Harman/Kardon CD491 cassette deck

 The CD491 is Harman Kardon's most sophisticated state-of-the-mind cassette deck and one of the few in the world that can equal the range of human hearing. Its frequency response is an unparalleled 20 Hz to 24 kHz (±3 dB) with any tape formulation. An audiophile would settle for nothing less.

Incorporated in the CD491 is Dolby HX Professional, a headroom extension system that extends frequency response at high record levels, while significantly reducing distortion. Added to this is a Signal-to-Noise Ratio with Dolby C of 75 dB. Using metal tape with Dolby C and Dolby HX Pro. The CD491 provides a high level (0 dB) Frequency Response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±3 dB). The dramatic  result of this is the ability to accurately record more dynamic audio signals than was previously possible. This is especially significant as more demanding forms of software, such as digital audio emerge.

 

The CD491 has three heads for improved performance and the convenience of monitoring while recording. The Sendust record head withstands high record levels without overload, and the ferrite play back head assures extended high frequency response. Both heads are precisely aligned in one housing.

In addition, the CD491 has dual Dolby B and C, noise reduction. Its tone generators for bias trim and record calibration allow for alignment of the bias and Dolby level to virtually any tape.

The CD491 also features a unique meter weighting system which measures the frequency content of the music and indicates the optimum record level on its 16-segment peak level meters.

Performance features include closed-loop dual capstan transport bi-directional auto search,, auto space (for cueing), electronic display and a tape counter that also functions as a real time counter.

 

Specifications

Tape Speed:  1-7/8 (ips)

Heads: 3

Record/Playback Head Type:  Sendust/Ferrite

Frequency Response (-20 dB, IHF std)

All Tape Formulations:  20 Hz - 24 kHz ±3 dB

Metal Tape :  20 Hz - 26 kHz ±3 dB

Large Signal Response (0 dB, with Dolby On, Metal Tape):  20 Hz - 20 kzh ±3 dB

Wow and Flutter

NAB, WRMS :  0,025%

DIN :  0,04%

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (CrO₂)

Dolby NR, Off :  58 dB

Dolby B, On :  66 dB

Dolby C, On :  75 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion (1 kHz, Metal tape, Dolby Level):  0,9%

Channel Separation:  45 dB

Channel Crosstalk:  70 dB

Erase Ratio:  65 dB

Bias Frequency:  106 kHz

Fast Forward and Rewind Time:  90 sec. C-60 cassette

Peak Reading meter Range:  -30 dB to +10 dB

Output Level, ) dB, 10 k Ω  load:  420 Mv (max)

Output Impedance:  <5  k Ω

Input Sensitivity (0 dB)

Mic :  0,65 mV

Line :  40 mV

Input Impedance

Mic :  1,0 k Ω

Line :  22 k Ω

Headphone Impedance (Minimum):  8 Ω

Dimensions (W x H x D):440 x 122 x 343 mm (17-5/16" x 4-13/16" x 13-1/2")

Weight:  8,2 kg (18 lbs)