2019 was, oddly enough, the revival of cassette audiophilia. And this is evidenced not only by increased sales, but also by people’s general interest in this topic.
Longread: sales of audio cassettes are growing. What's happening?
Ilya Kichaev
4 March 2019
Perhaps I somehow organized an information field around myself, so that it constantly told me: “Look, audio cassettes! And here's another topic regarding audio cassettes! Cool! Renaissance!"
It's probably just me. But there is a small possibility that people have become interested in cassettes again. Perhaps it's nostalgia. Or perhaps it’s because of their really cool sound, which I can’t confirm or deny in any way, since I don’t have any good soundboards.
For several months now, by the way, I’ve been thinking about how to find one of the cool cassette players and enjoy or, conversely, be horrified by the sound. And then a text appears in my information field from various sources, which contains seven modern audio decks.
PylePro PT649D
The cheapest option. It looks serious, you can’t buy it in Russia. There is a varic on eBay for 7 thousand rubles. And in the original text, which I came across some time ago, the amount is called $72.
For some reason it was called the cheapest, but the manufacturer’s website offers to buy it in the USA for $214. And this is far from a budget solution.
For this money, the buyer will receive a two-cassette stereo deck capable of reproducing sounds at frequencies from 40 Hz to 14 kHz. Hmm, not much!
By the way, for $272 you will get an improved version of this deck, called the PT659DU. The characteristics are not indicated here, but there is the ability to connect the deck to a computer via USB to digitize recordings into mp3 and a simply stunning promotional photograph, where the designer demonstrated masterful work with perspective, proportions and light:
References
- ^ a b c
"Phillips' Tape Around the World: Billboard Report".
Billboard
(28-page supplement) (Vol. 79, No. 14 ed.). Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 1967-04-08. pp. 1–28. - Cook, Diana; Morton, David. "RCA Cartridges: 1958 - 1964." History of the magnetic audio cassette
. Diana Cook. Retrieved October 25, 2016. - Mourning and Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Compact Cassette Archived 2013-10-09 in the Wayback Machine - SoundBlog, March 23, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
- Rewind. On its 50th anniversary, the tape is still rolling. Time Magazine, August 12, 2013, pp. 56-57
- Hinman, Doug; Brabazon, Brabazon (1994). "Cassettes: 1963 - Present." History of the magnetic audio cassette
. Diana Cook. Retrieved October 25, 2016. Cassettes were initially despised by audio critics as a very low-end technology...very low perceived audio reproduction potential - Advent cassette decks Archived June 25, 2009 Wayback Machine
- Siegenthaler, Marcel. "In Memory: Willie Studer" (PDF). Journal of the Audio Engineering Society
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55
(5):435. - van Amerongen, Work (2005). "Chapter 12: The Role of Controls in Mechatronics." In Bishop, Robert H. (ed.). Mechatronics: An Introduction
. CRC Press. clause 12.1. ISBN 978-1-4200-3724-1. - US 3347996 A, Goji Uchikoshi, “Magnetic Recorder Control System,” published October 17, 1967. “By providing logic circuitry in the control circuit for the magnetic recorder, even when the keyboard keys are actuated in any desired sequence, the magnetic recorder and The devices associated with it can be controlled quickly and accurately without causing any damage to it. . "
- Hirsch, Julian (May 1979). Eumig 'CCD' cassette deck (PDF). Popular Electronics
. pp. 39–44. Retrieved December 18, 2022. Transport control is entirely logically controlled by solenoids. You can touch any transport control button while the machine is running in any mode without risk of damaging the belt or deck. Even the cassette door button can be operated while the tape is moving. - Takahata, Masato; and others. (1991). “Cassette deck with logical control” DK-76″ (PDF). FUJITSU TEN Technical Journal
(4): 52–60. Retrieved 2017-12-12. - Hirsch, Julian (May 1979). "Aiwa Model AD-6900 Cassette Deck" (PDF). Popular Electronics
. pp. 28–31. Retrieved December 18, 2022. There was a slight "clunk" sound when the solenoids engaged, but the buttons themselves required almost no pressing and the control logic was as reliable as advertised. - "JVC Stereo Cassette Decks" (PDF). Victor company from Japan. 1982. Retrieved 2017-12-13. The following conveniences are available: * Direct mode change... * Easy touch button... * Cut-out recording... * Remote control...
