Editorial Review

The Panasonic SC-AK230S mini system may come in a relatively compact package, but it packs a sizable sound, boasting 200 watts (100 watts x 2) of total output power to deliver a rich, full bodied performance. The futuristic-looking system, which hails from Panasonic's Nitrix series, features an aggressive, bold silver housing that includes a five-disc CD changer with CD-R/RW and MP3 playback, a dual cassette deck, and an AM/FM tuner with 15 AM and 15 FM station presets. The collection of components and its moderate size make it a good choice as a bedroom or office system, or as a primary stereo for listeners on a budget. The CD player's most notable features include track programming, random play, and repeat play, along with standard song skip/search and play/pause functions. Users can navigate through the variety of functions and determine the current track information by glancing at the large, easy-to-read dot-matrix display. It's also simple to jump from disc to disc thanks to the CD changer's five direct access keys, which help you quickly find the album you're looking for without cycling through CDs one at a time.Read more

Features

• 200-watt mini shelf system with 5-CD changer, dual cassette deck, and digital AM/FM tuner
• Supports CD, CD-R/RW, and MP3 formats; displays ID3 tags (artist, track names)
• Super Sound EQ button selectively boosts low, medium, and high frequencies
• 2-way, 2-speaker system with large 6-1/2-inch woofers; includes remote control
• Measures 22.06 x 16.16 x 20.09 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty

Reviews (1)

Nice Stereo But Audio Quality Leaves Something to Be Desired
Just picked this shelf stereo up as a gift for someone. After setting up the stereo and testing it here is what I think. First off its very nicely designed visually speaking. Speakers are a bit thinner then what I expected though. Sound quality on this shelf system isn't the greatest. The higher you go with the volume the more distortion you will hear. The preset equalizer functions just make it sound worse...I found it just best to turn on super sound. Overall I would say this is a good system for a small room if you don't expect to really turn up the sound. Again in cd mode (which is the best sound you will get) music sounded distorted the higher the volume went (past 50%). Tape deck didn't have an option for metal tapes (Co2 i believe) not sure if thats built in or not...quality on tape playback was pretty poor.
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Editorial Review

Get the most out of your audiocassette collection with the Technics RS-TR373, a tried-and-true dual cassette deck with top features. The advanced, full-logic tape transport employs two motors for maximum accuracy and reliability. A power eject system offers one-touch insertion and ejecting of tapes. An advanced tape transport increases rewind speeds, but automatically slows down before it reaches the delicate tape ends. Noise reduction is handled by Dolby B and Dolby C, and the deck also features the most advanced cassette sonic expansion system, Dolby HX-Pro. An electronic counter is provided for both decks via a fluorescent display, and double-speed editing is a snap with the RS-TR373's synchro-start and stop functions. Although record levels can be set manually, the unit boasts intelligent automatic record leveling so you can simply press record and walk away. If you need continuous sound, the unit can be set to play both decks in a loop for up to 24 hours. An infrared sensor is provided for use with a universal remote control (not included). The rear panel features RCA record inputs, as well as an RCA output for connection to your home audio system. An included AC power plug-in on the rear panel makes it easier to plug-in your other components.Read more

Features

• 2-motor full-logic control, powered eject system
• Dolby B, C, and HX-Pro noise reduction
• Synchro-start recording and high-speed dubbing
• Fluorescent display with electronic counter for both decks
• Measures 17 x 5.4 x 11 inches (W x H x D)

Reviews (1)

good when it works
I bought this casette deck 1.5 years ago, looking for something that would be decent to last me through grad school.I dub a fair amount of tapes (I buy most of my music on vinyl) for myself and friends, so I wantedsomething of decent quality.Well, after 1.5 years of moderate use, therecord head seems to have quit on me.I'm going to look into fixing it,but I feel that it will be foolish to sink more money into this after itbroke in such a short time.For my money I think I'm going to bite thebullet and go with a cd-r component instead. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cassette Tape Players - Dual    2. Player, Decks    3. RSTR373, RSTR, 373, TR   

