Quite simply, Sony
wanted to build a deck goodenough to be a part of the ES system. Se we
addressed each of the three essential issues concerning cassette deck design -
the heads, the transport, and the noise reduction system. Each was designed and
constructed incorporting the most advanced technology available today.
A Third Head for
Better Performance
Let's begin with the
heads - the TC-K555ES employs a unique Independent Suspension three-head
design. The record head has been designed with the wide head gap that is
essential for wide dynamic range recordings, while the playback head retains
the narrow gap required for accurate high frequency response. This is in sharp
contrast to the glaring compromises of a two-head deck, in which a single head
gap must adequately accommodate both requirements - an impossible task.
Superior Sound
without the Struggle
Three-head design
has been the cornerstone of superior cassette performance. Unfortunately, in the past, three-haed decks
have required critical and nearly constant azimuth adjustment to be effective.
But Sony's inventive three-head design places the record and playback heads in
close proximity to one another, eliminating the need for cumbersome azimuth
adjustments. Yet the heads still remain physically distinct 9for optimized
performance) and magnetically shielded from one another 9for minimal
crossfeed). And Sony's exclusive independent Suspension design improves tape
contact and azimuth accuracy, while reducing flux leakage. Result? Outstanding
(and adjustment-free) performance.
The heads also
combine an amorphous core material (whose irregular molecular structure
provides superior magnetic performance) with modern laser construction
technology to assemble the heads with exceptional precision. These laser
Amorphous (LA) heads assure you superior sound and long life.
More Innovative
Transport Technology
Another problem
often associated with cassette decks is the distortion caused by inaccurate
tape transport. A common manifestation of transport imperfection is called
modulation noise. Sony's closed-loop dual capstan transport combats this
problem. We've placed a capstan on either side of the tape path to isolate the
tape passing across the heads form external influences 9such as the spooling
motor). And, as a bonus, head-to-tape contact is also improved and performance
remains consistent from one end of the tape to the other.
The Beautiful Sound
of Silence
Perhaps the most
heralded recent achievement in cassette deck technology is in the field of
noise reduction - specifically, the development of Dolby C. and it's an
impressive accomplishment, to be sure. With no more effort than simply flipping
a switch, you can reduce the tape hiss in its most annoying frequencies by
nearly 20 dB. The TC-K555ES lets you experience the wonder of Dolby C, while
still providing compatibility with your tapes recorded with Dolby B - the older
noise reduction system is included as well. And an anti-saturation circuit
improves treble headroom by up to 4 dB, which makes proper recording utterly
simple.
The TC-K555ES also
includes a variety of convenience features, such as auto play; memory play;
feaather-touch full-logic controls; a fluorescent Concentrated Display;
variable bias for tape types I, II and II; and a Linear Counter that accurately
reveals elapsed tape time in all transport modes (including rewind and fast
forward). But it is most impressive for its unsurpassed basic performance and
remarkable sonic capabilities.
Specifications
Fastforward/Rewind
Time: 80 sec C-60
Wow and Flutter
(WRMS): 0,04%
Frequency Response
(±3 dB, re-20 dB)
Metal Type IV : 25
Hz - 18,000 Hz
FeCr Type III :
25 Hz - 18,000 Hz
UCX Type II : 25 Hz - 17,000 Hz
AHF Type I : 25 Hz - 17,000 Hz
Signal-to-Noise
Ratio (re 3% T.H.D., peak Wtd):
Dolby Nr Off
Metal Type IV : 60
dB
FeCr Type III :
62 dB
UCX Type II : 59 dB
AHF Type I : 56 dB
Dolby B NR On
Metal Type IV : 67
dB
FeCr Type III :
69 dB
UCX Type II : 66 dB
AHF Type I : 63 dB
Dolby C NR On
Metal Type IV : 73
dB
FeCr Type III :
75 dB
UCX Type II : 72 dB
AHF Type I : 69 dB
Total Harmonic
Distortion (at 1 kHz, re 0 dB record level):
0,8% (Type IV, Type II)
Crosstalk (1
kHz): 60 dB between tracks
Separation (1
kHz): 35 dB between channels
Input Sensitivity
Line : 77,5 mV (50 k Ω) - 20 dB
Output Level
Line : 435 mV (10 k Ω) -5 dB
Headphone level (8
Ω): -20 dB to - 50 dB
Power
requirement: AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Power
Consumption: 26 watts
Dimensions (W x H x
D): 430 x 105 x 285 mm (17' x
4-1/4" x 11-1/4")
Weight: 6,1 kg (13 lb 8 oz)