the Philippines and lives now in the States, Washington DC. God bless.

[@TomLymberopoulos-du5he]

Absolute delight watching you fixing the Technics Cassette Deck & the Sony Midi Stereo. You are a talented Technician I don't think there would be a HIFI job you wouldn't be able to fix. I liked the way you made some parts to fix the Play Buttons on the Sony HIFi. Hope to see more of your outstanding talent :)

[@jabl]

Lipstick on a pig, and what a lipstick that was. The hinges are brilliant! Your improvisational skills are on par with some of the greatest jazz musicians.

[@mgrsdgfsdafsdgrsdgfsdg6980]

Title should be more like, "Sony Midi-WhyFi Repair". Great Job Mark.

[@DimRoditis]

I enjoy the decisive and effective way you attack the various issues Sir! Kudos for your professionalism.

[@joannapaul5220]

My God.. you are so detailing.. amazing technical skills.. you literally speak kindness to these equipments... God bless you.. I am from India..

[@haom95]

Hi Mark I'm from Colombia, I have a Fisher Midi Hi-Fi System also, and I really found here in this channel a lot of helpful information to fix it. My issue is with the right left channel. I found that Power IC from that side need to be replaced. Very helpful this video. Is the first time I see this channel, but from now I will be a big fan from it. thanks a lot You are awesome!!!

[@justicelut]

Enjoy your videos, knowledge, ability and banter! Thanks Mark!

[@alexc5564]

Oh yes the good old Sony 😊 brings so many good memories. BtW I worked for the brand for over 15 years servicing all them goodies.

[@aransmitch]

It's broken at every point. But you can still fix it. Admirable. If it were me, I would have to take several long breaths. Whether it can be repaired or not.

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

Mark, you are a BEAST with those plastic repairs. Outstanding work, good sir. Another trick for particularly fragile parts is to wrap the part/nail with unwaxed dental floss and set it in place with CA. It's 10 times stronger than when new. We love your channel!

[@jabl]

Thanks for the tip! What does CA stand for?

[@Mitch-Hendren]

cyanoacrylate (superglue)

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

@@jabl It's basically the same concept as Fiberglas and carbon-fiber construction: oriented strands fused by a polymer resin. Super strong for its size and weight.

[@theprincipal4305]

I love that you took the time to save something from the landfill. Yes it's complete garbage but you added a few years life to it and will make someone quite happy! Cheers!

[@JCWise-sf9ww]

You really lived up to the name of this KZbin channel. Mark can mend anything!

[@Artlifewithavi]

I appreciate the care you are putting into this old cassette deck player.

[@rykaro69]

Found a similar (but more recent) Sony console on the side of the road a few months ago. Was gonna try to fix it but the disassembly was so insane that I just threw it away. Terrible, unintuitive, and cheap design. Major props for giving this thing a service.

[@PatrickSilvestri-cg7bq]

Your cassette repairs are wonderful to keep us turning

[@chuckbenedict7235]

Much more attention than the unit deserves but very satisfying to watch.

[@ronboots8525]

So much love in repairing this, is it worth it? I don't know but it is so soothing to watch these repairs!!

[@m80116]

I'm glad to see someone putting a good effort on a cheap vintage piece of equipment. Your spring opening solution is brilliant. Can I suggest beside the capstan bearing you lubricate the front motor bearing? It can make a lot of difference, something you can easily tell by the measured speed of the transport (before/after) and should prolongs the motor life by quite some margin.

[@HanD_1964]

Nice job Mark! Beautifully shown in detail. Keep up the good work!

[@elvisburgerking8675]

I'm happy to see it's not just me that finds Aldi's £9.99 cordless screwdriver very useful.

[@Gannett2011]

Nice one, Mark! I remember as a kid we always seemed to have 1 plug fewer than the number of appliances. I was always being asked to take the plug off the iron to put on the kettle and vice versa! Got pretty good at doing plugs... then the molded plugs came in! My older brother repaired TVs and was always going round making sure the appropriate fuses were fitted to everything!