Editorial Review

Designed to fit neatly into any bookshelf, and perfect for your study or studio, the RCA RS2040 Compact Stereo System offers 30 watts of total system power in a single-unit compact design. Featuring a top-load CD player with CD-R and CD-RW playback, the RS2040 offers a Dynamic Bass Boost System to give you a full, rich full sound. A digital AM/FM tuner with 30 presets, built-in alarm clock, and a Logic cassette player and recorder round out the features of this smartly-design, bookshelf system.Read more

Features

• 30 Watt Total System Power
• Digital AM/FM Tuning
• Dynamic Bass Boost System
• Logic Cassette Player and Recorder
• Built-in Clock and Alarm

Reviews (1)

RCA RS2040 Compact Stereo
I looked everywhere for a nice, conservative-looking bookshelf stereo for my office.In addition to appearance, I wanted to be able to play both cassettes and CDs as well as radio.Of course, I wanted good sound.I was willing to pay up to $200.This unit delivered everything for considerably less.Everything else I found that was close either looked like the front end of an Edsel or would only play CDs.This unit looks great, sounds great, plays even my old cassettes, and the price was a very pleasant surprise. ... Read more

Features

• This dual cassette deck is designed for audio component systems
• Full auto-reverse playback on both tape transports plus relay-play
• Selectable Dolby-B and Dolby-C noide reduction systems
• 2-Speed Dubbing
• Music Search

Editorial Review

Whether you're looking for a new way to enjoy your classic audiocassettes or a reliable, high-quality recording component, the Teac R-H500 cassette deck fills the bill admirably. The device hails from Teac's Reference line, a collection of components designed with thinner profiles than traditional stereo components. This particular unit measures 11.5 inches across (most are in the 17-inch range), making it a perfect option for listeners with narrow entertainment cabinets or shelves. In addition, the R-H500 is equipped with a host of valuable features beyond its convenient size, such as full-logic transport control, auto-reverse recording and playback, a digital tape counter, and auto tape selection. The device also boasts CD-synchro dubbing when connected to a CD player, ensuring that listeners won't miss a moment of their favorite music, along with Computomatic Program Search (CPS), which senses a break in the recorded sound while scanning for a desired track. And playback sounds consistently clear thanks to the Dolby B/C noise reduction system with HX Pro. Read more

Features

• Narrow-framed auto-reverse cassette deck with full-logic control
• Digital tape counter, auto tape selection, and CD-synchro recording
• Computomatic Program Search (CPS) scans for sound breaks when searching
• Dolby B/C noise reduction with HX Pro; multifunction fluorescent display
• 40 Hz to 14 kHz frequency response; 11.5 by 4 by 12.12 inches (W x H x D)

Reviews (2)

one of the old titans
in this age of cassette-bashing and 6 kinds of different cd formats battling each other, it is incredible to encounter such kind of simple machines still around.I am 50.

Compact Jewel of a cassette deck
I bought this unit because I was in the process of transferring many old, irreplaceable cassettes to CD, and my 20-year old Aiwa just died. I had previous experience with Teac on my very first deck purchased in the late 60's, and this new unit does not disappoint - flawless/silent full logic transport, crystalline sound (or the closest thing to it considering the age of these cassettes, and compact size. My only complaint is that there is insufficient contrast on the button labels, so that I have to squint to see them. Note: I only use (and reviewed) this unit for playback, since there is no need to record new cassettes when I have a CD recorder hooked up to my home stereo. ... Read more

Editorial Review

An ideal unit for music fans with limited storage space, the Teac AD-500 integrates a CD player and a cassette deck, giving listeners access to two audio formats in a single compact housing. The CD player section incorporates a 1-bit digital-to-analog converter to ensure superior audio playback, while also offering such functions as track programming, random play, and repeat play. The full-logic auto-reverse cassette deck, meanwhile, plays and records both forward and backward, letting you easily archive CDs or radio programs without missing more than a moment of footage. Users will also appreciate the AD-500's synchro-start function, which automatically starts the recording once the CD begins playing to ensure a seamless listening experience. Read more

