What is stereo?




There are now two system of high fidelity, monophonic (monaural) and stereophonic. Monophonic is a system that starts from one microphone and is fed through a single high fidelity set. Stereophonic is a double system. Two separate microphones are placed at different sides of the orchestra and two different systems are used to keep the two signals or channels separated. Two separate speakers are used, placed on different sides of you room. Stereo is much like 3-D photography, two slightly different sound reach your ears giving you a new dimension in sound.




H.H. Scott '59





Sansui D-99D cassette deck

 

Double Stereo Cassette Deck

Two independent yet interconnected tape transport in one unit open up a whole new world of recording, dubbing and play versatility. It's simple to dub tapes for convenience and creativity. Sophisticated synchronized tape editing and series play.

Dubbing/ editing / continous play "Compu Edit" for dubbing programmed songs from disc to tape (with P-M77 or P-L50 turntable) . AMPS for cue, skip and repeat. ALC (Automatic Level Control). Auto Tape Selector. Dolby B NR system

 

Specifications

Track System:  4-Track, 2-Channel Stereo

Tape Speed:  4,8 cm/sec (1-7/8 ips)

Head: 

Rec/Power Bandwidth :  High-Bs Hard Permalloy

Erase :  High-Bs Ferrite

Motor:  Electronically Controlled DC Motors

Wow and Flutter:  0,07% (WRMS)

Frequency Response:

Metal Tape :  20 - 16,000 Hz

High Bias Tape :  20 - 16,000 Hz

Normal Tape :  20 - 15,000 Hz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Metal Tape)

Dolby B NR "On" :  68 dB (abowe 5 kHz)

Dolby B NR "Off" :  58 dB (weighted)

Dimensions (W x H x D):  430 x 118 x 223 mm

Weight:  4,2 kg

Hitachi HT-61S turntable

 

Full-Automatic Direct-Drive Turntable

Fully automatic operation with all controls on the front panel provides outstanding convenience in each model; the HT-61S (HT-R10) gives you a few extras. In short, these turntables leave nothing to be desired. This TH-R10 can be used with the RM-1000 remote control center for extra convenience, too.

 

Automatic disc Size/Speed Selection

The HT-61S/R10 uses a light beam to sense the size of the record on the platter and automatically set the lead-in for either 30-cm or 17-cm, so the stylus will lower to exactly the right place. At the same time, platter speed is automatically set to the corresponding speed; 33-⅓ or 45 rpm. This makes operation surer and more convenient, putting the HT-61S/R10 another step above ordinary turntables.

 

All Controls Up Front

All Control functions are located on top of the turntable's front panel. They are accessible when the dust cover is down, preventing the possibility of jarring the tonearm during play. And thanks to the use of IC logic circuitry, it only takes a feather touch to operate all controls.

 


Other features:

Quartz Lock Plus High Torque Equals Speed Accuracy,

Unitorque Motor,

Gimbal-Suspension Straight Tonearm,

Photo Sensor Arm Return System

Resonance-absorbing base

Anti-feedback insulator feet

Removable, hinged dust cover

High quality headshell ideally matched to tonearm

Optional remote control capability for HT-R10

 

Specifications:

Type:  Full automatic, 2-speed, quartz lock , direct-drive

Platter:  Aluminum alloy diecast 310 mm outer diameter

Motor:  Brushless coreless, slotless "Unitorque" motor; DC motor for arm movement.

Speed:  33-13 and 45 rpm

Speed Change System:  Electronic changeover system

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  78 dB (DIN-B)

Wow and Flutter:  0,025% WRMS

Speed Accuracy:  0,003%

Speed Drift

Time :  0,003% (30 sec - 303 min)

Temperature :  0,003% (5 - 35°C)

Tonearm

Type:  Static-balanced, straight

Headshell:  ADC type

Tracking Error: 

Adjustable Force Range:  0 - 3 g / 1 turn of the balance weight (directly readable in 0,1 g steps)

Acceptable Cartridge Weight:  4 - 10 g

General

Dimensions (W x H x D):  435 x 365 x 110 mm (17-1/8" x 14-3/8: x 4-5/16")

Weight:  6 kg (13 lbs 3 oz)

Hitachi HT-60S turntable

 

Full-Automatic Direct-Drive Turntable with Quartz Lock, 

Unitorque Motor, Gimbal-Suspension Straight Tonearm 

and Photo Sensor Arm Return System

 

This model feature a sleek, clean design, convenient operation, and the superior quality and reliability that advanced Hitachi technology makes possible. They combine the proven excellence of Hitachi's Unitorque motor and quartz-lock PLL servo system with the latest improvements in tonearm design from the Hitachi Audio R&D labs; gimbal-suspension straight tonearm with photo-sensor return system. Fully automatic operation with all controls on the front panel provides outstanding convenience in each model; the HT-61S (HT-R10) gives you a few extras. In short, these turntables leave nothing to be desired. This TH-R10 can be used with the RM-1000 remote control center for extra convenience, too.

