Implementing a Tape Deck Saturation Schematic

[Barracuda]

So my mate picked up this sony tc-133 tape recorder/player box, and its a bit shoddy but, man.
When you clip this thing it gives a great smooth distortion/saturation which'd be great for a guitar pedal, the only problem is.. I don't understand a lick of it. I wouldn't expect a great deal of people here too either..


https://ibb.co/iid7ka

I've heard transformers can do some great saturation sounds, but I have no idea if that's whats causing it in this case. I'm interested to know whats actually clipping and distorting so nicely, and see if it can be applied in a pedal (even it was over 9v).

Not sure what more information you'd need so, if there's anyone who can decipher this mystery, it would be very educational.

Cheers