Features

• Combination CD player and cassette deck for systems with limited space
• 1-bit digital-to-analog converter ensures superior playback
• Full-logic auto-reverse cassette playback and recording with CD synchro-start function
• Track programming, random play, and repeat play; 4-digit electronic index counter
• Multifunction fluorescent display; separate CD and cassette line outputs

Editorial Review

Tapes can still sound great, especially when you have a good deck to play them on. The Sony TC-WE305 cassette deck has all the basic features you need in an dual well unit. Normal and high speed dubbing are possible with a touch of a button. Dolby B noise reduction reduces hiss and distortion, while an integrated MPX filter further enhances the listening experience. High-density permalloy heads are durable and squeeze more sound quality out of your cassettes. Meanwhile, LED peak level meters help you determine the best recording level for your CD and tape dubs. Lastly, twin analog tape counters help you keep tabs on your recording and playback progress.Read more

Features

• High-quality dual-well cassette deck
• Tape to tape high speed dubbing
• Dolby B noise reduction, MPX filter
• LED peak level meters
• Measures 16.9 x 4.7 x 11 inches (WxHxD)

Reviews (7)

Very Professional
I was very pleased by the quickness of the delivery and the condition of the package. The Tape Deck worked beautifully. Thank You

Sony TC-WE305 Dual Cassette Deck Good For DJ-Mixing
This Sony TC-WE305 Dual Cassette Deck is good for DJ-Mixing. You can mainly press down on the pause record and then press down on the record + play button. You can then record a sound more instantly, when you press down on the pause key again. This is the only cassette deck that is available, that will allow to record a sound more instantly, without any delays. I personally like to make remixes on my cassette tapes. I can put beats and music together with this kind of cassette deck, without any space delays on the cassette tape. Like with the JVC TD-W209 Dual Cassette Deck, where you just tap the buttons, to get your recording started. With the JVC TD-W209 Dual Cassette Deck, whenever you try to record something on it, it puts a one second delay space, on your cassette tapes, before it starts recording. Therefore with the JVC TD-W209 Dual Cassette Deck, it is not that easy to be able to put beats and music together like you want them to be, when you are trying to make your remixes on a cassette tape, with the JVC TD-W209 Dual Cassette Deck. That's why the Sony TC-WE305 allows you to mix the music on a cassette tape, without any delays or spaces, being on the cassette tape. I personally prefer to get cassette decks that have the regular analog manual keys, where you press down on the keys, because you have more control over the keys, when you are trying to record. When you just tap a button to record something, you don't have very much control over with what you are going to record. So this is pretty much your last chance to be able to get a cassette deck here, that you can really make decent remixes on the cassette tapes. The JVC TD-W106 Cassette Deck is a collectable item to get from JVC. The JVC TD-W106 Cassette Deck pretty much allows you to do the same things as you could with the Sony TC-WE305 Dual Cassette Deck. The JVC TD-W106 Cassette Deck also has the analog manual keys, that you just press down on the keys. The Sony TC-WE305 Dual Cassette Deck is recommended, if you are into remixing the music, on to the cassette tape.