 

Unitorque - A Unique Motor

The HT-60S is direct-drive turntables - the  platter is driven directly by the motor. Overall performance, then, is directly dependent on motor performance. Other turntables use either multi-pole DC motors or AC motors, which have various disadvantages. AC motors are extremely inefficient and subject to vibrations; DC motors suffer from uneven torque - they rotate in a series of "steps" or "puls", which must be smoothed out by adding more poles/slots or extra servo circuitry - complicated, unreliable, costly measures which are only partially effective.

The Unitorque motor prevents these problems from occurring at all. It is a brushless, slotless, coreless motor with perfectly smooth, even torque (hence the name, Uni-Torque) its unique design employs two star-shaped flat coils positioned in such a way that their independent torques combine to produce constantly even torque throughout each rotation. A 240-pole magnetic rotor provides added stability. The Unitorque motor thus features precision, reliability and efficiency superior to other types of motors.

 


Quartz Lock Plus High Torque Equals Speed Accuracy

Complementing the Unitorque motor is a quartz-lock PLL (Phase-Locked-Loop) servo system. While conventional servo systems must rely on a reference voltage (subject to fluctuation due to variations in supply and temperature), these two models use a quartz crystal oscillator, whose pulses never vary in the slightest degree. They are compared to pulses directly from the motor so even infinitesimal speed variations can be detected and corrected. And thanks to the high torque of the Unitorque motor, this process occurs much faster than in conventional systems. It all adds up to outstanding speed accuracy; wow and flutter is an extremely low (0,025%). As an added touch, a quartz lock indicator is provided to inform you when the turntable has reached operating speed and the quartz PLL circuit has locked in.

 

Gimbal-Suspension Straight Tonearm

The HT-60S employ Hitachi's new straight-line tonearm design, developed through an extensive testing process. Its low mass characteristics provide superior tracking capabilities, and bring out all the performance possibilities of high compliance cartridges. And its highly symmetrical, precise construction eliminates much of the resonance that conventional cartridges suffer from. The tonearm is mounted on a gimbal support system. This gimbal suspension allows free movement in both vertical and horizontal directions, for optimum balance during tracking. This means lighter, more sensitive tracking for better reproduction quality with less stylus and record wear. An easy one-touch anti-skating control further increases tracking accuracy by counteracting the force which pulls the tonearm toward the center of the record.

 

Photo-Sensor Arm Return System

This Hitachi systems is clearly superior to conventional arm return methods. Ordinarily, auto-cut and auto-return are triggered by mechanical contacts or linkages connected to the base of the tonearm. They cause a certain amount of drag, inhibiting tonearm movement sufficiently to produce distortion. In addition, they are subject to wear and mechanical failure,

The photo-sensor system is much more sophisticated. The only thing that touches the tonearm assembly is a light beam. It passes from an LED to a photo-sensitive cell. When the arm, reaches the end of the record, a thin plate attached to the base cuts the light beam. This change in light intensity causes the cell to activate a switching circuit, which in turn activates a small arm-drive motor. This entire system is located far away from the main drive mechanism, so it does not affect reproduction quality at all. Phot-sensor arm return - an elegant innovation that improves performance and reliability.

 

Full Automatic Convenience

All tonearm movements are automatically controlled, and driven by a separate DC motor. Pushing the start button initiates arm movement to the correct position over the record and then lowers the arm. This button can also be used to interrupt play (cut). At the end of the record, as described above, the photo-sensor system returns the arm, then shuts off the motor. A repeat function is also included to let you hear a record more than once without having to touch the unit.

  

 

Specifications:

Type:  Full automatic, 2-speed, quartz lock , direct-drive

Platter:  Aluminum alloy diecast 310 mm outer diameter

Motor:  Brushless coreless, slotless "Unitorque" motor; DC motor for arm movement.

