Thrift store tape deck - any good?

[luckybob]

I found one of these units today for $6 at a local thrift store:

 

Panasonic RR-830

 

First I was excited, but some online research has me concerned. It appears the main focus of this machine was transcription. There are options to change tone, playback speed and whatever variable speech control is. Good thing or bad? I'm not planning on using cassette often. Mostly to get 30+ already recorded tapes backed up, but it will be fun to have it work with my ti-99/4a. This unit is built like a BRICK, so I don't feel bad.

 

So, basically, I'm asking if anyone has any experience with these units, and if they have any pointers, I'd love to hear them.

 

Side note: I got the manual from Panasonic's website, I found it slightly humorous to see illustrations showing women (presumably) in heels operating the thing.

 

[+arcadeshopper]

Should be fine just don't change those settings

 

Sent from my LG-H830 using Tapatalk

[Opry99er]

I've used some real crap tape players on the TI99 before with good results. You'll be fine.