Good Audio Cassette Deck
It's hard to find an audio cassette deck of any worth these days. I am no old-timer but I love audio tapes and know way more then most teens. First off, the fact it can hook up to your receiver is good, but not y u should buy it! It's compatibility. For one, there is not just one tape type. There is 3 [Type 1,II,and IV]! All new stereos and boomboxes tell u plainly not to use Type II and IV tapes because there non-compatible! Read your manual people! U can't make real copies of CDs or LPs without Type II and IV compatibility. That's what they are for. Secondly, Dolby B is a MUST for pre-recorded tapes. Virtually all tapes [new and old] have "Dolby System" or "Dolby B" written on them. Unless your tape deck has Treble control, u need Dolby B. Most decks today don't have anything. U need a decent unit like this. As far as Auto-Reverse, unless your a music-mixer or Dj, or something like that, u don't need it! It kills tapes! If your that lazy, get a CD player morons! Sorry but people irritate me with their laziness. Auto-Reverse is for people [as mentioned] who can't afford to stop and flip a tape over, otherwise your just damaging your tapes when using it! I may not be over 30 or any where near it, but I know u need a cassette player like this for standard recording: CD's,LP's, and off-air [radio] or pre-recorded tape duplication. As far as sound, it is not equal to CD's, but good. No static can be heard when using a Cr02 [Type II] tape withOUT Dolby B. All features are great and sound good. I haven't used Metal [type IV] due to availibilty issues, but Normal [type 1] and Cr02 tapes work great. The only problem is manually setting recording levels. While this is a must unless u are a DJ or mixer etc... ,for some reason it won't always record what u set it. This generally only happens on my Rap Cd's I guess due to loud Bass impact.A manual fine-bias-tuning control would help. That's when u adjust settings for different brands of tapes. Maxell [Cr02] tapes almost always distort on this deck while Sony CD-It [Normal and Cr02] generally don't. Memorex [Type II] tapes are good and actually go just a little bit lower then set. All in all, most recordings played on other decks [including Deck A of this unit] play lower distortion then Deck B. One more thing, clean your deck before CD recording or after ten hours of playing/recording. It may seem like trouble but it's worth it. If record and play doesn't work, u must immediately clean them. Don't Demagnitize until u hear hissing or very low sound witch probaly won't happen if u don't constantly use Metal tapes. If u use a Cassette Cleaner Tape, be sure to let recording
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Features

• Free Standing AM/FM CD Cassette Music Center
• 35 watt total power - 7.5 W per channel and 20 W. subwoofer
• Vertical CD-R and CD-RW compatible CD player
• Battery operated memory back-up
• Auto stop tape deck with sort eject cassette door

Editorial Review

Round out your stereo system with this dual-record, twin cassette deck. The unit features Dolby HX Pro with auto reverse, and synchronized recording capability for both decks, as well as Automatic Music Sensor for quick track locating, Random Music Sensor for programmable playback, adjustable bias and recording levels, a fast-winding mechanism, digital display, soft eject, and a stereo headphone jack. Includes two stereo RCA cables. ... Read more

Features

• Dual cassette deck with high-speed dubbing
• Dual auto reverse
• Twin/sequential recording
• Dual-motor tape transports
• Auto record calibration

Reviews (1)

Has so many options, great sound and easy to use!
I recently bought this cassette deck and learned of all the options and functions of it. You can program up to 28 tracks to play in any order you want. Has Dolby B,C which reduces unwanted noise. Looks great too! Irecommend this tape deck to all. Sound is not very different from CDs whenI use this deck. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cassette Tape Players - Dual    2. Player, Decks    3. High speed dubbing    4. Dual auto reverse    5. TCWE625, TCWE, 625, WE   

Features

• AM/FM PLL tuned stereo CD and Cassette Music System
• Vertical LCD Display CD Player with green Illumination and green accents
• Auto stop tape deck with soft eject cassette door
• Four preset equalizer modes and X-bass control
• Multi-function remote control included

Features

• Quick auto reverse system
• Full-logic control
• Silent mechanism driven by an exclusive motor actuator
• Cassette-shell stabilizer for reduced acoustic modulation noise
• CD Direct input for direct connection with CD player

Subjects:  1. Cassette Tape Players    2. TDR462   

Features

• Twin auto reverse full-logic cassette decks
• Twin motor drive system
• Super Hi-B tape heads
• Dolby B/C noise reduction on both decks
• Digi-Link III integrated control system

Subjects:  1. Cassette Tape Players - Dual    2. Player, Auto Reverse    3. DD5080, C, 5080C, DD, 5080   

Editorial Review

A cassette deck may not top your current list of hot components to try out, but this HK dual-well deck is a sizzler. We loved the DC520's design, operation, sound, and looks--nothing gets in the way of recording and enjoying good music here.Read more

Features

• Dual-well deck
• Dual auto-reverse
• Sync Reverse
• Dolby HX Pro
• Peak-level meter

Reviews (3)

