Aiwa CS-90
The Aiwa CS-90 is a portable stereo cassette recorder with a built-in FM/MW/SW radio. One period directory called it a "full-featured stereo portable." The odd part is the construction. It comes in three pieces: two detachable speakers flank a center section that holds the cassette mechanism, radio, and controls. A telescopic antenna and a dynamic microphone came in the box.
Electrically, it was modest but complete. Output was rated at 2 × 1.5W, frequency response 40-14,000 Hz on normal tape, wow and flutter 0.15% WRMS, and signal-to-noise ratio 58 dB. The tuner covered FM (88-108 MHz), MW (530-1,605 kHz), and two shortwave bands (SW1 2.3-7.0 MHz, SW2 7.0-22.0 MHz). Inputs and outputs were kept to the basics: microphone input, earphone jack, and line out. Power came from five D cells or AC at 110-120V or 220-240V. The unit measures 480 × 160 × 110mm and weighs 3.4kg without batteries.
Little else is documented about the CS-90. No production years, original price, or market positioning have been traced, and no owner reviews or collector market data survive in the record. It was an early-80s portable with detachable speakers, a full-band tuner, and mainstream specs for its era. A 1983 issue of HiFi-Stereo (November 1983, p.122) carried advertisements for the CS-90 alongside other contemporary audio gear.
- Type: Portable stereo cassette recorder with radio (boombox)
- Construction: Three-piece, two detachable speakers
- Radio: FM / MW / SW1 / SW2
- Frequency response: 40–14,000 Hz (normal tape)
- Wow & flutter: 0.15% WRMS
- S/N ratio: 58 dB
- Output: 2 × 1.5W
- Power: 5×D cells or AC (110–120V / 220–240V)
- Dimensions: 480 × 160 × 110mm
- Weight: 3.4kg (without batteries)
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