Vintage MacDonald Model 8TD-30 8-Track Stereo Record/Playback Deck in fully operational condition. Unlike the many vintage 8-track machines offered as untested or playback-only, this deck has been serviced and BOTH RECORD AND PLAYBACK FUNCTIONS HAVE BEEN TESTED AND VERIFIED WORKING. The recording and VU metering setup was checked using calibrated test tones rather than simply judging operation by ear.
The MacDonald 8TD-30, associated with the BSR/MacDonald name and distributed by Capetronic International, is a full-featured component-style stereo 8-track recording deck designed to connect to a home stereo system.
This is not simply an 8-track player—it is a stereo recorder and player, complete with dual VU meters, microphone inputs, headphone monitoring and adjustable recording levels.
Considerable work has already been performed to make this deck ready for use:
· New drive belt installed
· Flywheel cleaned and polished
· Tape head inspected and found to be in good condition
· Entire tape path thoroughly cleaned
· Tape head and tape path demagnetized
· Playback function tested and verified
· Record function tested and verified
· Record and metering setup checked using calibrated test tones
The use of calibrated test tones allowed the recording levels and dual VU meter operation to be checked under controlled conditions, rather than relying solely on a subjective listening test.
Both recording and playback are fully operational.
The MacDonald 8TD-30 includes:
· Stereo 8-track cartridge recording and playback
· Dual illuminated VU recording-level meters
· Individual front-panel input level controls
· Track-selection indicator lamps
· Record indicator lamp
· Two 3.5mm microphone input jacks
· 1/4" headphone jack
· Rear-panel RCA stereo inputs
· Attached stereo output cables terminating in RCA connectors
· Approximately 5-foot output cables
· Approximately 7-foot AC power cord
· Rear-panel 3-position output level/attenuation switch
The three-position rear output switch allows the deck's output level to be matched to a wide variety of amplifiers, receivers and other stereo equipment.
The machine is in good vintage condition and presents well.
There is some white paint residue on the left side of the cabinet, which is clearly shown in the photographs. We have made no attempt to disguise this cosmetic flaw.
More importantly, the mechanical and electronic functions have been checked, and the machine has received the service and testing described above.
Please examine all photographs carefully as they are part of the description and show the exact cosmetic condition of the unit you will receive.
Working 8-track players can still be found, but fully operational component decks capable of actually RECORDING new 8-track cartridges are considerably more interesting and useful.
With its dual VU meters, microphone inputs, headphone monitoring, adjustable recording levels and line-level RCA connections, the MacDonald 8TD-30 provides the features needed not only to play a vintage 8-track collection, but also to make recordings onto recordable 8-track cartridges.
For the vintage audio collector who wants a machine that has already received the basic mechanical service these decks commonly require—and whose recording system has been checked using calibrated test tones rather than simply tested by ear—this is a particularly nice example.
New belt – cleaned and demagnetized tape path – calibrated test-tone record/metering check – tested playback – fully operational.
This equipment will be securely packed with plenty of cushioning to protect
it in transit.
Tracking will be provided on all shipments.
· Shipping via USPS is $39.95 (domestic)
· International shipping via USPS Priority Mail is $164. Buyer assumes all responsibility for insurance claims
· Any return postage (if applicable) must be paid by the buyer
EB-3250