Don't waste your money...
Like the two preceding reviewers, I had much higher expectations for this product. My previous home stereo was a Harman/Kardon, so when I decided to upgrade I sold my old system & got the HK 3370 stereo receiver (*****), FL 8380 CD changer (***), CDR 20 CD record/play deck (haven't yet thoroughly tested it out), and this cassette deck. What a disappointment. My previous HK dual cassette deck, the DC 5300, was a solid, high-quality component. (Now I'm kicking myself for selling it). But when I pulled this lightweight article out of the box and started pushing the clunky front-panel controls, I knew I'd been had. Then I put in one of my home compilation tapes (recorded on high-bias tape with Dolby C on my old DC 5300), looked at the 'cheesy' numeric display (the DC 5300 gave tape times in minutes and seconds whereas this unit gives only numerically useless 'tape counters') and heard the low muffled fidelity, and my heart sank. I tried switching the Dolby to B and 'Off' for playback, to no avail. Harman/Kardon's receivers are topnotch, and their products in general have a deservedly high reputation. But if they're not going to market a better cassette deck than this one (it's their only model tape deck), they ought not bother even addressing the dwindling demand for cassette machines among audiophiles, and leave the manufacturing of cassette decks to mass-market companies like Sony or high-end specialists such as Marantz. Cassettes are going the way of the 8-track tape, anyways, so returning this unit to amazon.com for a refund was not a difficult decision. I think if I want to continue to listen to my cassettes I'll just buy a good Walkman. (...)

H/K Cassette Deck sub-par
My first cassette deck was a JVC TDW-354.It broke about once every three months for three years, so I took it back to Best Buy and got this deck.Being a Harmon Kardon I expected great things from it.Wrong.No micinput, no song search, no headphone volume control, no Dolby S, clunkymechanisms and buttons, and a cheesy display.The deck has decent soundwhen used with dolby B, but using C noise reductions brings aboutexcessively recessed mid to treble response.Seriously, I preferred thesound of my JVC, which was $150 less, and it had more features.CD to taperecording on metal tape was ok, but the deck picked up a hum fromsomewhere, which was extremely annoying.That may not be the deck's faultthough.On the bright side, it is nicely styled, and impresses some of myfriends.Thank God I only paid $50 for it (because of in-store credit anda scratch on the top).Any more and I would've felt ripped off.Still, ithas been very reliable, but I hope H/K learns something from this.

HK DC520 Dual Cassette not up to Harmon Kardon reputation
I had the HK DC520 in my home for about a week. I am predisposed to like Harmon Kardon products, having owned them for many years. I was disappointed with the performance of this tape deck. Playback variedgreatly from tape well to tape well, and with the direction the tape wasrolling. The unit was very sensitive to slight problems with my older tapes(made on a Harmon Kardon unit). Sound quality on tapes made on this unitwas poor, especially when using Dolby C. I had expected more because of thename plate, but these shortcomings are typical of auto-reverse units. Ihave since picked up a Sony single-well non-auto-reversing deck (for lessmoney) and am thrilled with the sound and the way it handles my old tapes.It features Dolby S in addition to B and C and sounds great no matter whatyou choose. It even has an automatic bias calibration that lets youoptimize performance from individual tapes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cassette Tape Players - Dual    2. Harman-Kardon, Players, Decks    3. Dual Auto Reverse    4. harmon kardan    5. DC, 520   

Editorial Review

Tape-to-tape dubbing is a snap with Kenwood's affordable CT-401 cassette deck. Both wells offer auto-reverse playback. One deck records and plays, while the other only plays. The component offers full-logic electronic controls, industry-standard Dolby B noise reduction, one-touch tape copying, and Kenwood's Direct Program Search System (DPSS), which lets you search, play, and repeat up to 16 different songs. Connections include one each stereo analog (left/right) RCA input and output.Read more

Features

• Home audio dual-cassette tape deck
• Noise reduction, dubbing
• Song search
• Records from tape, or from same brand CD player