Speed:  33-13 and 45 rpm

Speed Change System:  Electronic changeover system

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  78 dB (DIN-B)

Wow and Flutter:  0,025% WRMS

Speed Accuracy:  0,003%

Speed Drift

Time :  0,003% (30 sec - 303 min)

Temperature :  0,003% (5 - 35°C)

Tonearm

Type:  Static-balanced, straight

Headshell:  ADC type

Tracking Error: 

Adjustable Force Range:  0 - 3 g / 1 turn of the balance weight (directly readable in 0,1 g steps)

Acceptable Cartridge Weight:  4 - 10 g

General

Dimensions (W x H x D):  435 x 365 x 110 mm (17-1/8" x 14-3/8: x 4-5/16")

Weight:  6 kg (13 lbs 3 oz)

Denon DR-330 cassette deck

 

 

Denon DR-330 Features:

3-head tape Tension Servo System Stereo Cassette deck

Denon's new tension servo semsor maintains optimum tape tension

F-alloy combination head offers wide frequency response 25 Hz - 21 lhz (±3 dB), high sensitivity and low distortion. Quartz locked PLL servo motors drivers the capstan for higher tape transport stability

Double Dolby noise reduction system

 

Specifications

Type:  Vertical tape loading 4-track, 2-channel stereo

Heads: 

1 x Record/Playback F-alloy head

1 x Erase double gap Ferrite head

Motors:

Capstan :  1 x Quartz Lock PLL DC servomotor

Reel :  1 x DC motor

Tape Speed:  4,8 cm/sec

Fast Winding/Rewinding Time:  approx. 85 sec (C-60 cassette)

Recording Bias:  appox. 85 kHz

Overal Signal-to-Noise Ratio (at 3% T.H.D. level):  more than 67 dB

Overal Frequency Response:

Metal Tape :  25 - 21,000 Hz (at - 20 dB)

CrO₂ Tape :  30 - 20,000 Hz (at - 20 dB)

FeCr Tape :  30 - 19,000 Hz (at -20 dB)

LH Tape :  30 - 19,000 Hz (at -20 dB)

Channel Separation:  more than 40 dB (at 1 kHz)

Crosstalk:  more than 65 dB (at 1 kHz)

Wow and Flutter:  less than 0,04% WRMS

Inputs Sensitivity/Impedance

Microphone :  0,35mV (-67 dB) / 10 k

Line :  70 mV (-21 dB)/ 50 k

Outputs Level/Impedance

Line :  775 mV (0 dB)/ 10 k

Headphone ;  1,2 mW/ 8   - 2 k

Power Requirements:  110- 120, 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption:  25 W

Dimensions (W x H x D):  434 x 117 x 300 mm

Weight:  7,0 kg

Denon DR-320 cassette deck

3-Head Tape Tension Servo System Stereo Cassette Deck

Denon's new tension servo system

3-head configuration, with Denon's new tape transport system provides better tape contact to the heads

Double Dolby system further improves the performance of the 3-head system by eliminating tape hiss

Full DC amplifiers are built into both the record and playback system for wide frequency response

ACA-10 side wooden cabinet is available

 

 


Specifications

Type:  Vertical tape loading 4-track, 2-channel stereo

Heads: 

1 x Record/Playback F-alloy head

1 x Erase double gap Ferrite head

Motors:

Capstan :  1 x DC servomotor

Reel :  1 x DC motor

Tape Speed:  4,8 cm/sec

Fast Winding/Rewinding Time:  approx. 90 sec (C-60 cassette)

Recording Bias:  appox. 85 kHz

Overal Signal-to-Noise Ratio (at 3% T.H.D. level):  more than 67 dB

Overal Frequency Response:

Metal Tape :  25 - 21,000 Hz (at - 20 dB)

CrO₂ Tape :  30 - 20,000 Hz (at - 20 dB)

FeCr Tape :  30 - 19,000 Hz (at -20 dB)

LH Tape :  30 - 19,000 Hz (at -20 dB)

Channel Separation:  more than 40 dB (at 1 kHz)

Crosstalk:  more than 65 dB (at 1 kHz)

Wow and Flutter:  less than 0,04% WRMS

Inputs Sensitivity/Impedance

Microphone :  0,35mV (-67 dB) / 10 k

Line :  70 mV (-21 dB)/ 50 k

Outputs Level/Impedance

Line :  775 mV (0 dB)/ 10 k

Headphone ;  1,2 mW/ 8  - 2 k

Power Requirements:  110- 120, 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption:  25 W

