Good is relative. Carol hasn't said anything about the quality of tape recording she needs to encode. If we adhere to her basic demands and utilize only the equipment she mentioned, good voltage to her walkman will do it. The main items necessary for adequate playback are: that the motor drive is on speed and don't wobble, and that the tape head is in good shape. A portable unit can be way better than a ratty old tape deck with a bad drive.

If you got good ears, trust 'em.