Natural
Sound Stereo Cassette Deck
Yamaha
Low-Impedance Pure Sendust Rec/Play Head
Unique,
High-Performance Two-Motor Transport
Metal Tape
Compatibility
Direct
Tape-Loading with Flip-Up Mechanism Cover
Direct
Mode-to-Mode Switching and Full Auto Shutoff
Several
specialized technologies in which Yamaha offers the highest degree of
expertise, in combination with absolute mechanical precision attainable only
through painstaking research and design.
Naturally,
the K-550 also offers plently of convenience and control features to make high-fidelity cassette recording and
listening easy and enjoyable - you can even add an optional remote control unit
for easy-chair transport control comfort.
With the
Yamaha K-550 you're assured of unparalleled sound reproduction quality,
unfaltering reliability and extended durability based on uncompromising
engineering precision plus a total dedication to providing only the most
natural, accurate music reproduction.
Advanced
Head Design
Pure Sendust
- Pure Sound
Yamaha's
extensive research into the effects of various head materials on
record/playback characteristics has revealed that the properities of Sendust,
widely accepted as one of the most ideal materials for tape reproduction heads,
improve markedly as its purity increases. Armed with this information, Yamaha
engineers then went on to develop a special process for producing extremely
pure Sendust.
The
resulting high-vacuum centrifugal casting technique permits production of
Sendust ingots that are more than 99,999999% pure, and which, after being
machined into tape head cores, provide the following advantages.
Higher
permeability for increased sensitivity, improved recording and playback
efficiency.
High maximum
flux density for excellent linearity even with large signal current.
Reduced
magnetic distortion and noise for maximum signal-to-noise ratio.
High Curle
temperature for improved stability over extended periods under a wide range of
temperatures.
Exceptional
wear resistance and freedom from dust accumulation for minimized dropouts and
modulation noise.
Unique
Low-Impedance Design
The number
of coil windings used in the K-550 reproduction head has been reduced to half
that of conventional designs. The results of this seemingly simple design
feature include dramatically reduced ringing on sharp wavefronts for improved
transient response, improved linearity for reduced high-frequency distortion,
wider dynamic range for more natural reproduction and improved channel
separation for more precise stereo imaging - all vital factors for true
high-fidelity sound.
Full Metal
Tape Compatibility
High-performance
metal cassette tape formulations have become widely accepted as providing sound
performance rivalling that of open reel tape, and even discs.
Unless the
cassette deck's heads and electronics are designed to provide precise matching
with the tape's characteristics, however, the superb reproduction capabilities
of metal tape will not be fully realized. The K-550's low-impedance pure
Sendust head, high-current double-gap ferrite erase head and reproduction
electronics are all critically balanced for ideal performance with metal, CrO₂
and normal tape formulations. Whichever tape you use, you're guaranteed to get
the highest reproduction performance it can provide.
One-Touch
Recording
Unlike
conventional cassette decks, the K-550 has no pause control. The pause mode is
entered automatically when you push the record button. Then, pushing the
Forward button initiates transport motion. You can return to the pause mode
again at any time by pushing Record. This makes for simpler, miss-free
transport operation.
Dolby Noise
Reduction
This
renowned noise reduction system from Dolby Laboratories can considerably
improve the signal-to-noise ratio of your recordings. High-frequency hiss is
reduced by more than 9 dB on signals 5 kHz and higher, for low noise even in
low-level passages. An MPX filter is automatically switched on when the Dolby
circuit is activated, to prevent interference by the 19 kHz pilot signal when
making FM recordings.
Peak-Level
Meters
These
fast-acting meters make accurate setting of record levels easy, for perfect
results every time you record. A green LED lights to show peaks =3 dB and
above, while a red LED shows peaks =8 dB and above.
Full Logic
Transport Control with Remote Control Option
All
transport functions are fully logic controlled, ensuring sure, error-free
transport operation. You can switch directly from one transport mode to another
without fear of damaging the tape or transport, and response to commands is
exceptionally fast, making critical record timing easy.
Other
Features
Record mute
function facilitates compilation of a professional-quality music library.
Hall-element
auto shutoff mechanism stops the transport safely at tape end.
Independent
tape selectors offer one-touch selection of normal, CrO₂ or metal tape bias/EQ.
Timer
recording function permits timer activated recording.
Universal
headphone output jack permits use of virtually any impedance headphones with no
loss in sound quality.
Specifications
Track
Configuration: 4-track, 2-channel stereo
Motor: DC servo motor (capstan); flat torque DC
motor (reel)
Heads:
Low
impedance pure Sendust rec/playback head;
Double-gap
ferrite erase head.
Tape
Speed: 4,75 cm/sec ±1%
Rapid
Transport (F.Fwd/Rew): 75 sec. (C-60)
Wow and
Flutter:
WRMS : 0,04%
DIN 45500
: 0,15%
Signal-to-Noise
Ratio (Dolby Off):
CrO₂ Tape
: better than 60 dB
Frequency
Response (-20 VU):
LH Tape
: 40 - 16,000 Hz ±3db
CrO₂ Tape
: 40 - 18,000 Hz ±3 dB
Metal Tape
: 40 - 20,000 Hz ±3 dB
Overal
Distortion:
LH Tape
: less than 1,0%
CrO₂ Tape
: less than 1,5%
Metal tape
: less than 1,0%
Input
Sensitivity/Impedance:
Mic
: 0,3 mV/5 k Ω
Line
: 60 mV/80 k Ω
Output
Level:
Line : 340 mV/ 1 kohm
Phones
: 0,6 mV/8 Ω; 3 mW/150 Ω
Power
Supply: 120 V AC, 60 Hz
Power
Consumption: 23 W
Dimensions
(W x H x D): 451 x 129 x 294 mm
(17-3/4" x 5" x 11-1/2")
Weight: 5,7 kg (12 lb 9 oz)