Dimensions (W x H x D):  434 x 117 x 300 mm

Weight:  7,0 kg

Denon DR-240 cassette deck

Two Motor Stereo Cassette Deck

Features:

IC-full logic circuit, feather touch control system

Two motor mechanism to drive the capstan and reel independently

Non slip reel drive system with stable take up torque and improved drability

Cueing/reviewing and automatic cueing system

Large VU meter and 3-color LED peak indication for proper level monitoring

Available side wooden cabinet ACA-10

 

Specifications

Type: 4-track, 2-channel stereo

Heads:

Record/Playback : 1 x Sendust head

Erase : 1 x Double gap ferrite head

Motors

Capstan :  DC servo motor

Reel :  DC motor

Wow and Flutter:  less than 0,04% WRMS

Fast Forward/Rewind Time:  appox. 90 sec (C-60 cassette)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  more than 65 dB (Dolby NR at On)

Frequency Response:

Metal Tape :  25 Hz - 19,000 Hz ±3 dB

CrO₂ Tape :  30 Hz - 17,000 Hz ±3 dB

L.H. Tape :  30 Hz - 15,000 Hz ±3 dB

Crosstalk:  more than 65 dB (1 kHz)

Inpur Sensitivity/Impedance

Line :  70 mV/50 k

Microphone :  0,35 mV/10 k

Output Level/Impedance

Line :  77,5 mV (VR max. Load impedance 10 k

Headphone :  1,2 mV / 8  - 2 k

Power Requirements:  AC 120 V, 60 Hz; 200/220/240 V 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption:  25 watts

Dimensions (W x H x D):  434 x 117 x 300 mm

Weight:  7  kg

JVC KD-A7 cassette deck

 

Unique Spectro-Peak Indicator Is Functional and Fun

Two-colour fluorescent SPI  -  Spectro-Peak Indicator with peak hold

Two-motor full-logic ID tape transport

Metal-ready SA (Sen-Alloy) heads - X-cut SA Rec/Play and two-gap SA erase

Memory Stop/Play with Auto Rewind

Super ANRS Noise Reduction

 

Every JVC deck is the bets buy in its price range, and this model is no exception. State-of-the-art. Advances are many in the KD-A7, but most "frills" have been eliminated so that we can offer you the best cost-to-performance ratio. It is no "stripped" model, however, since we've included the attractive spectro-peak indicator (SPI) to help you get optimum results every time

 

Real-time spectrum analysis is the key to good recording. Ther is a "matrix" fluorescent indicator that shows peak levels at seven frequencies plus "total" over a -20 to +9 dB range in twelve increments. The operating procedure follows; first, introduce a record signal and observe the VU meters and the "total" bar of the indicator. Then, as you record, the seven frequency bars indicate the varying levels ( levels at or above 0 VU are green, other are blue). By keeping the levels under control you can avoid distortion, optimum level differs tape by tape, but metal tapes can handle as much as +6 dB ( and occasionally +dB) without saturating.

Two special features make the indicator more versatile, more useful. One, you can "freeze" any of the highest peaks for a few seconds to accurately catch elusive transients. The other is that you can up the indication sensitivity by 6 dB, so that you can monitor low levels accurately. One of the many practical uses of the SPI is to examine the frequency content of a programme source as you do on a real-time spectrum analyser.

 


Frequency-controlled motor, two-motor full-logic control and ID tape transport.

What these features together mean are sheer operating delight and musical accuracy. Its low 0,14% wow and flutter (DIN 45 500) never mars your musical reproduction in any audible way. Light-touch operation, direct change of mode and punch-in recording are the bonus, features for unparalleled operating ease.

 

Eclusive JVC head design highlights SA (Sen-Alloy)

No other head design approaches the superb performance of our SA configuration. In the KD-A7, the Rec/Play head is of the X-cut version for low contour effect, while the erase head is given two gaps for better erasure that leads to quieter recordings.

 

Record and play Mahler (or Mingus) with Full Dynamic range on Metal tape

Our X-cut SA and Two-gap SA erase heads work very well with our highlinearity deck electronics to make this model ideal for use with metal tape. The distortion factor is low 1,0% (metal). You'll be surprised that you can put Holst and Mahler (or even Weather Reprt and Mingus) on a compact cassette and play them back with no loss of dynamic punch.

