harman/kardon CD491 (1983) | Ultrawideband Linear Phase

 

The harman/kardon CD491 represents one of the pinnacle of the company's cassette deck engineering, delivering audiophile-grade performance that rivals the original source material. Designed for serious music enthusiasts and demanding recording applications, the CD491 achieves an exceptional frequency response of 20Hz to 24kHz (±3dB) with virtually any tape formulation, placing it among the most advanced cassette decks ever produced. At the heart of the CD491 is Dolby HX Pro, an advanced headroom extension system that dynamically optimizes high-frequency recording performance. By reducing distortion and extending frequency response at elevated recording levels, Dolby HX Pro enables cleaner, more accurate recordings with greater dynamic range. Combined with Dolby C noise reduction, the CD491 achieves an impressive signal-to-noise ratio of 75dB. When used with high-quality metal tape, Dolby C, and Dolby HX Pro, the deck delivers a remarkable 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response at 0dB recording level (±3dB), ensuring faithful reproduction of even the most demanding digital and analog program material. The CD491 features a true three-head configuration, allowing real-time monitoring during recording and providing superior recording accuracy. The deck utilizes a high-performance Sendust recording head capable of handling elevated recording levels without overload, while a precision ferrite playback head ensures outstanding high-frequency extension and detail retrieval. Both heads are meticulously aligned within a single housing to maintain optimal tracking accuracy and consistent performance. To maximize compatibility with a wide variety of cassette formulations, the CD491 incorporates built-in tone generators for bias adjustment and record calibration. These tools allow users to precisely match recording parameters to individual tapes, optimizing frequency response, recording accuracy, and Dolby tracking. Dual Dolby B and Dolby C noise reduction systems further enhance playback quality while reducing tape hiss and preserving low-level musical detail. A standout feature of the Harman Kardon CD491 is its unique meter weighting system. This sophisticated circuit analyzes the frequency content of incoming audio and helps determine the optimum recording level for each program source. The information is displayed on highly accurate 16-segment peak level meters, allowing users to record at the highest possible level without risking tape saturation or distortion. The meter range extends from -30dB to +10dB, providing excellent visibility and control during recording sessions. The CD491 employs a precision closed-loop dual-capstan transport system designed to maintain stable tape handling, minimize wow and flutter, and improve overall playback consistency. Additional convenience features include bi-directional automatic music search, Auto Space for precise cueing between tracks, Auto Repeat playback, an electronic digital display, and a real-time tape counter that also functions as a conventional tape counter. Combining wide frequency response, Dolby HX Pro technology, precision tape calibration, three-head monitoring, and a closed-loop dual-capstan transport, the Harman Kardon CD491 established itself as one of the finest cassette decks of its era. Rather than comparing the CD491 to other tape decks, Harman Kardon encouraged listeners to compare it directly to the source recording itself — a testament to the deck's extraordinary recording accuracy and reference-level performance. Specifications: Heads: 3 Sendust/Ferrite | Motors Direct Drive 2+1 motor system | Wow & Flutter 0,025% | Frequency response 20Hz-24kHz (maxell UD-XLI, TDK SA) 20Hz-26kHz Metal tape | Dimensions (W/H/D) 440x122x343mm | Weight 8,2kg | Original sale price in Germany 2000-2250 DM ( 1983-1986)

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National NV-DS1 (1988) | Digital & Hi-Fi

 

The National (Panasonic) NV-DS1 introduced in 1988 features Multi-Digital play that allows "a flexible and creative visual expression" of your video material. The enjoyment of AV deepens even further when you recreate various video scenes exactly as you want. 8-bit digital processing allows for 9-screen playback, strobe effects, graphic art, mosaics, and digital combinations of these. You can enjoy a variety of special effects, including mixing. The LCD multi-digital controller allows for centralized operation. Based on the high image quality of the S-VHS system, it delivers finely detailed digital images. The "8WD system" which creates the image, reproduces multi-digital play and Fine Slow motion more beautifully. Hi-Fi sound. The richness of the sound is further enhanced. Digital sub-bass sound offers a large scale sense of presence. Even double bass is reproduced with powerful bass. The basic sound is Hi-Fi with a dynamic range of 90dB or more. Audio-grade aluminum electrolytic capacitors improve the sound's attack and the clarity of the mid and high frequencies. Sub-bass reproduction has two selectable positions (music) depending on the source. Other features include: Title creation - digital. Barcode title input. Built-in title editing function. Create original titles with the same easy operation as barcode.

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Accuphase P-500 (1985) | Built for Perfect Pitch

Built for Perfect Pitch. There are limits in high-end audio that only the finest components can reach — and only true audiophiles can fully appreciate. The name Accuphase has long been synonymous with uncompromising sound quality, precision engineering, and timeless craftsmanship. Developed by a dedicated team of experienced audio engineers, every Accuphase amplifier is designed and built to achieve a level of performance that pushes the boundaries of modern audio technology. Rather than following short-lived market trends, Accuphase focuses on one goal: absolute sound reproduction combined with elegant, timeless design. The P-500 from 1985 was a Stereo Power Amplifier Engineered for the New Era of High-End Audio. This Accuphase stereo power amplifier combines legendary Accuphase engineering with advanced circuit design to deliver exceptional power, ultra-low distortion, and remarkable stability under all listening conditions. The output stage features six parallel push-pull power transistors per channel, utilizing high-power 150W collector-loss devices for a total of 12 output transistors per channel. With a theoretical maximum output capability of 4,200 watts, the amplifier maintains substantial operating headroom, ensuring outstanding reliability, effortless dynamics, and superior speaker control even at high output levels. To minimize switching distortion at low listening levels, the operating points are precisely controlled so that both the PNP and NPN output devices remain continuously active without signal cutoff. This advanced configuration delivers smooth, natural sound reproduction with exceptional clarity and transparency across the entire frequency range. The driver stage employs high-grade MOS-FET devices operating in a non-switching Class A equivalent configuration with a cascode push-pull topology. The preceding signal stage also utilizes a pure Class A cascode push-pull design, contributing to excellent linearity, low noise, and stable performance from delicate low-level passages to full-rated output power. A direct-coupled input configuration preserves signal purity and musical detail. To protect loudspeakers from potential damage caused by DC drift from connected preamplifiers, Accuphase’s proprietary DC servo system automatically eliminates unwanted DC components while stabilizing the amplifier against temperature-related drift. For maximum system flexibility, the amplifier provides both a standard 20kΩ input and a fully balanced 40kΩ balanced input connection for enhanced noise rejection and improved signal integrity. A built-in subsonic filter eliminates frequencies below 10Hz using carefully selected high-quality components that preserve overall sound quality without affecting the audible frequency range. The amplifier is also equipped with a precision analog power meter capable of directly displaying both dB levels and output wattage. Logarithmic compression enables accurate monitoring across a wide power range from -60dB to +3dB. A dedicated switch allows the meter illumination and display to be turned off when desired. For even greater versatility, the amplifier can also operate in bridged mono mode, transforming it into a high-performance monaural power amplifier capable of driving demanding speaker systems with exceptional authority and control. Specifications: Continuous average power 250W/ch RMS 8ohm | Dimensions (W/H/D) 480x218x445mm | Weight 33,5kg

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