[@betamaxblake]

I can remember a few Christmas presents like this where you had to look around the house for something else with a plug that you could rob for your new hifi.

[@alphabeets]

Amazing work, Mark!

[@utp216]

I have never seen or knew that radius pliers existed. Now I need one! Bending wire with needle nose pliers will be a thing of the past!

[@rogervd666gamer]

What an amazing restauration of this old Sony system. I once bought a late 80's Marantz Tapedeck and it was standing somewhere for around 20 years. The playhead was totally rusted and I clean at least two days on it but the strange thing was that the belts where like new. Still the same in it.

[@mohanhn1714]

I was waiting for the rework on ejection spring, the final fix was awesome 👍 I love it

[@DaleJames-d8j]

Brilliant, reminds me of my time as electronics technician in a multi billion pound company,,But, we had to design and make test gear from 2nd hand bits, extremely impressed with your setup , well done 👍

[@quanchyplimp]

Hi Mark, have you always been an electronics fix-it guy?, or have you had different jobs prior to becoming a genius?. Your skills are very admirable and are a joy to watch!

[@victoriousgoofy]

We should all learn that when there's a will there's a way; I watched and saw myself in my early years fixing things. To all out there, mending things is the best way to lean anything...

[@SoundsVintage]

Absolutely love to button hinge repair. Modify to survive! Old plastics will be our ruin. Great work

[@daveg8htfadlibaudio250]

Hi Mark, attention to detail second to none as always, keep up the good work. 😀

[@pearsedunne9938]

Hi Mark…. For broken plastics: try baking soda and liquid superglue. Most guitar luthiers use this method. Great videos, Mark 👍

[@anthonybarra2391]

brilliant. most people would just Chuck that thing in the skip. You made it better than Sony did

[@bottletree33]

Mark, your channel was recommended to me by KZbins algorithm. Keep up the great work. Love this stuff. Subscribed.

[@jasonschubert6828]

This is the ultimate in recycling, appreciate your dedication!

[@Fardeenfarwest]

I really really appreciate your work. Even some plastic key can't be found nowadays you have tried your best to rework it and it works well and smoothly. Only the door of phono player which is loose and I know you did tried your best to repair it but in vain it still loose. Don't worry about your work are much appreciated. Am from Mauritius. And I like vintage repair also. It's my passion. My dad had one like this sony hifi. Same and identical but for my dad was a Phillips. The difference between these only the equalizer Phillips has only 3 equalizer. Now my younger brother who is using this hifi I don't if it's still working or. It had over 30yrs I think so. Well good job ❤👍

[@blindbob4115]

I love the sounds of you working on the equipment ❤❤

[@DrVektor]

my favourite repair is cassette player repair. These gears and belts are a lot of fun. So funny and enjoy the tools for fixing stereo audio 😁😁

[@sdungworth]

Love that printer would be awesome for my Mini Disc Labels 👍 Great work with the Hi Fi we had the same one Cassette was the first to break on ours. Love watching you mend stuff it's very satisfying well done Mr 👍

[@jameskolar9655]

Your level of both skill and knowledge is amazing, couple that with your attention to detail and hey presto! A brilliant vid. Very enjoyable watching you. Thank you.

[@fardastevie2827]

your an absolute genius ....like the attention to detail mark !

[@DaveScotland75]

Great job! I had the later v202 unit -recall needing to resolder a tape head wire which had detached from one channel after just a year back in 92, not very robust. Had MDF panel on back too 😅

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Love your channel Mark. It popped up on my feed (probably because I watch Techmoan). Great content really watchable👍

[@cjh0751]

Mark you are my favourite KZbinr. I've binge watched all your videos.