 

Memory stop/play with auto rewind. Convenience is not forgotten

When the tape reaches its end after play or record, or sfter you initiate Rewind, it rewinds itself to the 999-indexed portion and stops (or goes into play) all automatically. You can repeat a particular portion of a tape over and over and over.

Super ANRS and Dolby B compatible ANRS

Self-illuminated mode buttons

Recording mute

Vu meters with scales to a high +7 dB

Recording EQ. Timer standby; Output level control

Remote control with optional R-30E

 


Specifications

Frequency Response (at -20 VU)

Metal Tape :  25 - 17,000 Hz ±3 dB (at 0 VU: 25-12,500 Hz ±3 dB)

Chrome Tape :  25 - 17,000 Hz ±3 dB (at 0 VU: 25-8,000 Hz ±3 dB)

Normal Tape :  25 - 16,000 Hz ±3 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  60 dB (Metal tape)

Wow and Flutter :  0,14% (DIN 45 500)

Crosstalk:  65 dB (1 kHz)

Channel Separation:  35 dB (1 kHz)

Total Harmonic Distortion ( 0 VU, 1 kHz):  1,0% (metal tape)

Heads:

Rec/Play :  X-Cut SA Head

Erase :  two-Gap SA Head

Motors:  1 x Frequency-Controlled DC Servo Motor; 1 x DC Motor 

Fast Forward/Rewind Time:  85 sec. (C-60 cassette)

Input Sensitivity/Impedance:

Line :  80 mV/100 k

Mic :  0,2 mV/ 600 - 10 k

Output Level/Impedance

Line :  0 - 300 mV/5 k

Headphones :  0 - 0,5 mW (Matching impedance 8 - 1 k )

Power Requirements:  120/220/240 V 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption:  34 watts

Dimensions (W x H x D):  450 x 120 x 311

Weight:  8,3 kg

JVC KD-A6 cassette deck

Full Logic Two-Motor Transpport

Metal Tape Copatible with SA Heads

Pitch Control for ±10 Speed Change

 

Take the fluorescent SPI from the KD-7, add a Pitch Control, and you have the KD-A6 from JVC. It's ready for metal tape use - recording, playback and erase. Our SA heads, full-logic/two-motor transport and other exclusives are value-addres. Ease of use is comparable to that of decks costing several times more. Still other special features make this a particularly musical model.

 

This unique JVC deck give you perfect Pitch with special control. If you sing off key once in a while, maybe this deck can cover up for you. The control range of the built-in Pitch Control of the JVC KD-A^ is a wide ±10%. This means you can change tape speed so that recorded music is played back higher or lower in pitch by a full semitone. The uses of this device aren't limited to singing in the shower - musicians take note; it is accurate enough to help you obtain perfect pitch in tuning your musical instrument. There is a safety device preventing recording at the wrong pitch.

 

Flatter response over a wider range thanks to new JVC Heads and Amps. Combine the benefits of the new metal tape with the precision of the heads and electronics in the JVC KD-A6 and you'll achieve a flatter frequency response over the widest range in hi-fi. The new metal tapes can pack in more than twice as much information as conventional tapes. This means more high-frequency output. Now add the JVC-exclusive X-Cut SA head with its low contour effect (better lows) and amplifier circuitry with 0 VU +20 dB linearity. What comes out is more faithful to what goes in  - and that's what JVC hi-fi is all about.



 

Nakamichi CR-5 cassette deck

 

Nakamichi - the measure of excellence.

Once again, Nakamichi is at the vanguard of a new trend in high-class cassette decks, providing the highest possible performance quality from every cassette while at the same time simplifying deck operation to make that performance available to everyone. The new Nakamichi CR5 Discrete-head Cassette Decks embody both the vital aspects of this trend, offering fully discrete three-head designs, direct-drive closed-loop dual-capstan transports, low-distortion/low-noise amplifiers and a host of other features.

 

Direct-Drive Dual-Capstan Transport

Nakamichi's Asymmetrical Diffused-Resonance Dual-Capstan Transport, with left and right capstans (and flywheels) of different diameters, greatly reduces flutter. There is nothing touching the tape between the two capstans to risk the introduction of scrape flutter and modulation noise, that is, there is no intracapstan tape guide, and a special tape pad lifter prevents the cassette's own pad from causing skewing and azimuth error. Both capstans have a slip-free matte finish to aid in maintaining ideal tape tension; it is driven directly by an extremely high precision motor controlled by an FG (frequency-generator) servo. The practical results of all this translate to smooth, constant tape speed, with wow-and-flutter of 0,027% (WTD RMS) or less. Head-base and brake movement is commanded by the solenoid-free Nakamichi Silent Mechanism for ease of use and quiet , quick response.

