Aurex (1978) - Seriously Modern

 

Aurex PC-X80AD (1978)

Even though technically is "only a 2-motor 2-head deck" it is extremely well built and it also sounds very good. Here are some technical highlights of this exclusive model sold in very low numbers. (Some say the production number was 130 but a deck with serial number 161 was also spotted). First there is the front panel that is a solid piece of die-cast aluminum. Then the mechanism is bolted straight to the front panel. This is clearly visible by the presence of the mounting bolts around the open cassette bay. The head used is a Sendust head labelled AS (Aurex Sendust). The deck has two transformers - one for audio and one for the tape mechanism. The PC-X80AD has a 3-position tape selector on the front panel for Normal, Chrome and Special tape but, the Special tape position has a switch located on the back panel of the unit to select between FeCr and Metal tape. This makes-it one of the first, if not the first cassette deck with Metal tape capability. All this technological tour-de-force was implemented in support of the adres noise reduction (a Toshiba development) system capable of 84dB signal to noise ratio and a frequency response of 20-20.000Hz with Metal tape. The most visually and technically striking feature is however the level meter. This is a Plasma Peak Level indicator with an unbelievable 201! segments. The open cassette mechanism had also a transparent dust cover that had to be removed by hand. The RM-15 wired remote control was sold separately. Size: 420x148x384mm (WxHxD) | Weight: 12kg | Original sale price: 2500 DM in Germany.

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