- Takai, Kazuki (February 1, 1985). "Ultra-compact cassette mechanism with full logic." SAE Technical Document 850024
.
SAE Technical Article Series. 1
: 20. doi:10.4271/850024. Retrieved 2017-12-13. - fonoforum.de 8/1991, Testreport Dolby-S-Kassettendeck Archived 2020-04-12 at the Wayback Machine (German; PDF, 2 MB)
- “The quality of the recorded tape?” AudioKarma.org
(Forum). 2005-09-05. - Sutherland, Sam (26 September 1981). “Better quality cassettes needed.” Billboard
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(38): 3, 6. Retrieved June 4, 2013. - Scheme and description of DNL Archived November 5, 2008 Wayback Machine URL viewed August 25, 2006
- “These 10 characteristics of a car are gone forever.” Driving. 2019-02-03. Missing or empty | url = (Help)
ION Audio TAPE 2 PC
But this is really the cheapest. You can buy it in the USA for 120 bucks. You can find samples on eBay for just over $50.
This thing can also connect to a computer. Using this function, you can digitize analog recordings. The manufacturer also promises that the deck will reproduce frequencies from 40 to 15,000 Hz, and the detonation level is ±0.2%. By the way, the design of this deck is a complete copy of the PylePro PT649D. Only the color is different:
The best cassette decks released in the USSR
The full industrial cycle of almost any product in the USSR has already become the talk of the town - and cassette decks will be one of the most interesting examples of such engineering art. Our ode to analog recording continues - let's look back and highlight the highest quality examples of such equipment produced before 1991. Our new selection contains a dozen stationary cassette tape recorders of the first and highest class of equipment or low-volume products. A number of these decks can now be found on sale for very modest money, and their sound will definitely please you.
Vega MP-120-stereo
This model has been produced since 1987 at the Berdsk Production Association "Vega". The deck control is pseudo-touch, the tape counter is electronic, noise reduction is compander. "Vega MP-120-stereo" had hitchhiking and allowed programming for playing individual songs. The head is sandust, there are three engines; The frequency response of the deck was stated to range from 31.5 to 16,000 Hz, the signal-to-noise ratio was 56 dB. The tape recorder weighed 7.5 kg; its retail price was set at 500 rubles.
Mayak-120-stereo
The favorite of Soviet audiophiles and music lovers is “Mayak-120-stereo”, a release from the Kyiv plant of the same name. The device supported Fe, Cr and FeCr tapes, was equipped with a noise reduction system, had electronic logical control, indication of peak signal levels, level indicators and an auto-stop module. The sendust head and high-quality LMP guaranteed an frequency response of 31.5 – 18,000 Hz with a detonation coefficient of 0.15%. The device weighed 8.9 kg.
Yauza MP-221S
The Yauza MP-221S has been produced since 1987 - despite its modest dimensions and low weight (only 4.5 kg), the cassette player turned out to be extremely successful. Moscow EMZ N1 knew its business exceptionally well - the device worked with three types of tapes, allowed for adjustment of the bias, used an electronic-logical control system and as many as two noise suppressors (compander and dynamic). LMP with two engines, sendust head, frequency response from 31.5 to 16,000 Hz, detonation coefficient - 0.19%.
Rapri-102S
"Rapri-102S" began to be produced in 1988 by Moscow (a similar deck was produced in 1987 under the brand name "Rapri MP-202S"). For 455 rubles, a system with a sendust head, electroluminescent level indication and the ability to adjust the bias current was offered. Ergonomics, again, did not let us down - “Rapri-102S” allowed searching by fragments. The dual-engine device provided an frequency response from 30 to 16,000 Hz with a detonation coefficient of 0.15%. The “analog instrument” weighed 7 kg.