 


Discrete Three Head Design

Nakamichi's original system with three fully independent heads offers a wide gap on the Crystalloy REC head for clean signal transfer and a narrow gap on the Crystalloy PLAY head for best high-frequency resolution.

 

Low-Distortion Amplifier Circuitry

Directly coupling the recording and playback head with their respective amplifier sections has eliminated coupling capacitors and their ill effects and helped achieve a level of performance that is on a par with the finest home-use preamplifiers. In the same spirit, Nakamichi engineers used discrete circuity with high-quality parts, and even went as far as to completely shield the power supply and FL display sections from the audio circuits. Thanks to these measures, the Signal-to-Noise Ratio remains very high, and the Total Harmonic Distortion is never more than 0,005%.

 


Specifications

Heads:  Three; 1 x Erase; 1 x Record and 1 x Playback

Motors

Transport:  GS servo , brushless, slotless, coreless DD motor for capstan drive; DC motor for reel drive

Mechanism :  DC motor for cam operation

Tpe Speed:  4,8 cm/sec (1-7/8 ips ) ±0,5%

Wow and Flutter:

WTD Peak :  less than ±0,048%

WTD RMS :  less than 0,027%

Frequency Response:  20 Hz - 20,000 Hz ±3 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio : 

Dolby C NR :  better than 72 dB

Dolby B NR :  better than 66 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion:  less than 0,8% (ZX tape); 1,0% (SX, EX II tape)

Input Line :  50 mv/40 k

Output

Line :  1,0 V (400 Hz, 0 dB, output control max. ? 2,2 k

Headphone :  12 mW (400 Hz, 0 dB, output control max) 8  

Power Requirements:  100,120, 120/220-240, 220 or 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption:  45 W max

Dimensions (W x H x D):  435 x 135 x 306 mm (17-1/8" x 5-5/16" x 12")

Weight:  8,5 kg (18 lb 12 oz)

Nakamichi CR-4 cassette deck

 

Optimize Performance with Every Tape

Experienced recordists know that no two tapes are precisely identical. Even tapes from the same manufacturer carrying the same designation differ from batch to batch and change from year to year. Tapes from different manufacturers vary more widely. If you want the best performance from every tape, the Nakamichi CR4 Discrete Head Cassette Deck is for you. Test signals and accurate perfect Dolby tracking and smooth response. The procedure is quick, simple and notably more accurate than less sophisticated tape-matching systems.

CR4 Calibration

"Calibration" involves recording and playing two test tones: a low-frequency tone which is used to adjust the gain of the recording amplifier to compensate for differences in tape sensitivity and ensure proper Dolby tracking and a high-frequency tone used to adjust bias and produce flat response. Almost invariably a "3-head" design is used so that recording and playback can be carried on simultaneously.

Conventional calibration systems have several problems. Most 3-head decks use a sandwich record/play head. Record and play sections use separate cores but they are in the same housing. There's no room between them for adequate shielding and flux leaks from the record gap into the play gap. This produces incorrect playback levels and erroneous calibration. Next, with a "sandwich" head, there's no way to align the gaps after construction. Azimuth misalignment causes a loss in high frequency response; "correcting" it by reducing bias results in increased distortion, more dropouts and reduced dynamic range. To minimize misalignment error, most decks set bias with an 8 or 10 kHz tone. This reduces the calibration error but produces unpredictable response at higher frequencies. To save maney, most systems record the tones on one track and use the result to calibrate both. Under these conditions, left-and right-channel response can be quite different.

Thanks to Nakamichi "Discrete-Head technology", the CR4 canbe calibrated accurately. Record and play heads are physically as well as electrically independent and are individually shielded to prevent leakage. Physical independence permits magnetic alignment of each head for perfect azimuth and allows use of a high bias calibration tone (15 kHz). On quality tapes such as Nakamichi ZX, SX or EXII, response is flat to 21 kHz. Furthermore, in the CR4, the tones are recorded on both tracks and the average of the outputs is used to set bias thus ensuring similar response on the left and right channels.

Calibrating the CR4 is quick and simple. Just press the Calibration button and adjust the Bias and Level controls for zero readings on the left and right indicators. When you relese the button, the tape rewinds automatically.

