The Tascam 122B's XLR input may suffer from an imbalance, with a noted issue where the left channel sounds fine but the right has significantly lower volume.

Changing the cassette reel back light involves replacing a bulb soldered to a PCB under the cassette mech faceplate, requiring some technical skill.

The 122B's service manual is mostly supplemental, suggesting that most troubleshooting information is in the Tascam 122 manual, except for the XLR additions.

The primary difference between the Tascam 122 and 122B models is the inclusion of XLR jacks, potentially affecting only the signal path wiring.

The Tascam 122B offers double speed record/playback and an external noise reduction loop, making it versatile for handling various cassette formats.

The Tascam 122B's mechanically coupled recording volume knobs are a unique feature that users find enjoyable to interact with.

The 122B's Dolby HX feature differs from the MkII's HX Pro, impacting compatibility with different noise reduction needs.

Owners using both 122B and 122 MkII can handle nearly every recorded cassette format, enhancing versatility for collectors.

The double-speed recording/playback feature, when paired with an external dbx encoder/decoder, results in high-quality recordings, enhancing the deck's versatility.

Owners report that quality decks like the 122B can enhance playback quality even on poorly recorded tapes.

The cassette mechanism in the Tascam 122B is notably robust, featuring large solenoids similar to a reel-to-reel recorder, reflecting its broadcast origins.

A full rebuild kit for the Tascam 122B is available online for $165, which includes all electronics necessary for a comprehensive restoration.

For those experiencing issues with SMT caps, it's suggested to replace them with through-hole caps for easier handling and potential fix.