Romance-221-stereo
A product of the Shevchenko Kharkov Instrument-Making Plant, an upgrade of the famous Romantika-220-stereo cassette player, which now has the ability to work with three types of tapes. A solid three-motor design, auto-stop, sendust head and even an electronic tape counter - for 1987 the device was perfectly “packed”. The finishing touches are quasi-touch control, as well as impressive performance characteristics (frequency response from 31.5 to 18,000 Hz). Considering the price of 383 rubles, the purchase seemed very profitable, but this “Romance” could not be found on sale - the release was limited to a pilot series.
Orel-101-1-stereo
This cassette player was produced since 1985 at the Dneprovsky Machine-Building Plant and had compander noise reduction and electronic logical control. The hitchhiking system has not been forgotten, as well as the luminescent level indicator. The dual-motor deck guaranteed a frequency response from 31.5 to 16,000 Hz, its harmonic distortion did not exceed 2.5%, and the signal-to-noise ratio reached 65 dB (with noise reduction). The tape recorder weighed 7.9 kg; its retail price was 520 rubles.
Wilma-104-stereo
Cassette decks under the Vilma brand (Vilnius PSZ Vilma) were well known among audiophiles in the eighties of the twentieth century. And, I must say, there was something to value the devices for - for example, “Vilma-104-stereo”, produced since 1986, earned every ruble invested in it (and the retail price for the deck was 550 rubles). Three types of tape? Please. Sendust head? Of course. Quasi-sensory control and auto-stop with de-energization? There are also. The deck guaranteed a frequency response from 31.5 to 18,000 Hz, sported a signal-to-noise ratio of 62 dB (with noise reduction) and weighed a respectable 10.8 kg.
Orbit MP-102-stereo
The tank-like cassette player, produced at Rostovsky since 1985, has gained real fame. The noise reduction of the Orbit MP-102-stereo was extremely effective, and control of the device through electronic logic control, LED level indicators and a digital tape counter was very convenient. “Orbita MP-102-stereo” worked with three types of tapes and used a sendust magnetic head. The frequency response ranged from 31.5 to 18,000 Hz.
Wilma-001-stereo
Heavy artillery. The price for “Vilma-001-stereo” went through the roof (1,350 rubles), however, the game was worth the candle - the release of the eponymous Vilnius Instrument-Making Plant in 1982 turned out to be extremely successful. This was the first Soviet high-class cassette recorder - the system used a foreign open tape drive mechanism and used three motors with quartz stabilization. The tract is closed with a pair of leading capstans. Three imported heads, ergonomic level indicators - in general, a complete gentleman's set is in front of you.
Mayak-010-stereo
The most expensive Soviet cassette recorder, Mayak-010-stereo, cost an incredible 1,900 rubles in 1983. The brainchild of the Kyiv plant of the same name had a whole scattering of functions: from an electronic tape counter and hitchhiking to compander noise reduction. There were simply a lot of possibilities for mixing and editing recordings here - and, taking into account the detailed level indication of average and peak recording levels, automatic bias adjustment, quartz speed stabilization and the included wireless remote control, working with Mayak-010-stereo seemed surprisingly simple and elegant. The deck received the “highest class of technology” label, was equipped with three heads, had a closed path and guaranteed an frequency response from 31.5 to 18,000 Hz. The device weighed 10 kg; The device's circulation was approximately a thousand copies.
The most expensive Soviet cassette recorder, Mayak-010-stereo, cost an incredible 1,900 rubles in 1983. The brainchild of the Kyiv plant of the same name had a whole scattering of functions: from an electronic tape counter and hitchhiking to compander noise reduction. There were simply a lot of possibilities for mixing and editing recordings here - and, taking into account the detailed level indication of average and peak recording levels, automatic bias adjustment, quartz speed stabilization and the included wireless remote control, working with Mayak-010-stereo seemed surprisingly simple and elegant. The deck received the “highest class of technology” label, was equipped with three heads, had a closed path and guaranteed an frequency response from 31.5 to 18,000 Hz. The device weighed 10 kg; The device's circulation was approximately a thousand copies.
Marantz Professional PMD-300CP
“Marans” is my professional weakness. When I worked in radio, there were voice recorders of this brand. These were huge recorders the size of a rather weighty book!