 


Direct-Drive Transport

The CR4 uses one of the finest transorts available today, the Nakamichi Microprocessor-Controlled Asymmertical Dual-Capstan Direct-Drive Silent Mechanism. Its two capstans differ in diameter and rotation rate to prevent resonance and the takeup capstan is directly driven by an FG-servo motor to eliminate wow. Tape tension is controlled so perfectly that no pressure pad is needed to mainatin tape-to-head contact. A unique "lifter" disengages the pad to reduce scrape flutter and modulataion noise and thereby result in recordings of exceptional clarity.

The transport is operated by a microprocessor-supervised motor-driven cam. Cam operation is more gentle and precise than solenoid operation and it is completely free of vibration which contributes to sound clarity. The microprocessor permits remote control (via the optional RM5 Remote Control Unit or the System Remote jack on the CA-7 Control Amplifier), automatically takes up slack tape when a cassette is loaded and supervises every change in operation so you can change modes in complete safety.

 

Superior Design and Construction

Many reasons for the CR4's exceptional performance are found under its heavy-gauge cover. Inside is a copper-plated chassis for beter shielding, oxygen-free-copper PC boards, OFC head windings, even an OFC line cord. You'll find a quadruple-shielded transformer to prevent humm and Nakamichi's Multi-Regulated Power Supply to eliminate interstage coulping and noise. You'll find the finest components including new Dolby circuits for better performance and gold-plated input, output and headphone jacks for more reliable operation

 


Specifications

Track Configuration:  4-tracks,  2-channel stereo

Heads:  1 x Erase head; 1 x Record head; 1 x Playback head

Motors:

Transport:  FG servo, brushless, slotless, coreless D.D motor (capstan drive) x 1; DC motor (reel drive) x 1

Mechanism :  DC motor (cam operation) x 1

Tape Speed:  1-7/8 ips (4,8 cm/sec) ±0,5%

Wow and Flutter:  less than ±0,048% WTD (Peak); 0,027% WTD (RMS)

Frequency Response:  20 Hz - 21,000 Hz ±3 dB (-20 dB recording level, ZX, SX, EXII tape)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 

Dolby C NR :  better than 72 dB

Dolby B NR :  better than 66 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion :  Less than 0,8% (ZX tape); less than 1,0% (SX, EXII tape)

Erasure:  better than 60 dB (100 Hz, =10 dB)

Separation:  better than 37 dB (1 kHz, 0 dB)

Crosstalk:  better than 60 dB (1 kHz, 0 dB)

Bias Frequency:  105 kHz

Input:  50 mV/30 k

Output

Line :  0,5V/2,2 k

Headphone :  5 mW, into 8

Fast Wind Time (C-60 cassette):  approx. 80 sec

Power Requirements:  120, 220, 240 or 110/127/220/240 V AC 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption:  38 W max

Dimensions (W x H x D):  430 x 100 x 265 mm (16-15/16" x 3-15/16" x 10-7/16")

Weight:  5,9 kg (13 lbs)

Marantz SD-60 cassette deck


Marantz design in cassette decks

Marantz design its cassette decks with the same attention to detail as its acclaimed CD players and Audiophile amplifiers. Top-of-the-range or high-value twin deck - high-performance cassette technology relies on a precision tape transport and perfect tape to head contact driving linear, wide dynamic range electronics.

Mechanical vibration too must be minimised. The SD 60, for instance, features a special cassette shell stabilising mechanism to reduce distortion from vibration. Solid, reliable mechanisms are used in all Marantz cassette tape transport with negligible wow and flutter.

Throughout the range super hard permalloy tape-heads are employed. This material is outstandingly wear-resistant - even with metal tapes. Tape heads are accurately profiled to give perfect tape to head contact for best low-frequency performance.

Replay and recording electronics are to the same exacting standards as our Audiophile amplifiers. Wide dynamic range and low distortion are the sound quality goals.

 

Dolby HX Pro

Dolby HX Pro is a head-room extension system for cassette tape recorders. The treble content of a music signal can self-bias the tape during recording. With fixed bias this means that the tape is never correctly biased as the treble content of the music changes. Conventional cassette decks constantly under and over the bias tape during recording thereby changing the frequency response potential of the medium.

HX pro exploits this fact by adjusting bias and equalization dynamically during recording. The treble content of the signal is monitored and bias current is kept in line with what is required. HX Pro helps Marantz cassette decks deliver maximum dynamic range with the greatest fidelity irrespective of the signal being recorded. This system is used during recording only and its benefits can be enjoyed on any deck on which the HX pro recorded tape is replayed.

