We shall be
pleased to send you the complete Hirsch-Houck report if you write to us directly. If you'd rather not wait, here are
some additional key excerpts:
" in
its price class, the Dual 819 has some formidable competitors, and one has the
right to expect first-class performance from any cassette deck selling for more
than $400. nevertheless, even in such distinguished company, the 819 stands
out."
"… the
extremely low flutter, flat frequency response and low noise level of the 819 ,
combined with its superbly accurate and useful meters, make this one of the
more attractive values ina high-quality cassette deck. Such features as the
fade/edit system and the bidirectional memory can be considered simply as
bonuses."
"The
Maxell UD-XL-I tape provided a very flat record-playback response (at -20 dB)
within ±0,75 dB from 30 to 15,000 Hz …. The response with Sony Ferrichrome was
flat within ±1 dB from 33 to 15,000 Hz … the Dolby tracking was among the best
we have measured … with a weighted RMS reading the flutter was an amazing
0,035%. It is clear that in all aspects of its design and performance, the Dual
819 is a first-class unit."
One final
comment of our own. As you know, Dual's reputation for quality, precision and
reliability has been based upon the performance of our turntables. When we
introduced our first cassette decks, we knew they must establish a reputation
of their own. And it is evident that they are doing just that.
Drive
The
precision DC motor is fitted with an integrated frequency generator and modern
control IC for speed regulation. The Dual decoupling motor suspension provides
propagation of vibration and running noises.
A precision made flat belt drives the capstan and thereby plays its
parts in the overall excellence of the wow and flutter characteristics. The
tape take-up torque receiver its drive via a second belt direct from the motor
so that disturbances such as differences in cassette winding have no effect on
the tape transport.
For the fast
wind facility a functionally reliable gear drive is used. This guarantees
trouble-free winding even for older cassettes.
A
photo-transistor continuosly monitors tape movement and prevents formation of
loops in the tape. At the same time it also provides the signals for auto stop.
This function is independent of the cassette or tape switching foil.
Careful tape
location and precise azimuth setting ensure optimum treble reproduction and
prevent level fluctuation.
Amplifier
The
amplifier is functionally designed and constructed with plug-in modules for
easy accessibility. In spite of the complexity of the equipment all the
components are readily accessible. The
expense occured in achieving this, in comparasion with other models in this
price category, will be of no interest to the service technican but you will
find it satisfying to know that if a repair should ever be necessary every
thought has been given to this being effected quickly and at minimum cost.
Specifications
Tape
Speed: 4,75 cm/s
Deviation
from Correct Speed: less than ±1%
Fast Winding
Time: below than 65 sec for C-60
cassette
Frequency
Response:
Fe Tape
: 20 - 15,000 Hz
CrO₂ Tape
: 20 - 16,000 Hz
FeCr Tape
: 20 - 16,000 Hz
Signal-to-Noise
Ratio [with Dolby/without Dolby] (weighted):
Fe Tape
: better than 64 dB / 57 dB
CrO₂ Tape
: better than 64 dB / 57 dB
FeCr Tape
: better than 67 dB / 61 dB
Wow and
Flutter:
RMS weighted
: less than ±0,07%
To DIN for
Reproduction Only : less than ±0,10%
To DIN for
Recording/Reproduction : less than
±0,14%
Harmonic
Distortion:
Fe Tape
: less than 1,0%
CrO₂ Tape
: less than 2,8%
FeCr Tape
: less than 1,5%
Channel
Separation at 1 kHz:
Between
Stereo Channels : better than 40 dB
In Opposite
Direction : better than 70 dB
Erasure: better than 70 dB (1 kHz)
Oscillator
(Push/Pull oscillator): 100 kHz
Input
Sensitivity/Impedance:
Microphone
: 0,26 mV/2 k Ω
DIN
connector : 0,50 mV/6,3 k Ω
RCA
jacks : 40 mV/580 k Ω
Overload
Capacity of Inputs:
DIN
Connector : 40 dB
Mic
Connector : 50 dB
Output
Level/impedance (adjustable):
DIN
connector : 0 -580 mV/ 5,5 k Ω
RCA
jacks : 0 - 580 mV/2,0 k Ω
Tape Monitor
(Photo-electric shut-off time): less
than 0,6 sec
Headphone
Impedance: 4 - 2000 Ω
Semiconductors: 6 ICs;
39 transistor; 27 Diodes, 2 LEDs
Power
requirement: 110 - 125 V, 220 - 240 V;
50/60 Hz
Power
Consumption: 16 watts
Dimensions
(W x H x D): 438 x 148 x 360 mm
Weight: 6,5 kg