Of course, Marantz produced not only recorders, but also amplifiers and players from various physical media. The PMD-300CP cassette deck is one of them. And here the functionality of the device is expanded by an ADC and a USB port. Nothing special for the 2022 century.
Features are similar to PylePro PT649D and ION Audio TAPE 2 PC. Design too:
Of course, it's a matter of my experience, but this is the deck I would buy. Fortunately, it’s not that expensive—$190. But in general, users strongly criticize this deck, noting slow rewind, stiff buttons and an absolutely careless attitude towards the cassette tape.
Advantages over CDs
The disc is a newer invention compared to the ribbon in a plastic case. Therefore, it is natural that it has more advantages, including size, versatility and perfectly clear sound.
But this superiority is not absolute. After all, there is something special in the noise from rewinding the film, in the creaking of the leader and the click of the stop that announces the end of the album.
A CD can be inserted into any drive, but the sound will not differ from tracks from the Internet. It is the atmosphere and memories of the past that equate cassettes to vinyl records in a gramophone.
Modern equipment manufacturers play along with the new fashion. They release decks that make their design more stylish: less plastic, more aluminum and thick glass that reveals the insides of the device. There are also interesting models with a retractable control panel and options with a radio.
Teac AD-850
They say the coolest decks are single-cassette ones. And this one is exactly like that. However, there is one small difficulty... The frequency response of this deck is 50–12,000 Hz. Don't expect any ringing or brightness from this player.
And, judging by the reviews, the metal of the box is not very thick, the cassette deck itself stinks like the lousiest Chinese factory of cheap plastic, and digitization via the USB input is in mp3 format at 128–320 kbps. Not comme il faut!
You can buy one in Russia. The price is approximately 40 thousand rubles. Not cheap at all. On eBay you can buy some copies for 19 thousand, and some for 30 thousand rubles.
I'm glad there is a CD player. And there is already a normal frequency response.
Service
Cassette equipment requires regular maintenance because the cassette tape is a magnetic medium that is in physical contact with the tape head and other metal parts of the recorder/player mechanism. Without such maintenance, the high-frequency response of the cassette equipment will suffer.
One problem occurs when iron oxide (or similar) particles from the tape itself get stuck in the playback head. As a result, tape heads must be periodically cleaned to remove such particles. The metal pin and rubber pinch roller may become coated with these particles, causing the band to tighten less accurately on the head; this in turn causes the tape to shift in the azimuth of the head, creating noticeably fuzzy high tones, as if the head itself were misaligned. Isopropyl alcohol and denatured alcohol are both suitable for cleaning heads.
Heads and other metal components in the tape path (such as spindles and capstans) may become magnetized during use and require demagnetization (see Cassette Degausser).
Toshiba Aurex TY-AK1
When advertising this thing they use the half-forgotten word “boombox”. There is a cassette deck and built-in speakers. You can also listen to the radio and CDs.
They say that the Aurex TY-AK1 contains some kind of magical technology that improves the cassette recording quality to similar Hi-Res. This is hard to believe. As in the magical features of all-in-one devices.
But it’s worth emphasizing that this deck is the newest of the entire selection. It was shown only in 2022. In Japan you can buy it for 29 thousand yen, which is a little more than 18 thousand rubles. You can’t officially buy it in Russia, but I found one reseller who is ready to sell you this deck for 25 thousand rubles.
What to listen to?
Blank cassettes are still produced (Maxell, TDK, 3M plus little-known Asian brands), you can order them in online stores, including Russian ones. If you're serious about converting your CD or vinyl collection to a retro format, it's best to try to find higher quality "chrome" Type II cassettes (usually High BIAS Cr or similar) or, if you're really lucky, Type III or IV (FeCr or Metal marked) respectively). But most likely, you'll want to buy "branded" records - and that's where Amazon comes in, from the newest Slayer album to new wave classics The Cars. Plus, it’s worth rummaging around on sites like Bandcamp that are popular among aspiring and independent musicians - they often offer new releases not only in digital format, but also on vinyl and cassettes. Charity bazaars in Europe and (for lovers of exotic music) ordinary shops somewhere in Turkey and Egypt can become an invaluable source.