 


SD 60 features

Three-head design

Closed loop dual capstan mechanism

Precision transport with cassette half stabilising for cleaner, stable sound.

Long-life super-hard permalloy head

Direct coupled FET differential tape-head amplifier

Low current drive equalization amplifier

Power transformer with dual independent supplies

Dolby B abd C

Dolby HX Pro headroom extension system

Manual bias and record calibration control

Fluorescent Peak level display

Four-digit Alphabetic Mode display gives full information on decl status

Real-time electronic tape counter

Quick Music Search (QMS)

Automatic Music Scan (AMS)

Blank Skip

Auto space record mute

Time operation headphone socket with independent level control

Marantz D-Bus in and Out provides system remote control

 


Specifications

Mechanism:  Logic

Motors Type:  2 DC motors

Heads:  3

Frequency Response (without Dolby)

Normal Tape :  20 Hz - 19,000 Hz

Chrome Tape :  20 Hz - 20,000 Hz

Metal Tape :  20 Hz - 21,000 Hz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Chrome Tape, 1 kHz)

With Dolby B/C :  70 / 78 dB

Without Dolby :  65 dB

Wow and Flutter (RMS weighted):  0,03%

Output Level/Impedance

Line :  500 mV/ 2 k

Headphone :  85 mV/ 110

Power Supply:  220/240 V AC, 110/240 V AC

Dimensions (W x H x D):  420 x 132 x 280 mm

Weight:  6,5 kg

Marantz SD-50 cassette deck

 

Cassette Tape Deck, features:

Feather-touch Logic controlled mechanism

Four-digit Alphabetic Mode display gives full information on deck status

Specially tuned precision tape tansport mechanism with alloy flywheel

Long-life Super-hard permalloy head

Dolby B and C

Dolby HX Pro headroom extension system

Fine bias control for outstanding recording quality

Flourescent Peak level display

Independent Record level and balance control

Electronic tape counter

Switchable MPX filter

Quick Music Search (QMS)

Quick Rewind Stop

Automatic Music Scan

Blank Skip

Auto space record mute

Automatic tape selection

Timer operation for record and replay

Headphone socket with independent level control

Marantz D-Bus In and Out provides system remote control

 

 


Specifications

Mechanism:  Logic

Motors Type:  2 DC motors

Heads:  two

Frequency Response (without Dolby)

Normal Tape :  20 Hz - 18,000 Hz

Chrome Tape :  20 Hz - 98,000 Hz

Metal Tape :  20 Hz - 20,000 Hz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Chrome Tape, 1 kHz)

With Dolby B/C :  68 / 75 dB

Without Dolby :  59 dB

Wow and Flutter (RMS weighted):  0,06%

Output Level/Impedance

Line :  500 mV/ 3 k

Headphone :  85 mV/ 110

Power Supply:  220/240 V AC, 110/240 V AC

Dimensions (W x H x D):  420 x 118 x 280 mm

Weight:  5,3 kg

Marantz SD-40 cassette deck

 

Cassette Tape Deck features:

Feather-touch High quality logic controlled mechanism for secure sound quality and longvity

Long-life Super-hard permalloy head profiled for best head/tape contact gives extended frequency range

Dolby B and C noise reduction systems

 dolby HX Pro headroom extension system secures best possible treble response from all tape types during recording

Fine bias control for top recording quality with a range of tapes

Independent record level and balance control for easier adjustment

Switchable MPX filter

Three-digit mechanical tape counter

Auto space record mute

Automatic tape selection

Quick Rewind Stop

Headphone socket

 


 

Specifications

Mechanism:  Logic

Motors Type:  2 DC motors

Heads:  two

Frequency Response (without Dolby)

Normal Tape :  20 Hz - 17,000 Hz

Chrome Tape :  20 Hz - 18,000 Hz

Metal Tape :  20 Hz - 19,000 Hz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Chrome Tape, 1 kHz)

With Dolby B/C :  65 / 74 dB

Without Dolby :  57 dB

Wow and Flutter (RMS weighted):  0,06%

Output Level/Impedance

Line :  500 mV/ 3 k

Headphone :  85 mV/ 110

Power Supply:  220/240 V AC, 110/240 V AC

Dimensions (W x H x D):  420 x 118 x 280 mm

Weight:  5 kg