Features

• Bidirectional 2-track head system
• Dolby HX Pro headroom extension
• Dolby noise reduction: B, C
• Dual-frequency automatic bias adjustment
• Full-Logic electronic control

Subjects:  1. Cassette Tape Players - Dual   

Subjects:  1. Cassette Tape Players - Dual    2. RSTR272   

Editorial Review

The Marantz PMD510 dual-well cassette deck, created specifically for professional applications, delivers top-quality recording and playback for use by recording studios, DJs, corporate installations, and even the home consumer. Each of the two wells is a completely independent cassette deck--you can record on one while simultaneously playing a tape on the other--and has its own distinct set of inputs and outputs, pitch controls, bar graph meters, linear time counters, Dolby B/C selectors, and transport buttons. In addition, the two wells can work together to record from a single input, or the user can connect several PMD510 decks together to create long-term continuous recording and playback.Read more

Features

• Dual-well cassette deck for professional applications
• Each well operates independently, with distinct inputs, outputs, and pitch controls
• Play cassette on one deck while recording different tracks on the other
• Normal and high-speed dubbing, autoreverse, and synchro-start recording
• Measures 19 x 5.2 x 13.2 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 15 pounds

Editorial Review

The CT-W205R offers everything you need in a 21st-century cassette deck: convenience, quality, and affordability. Convenience, because many cars have tape decks and most of us still have boatloads of perfectly good tapes lying around the house. Quality, because cassettes Read more

Features

• Dual-well cassette deck with full-logic controls, relay play, and high-speed dubbing
• Auto-reverse in both decks, including auto-reverse recording in deck II and rewind auto play in deck I
• Dolby B and C noise reduction, auto tape-type selection
• 6-segment LED level meter with peak-hold function helps you optimize recording levels simply and reliably
• 15-track music search lets you hear specific cuts with minimal search effort

Reviews (3)

what a great tape deck!
for those of you looking for quality at a good price, this is the way to go. I began building my home theatre on a shoe string budget. After the TV, the speakers, the tuner and the DVD player, I was a little tapped for cash to spend on things like the tape deck. However, we all need one. So, I got this one from amazon. Its proved to be indestructible and very reliable. I've had no problems and it even survived being left in a snowstorm by my moron room mate. it still works like brand new! and the price, you cant go wrong. ... ! save some money and get a good tape deck!

You can not get better for twice the price
I own the same deck except one model up. I have had it for four years and it worked flawless. I decided I needed another deck but not so many features. I ordered this Pioneer CT-W205R Auto Reverse Cassette Deck fromAmazon at a greatlow price. It arrived within days (I paid cheapestshipping) Plugged it in ran some tests on all aspects and was more thanpleased. Also love the "ONE YEAR PARTS/LABOR WARRANTY"Thequality of the duplicating was great at both normal and high speed. Itested DB loss from master to copy. On normal duplication I saw about a oneDB loss .On the high speed duplication I saw about a 1 � to 2 DB loss. Butcopy of master tape was still nice and bright in sound. Did not hear muchloss at high end. Very quite during actual copy process. As usual typicalnoisy reverse mechanisms but my other one has that for last four years.Just nature of deck design. I think I will buy another soon becauseCassette decks are going to be in short supply with in next few years.Thanks Pioneer and Amazon.com Great Product/Great Service.

a really great value!!!
My stereo is the focal point of my small apartment. Now, a large part of my music collection is on tape. And, if one has been shopping recently, itsgetting harder and harder to find a decent tape deck. everybody is buyingCD and minidisc. most stores carry very expensive tape decks if any at all.After much hunting, I purchased the pioneer deck above. Its truly great.its got a good clean dolby sound and the one button dubbing is sweet. ifyou are looking for a quality piece to add to your home sytem. this one ischeap and well founded. go with this one. you wont regret it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cassette Tape Players, Player, Decks    2. Dual Auto Reverse    3. CTW205R, CTW, 205R, 205, R   

Features

• Dual cassette deck with auto reverse and high-speed dubbing
• Dolby B and C noise reduction
• RMS track programming
• Twin electronic counters
• Remote control capable with Sony AV receivers