[@outtayardstudio]

Lorrrrdy lorrdy all that effort for such a low cost midi system...as roy castle said.... dedications what ya need!!! 👏👏👏

[@davidshepherd265]

Well done. Mum has an LBT-D105 that I attempted to service for her birthday last year. Turntable was the easy part - new mat and stylus, and some adjustment made it good as new. As for the cassette deck, I really don't think they designed these things to be repaired. Lots of broken plastic, swearing, and a chewed tape were involved. In the end I gave up. After watching this I might have another go at some point. One thing I do remember is that belts had turned into a goo that covered the motor. I thought this was mostly due to the heat in rural Australia, but seeing as though you're in the UK and your belts had also started to turn to liquid form, I'm guessing its the belts that Sony used. (as opposed to belts in other manufacturers equipment, that simply fall apart rather than turning into liquid)

[@verovieira1]

You are a very competent and creative professional, congratulations from Brazil!

[@patrickjmorgan]

I suspected you would conclude it with stencils or something. Well done, as others have said- your attention to detail is exceptional.

[@alexandremz4087]

Incrível! Você nasceu para a eletrônica!❤❤❤❤

[@REFaust]

You went above and beyond with that repair.. I keep checking your website as I'm desperate to send you my Foxtex Multi Tracker for a repair...😢

[@exxosuk]

Impressive ingenuity . You got way more patience than me! lol

[@jesuschal3802]

I think I was 13 years old when my best friend got one similar to this one. "Wow! What a piece of art... what a beauty, and what amazing sound..... what super equalizer"... it costed 2000 euros (inflation adjusted)... things have changed a bit since then, including my perception of "wow" things.

[@gavincurtis]

Like taking a 2-1/2 year old hamster to the vet for life saving surgery.... but you did it! Amazing restoration. 👍

[@shanenorman7262]

I had one of those with a CD player. Did the job

[@CaIIIKaTa]

Till the super glue is still wet you can add carbon dust to make it stronger (or similar product). Sometimes i use legs from components for extra strength. You are top man.

[@boofuls]

Sometimes with two part epoxy syringes you can saw thru the end of the plunger part and any bits of plastic that join both plungers together so the plungers work independently of each other giving you more control

[@Madmotu1]

Hey, Just a thort. When I do repairs like this tape deck release spring, use a piece of carbon fibre rod (.5mm) from hobby shop and drill a suitable hole at angle thru and use ca glue to fix it and it works on almost anything plastic or wood. Fixed for good. Keep up the good work. I enjoy your video's it's like were brothers from a different mother haha, spent my entire life in the pursuit of fixing bad engineering. Cheers from AU.

[@BrianLyod-nj1vg]

I'm only repeating the sentiments in the comments already but this system meant a lot to somebody and suspect you didn't really make any money off this but I have faffed around with stuff like this for people and I was defeated by the broken plastic! I think you are wonderful I'm envious of your skills as basic electronics man I speak, but yes some of the cheap stuff on pure engineering terms was kind of genious in mechanical terms if you consider the repeat duty and did it well so cheaply!!!

[@johnburrows7938]

I looked at the lighthouse printers, no price on the website, meaning, they are probably expensive, as you suggested. Great video!

[@ovalwingnut]

Magnum Repair. 5 out of 5 power plugs awarded 🔌🔌🔌🔌🔌 ➕ honorable mention.

[@michaelmllerhansen663]

I really love your videos and the brilliant way you fix things.

[@jean-marcschmitt413]

Bravo pour votre travail, quelle patience, rien ne vous décourage, toujours une solution.

[@amplituhedron5582]

McGivering this unit is one of the best. Brilliant

[@VikasGupta-bx5qv]

Fabulous video. I really enjoy watching your channel as you have THE best camera work and overall production. Thank you.

[@gman7692]

When reinforcing broken plastic parts with a splint, I find that binding the splint in place with fine fishing line & then coating with glue makes a pretty strong job.

[@MendItMark]

Good idea!

[@northof-62]

superglue + baking soda is my fav. plastic reinforcer

[@hydorah]

What an incredible set if repairs on a system that should never have been made!

[@sihill1667]

Beautiful! I don't want to wait another 2 weeks for the next video!

[@felixthecleaner8843]

an awesome repair - this channel is a You Tube Hidden Gem!

[@ariekazep7489]

attention to details 2 thumbs up mark