Aiwa HS-PX505
Portable cassette player with BBE, Dolby C, and full metal construction from Aiwa's G-Metal X collection.
Overview
The Aiwa HS-PX505 is a portable cassette player made by Aiwa as part of its G-Metal X collection. It features a full metal body and a detachable full remote control. Known for its high-fidelity playback, the HS-PX505 includes Variable slide BBE, two-stage DSL (Dynamic Super Loudness), Dolby C noise reduction, Super Bass, and a hearing protection function called Ear Guard. The unit uses an Alpha tape mechanism with a fixed playback head and a cassette lid lock. It is praised for its detailed sound, described as "sublime," with precise BBE control that works well with Dolby C recordings and the ability to reveal fine audio detail, even distinguishing high-bitrate MP3s recorded to tape.
Specifications
| Features | Variable slide BBE, two-stage DSL, Dolby C noise reduction, Super Bass, Ear Guard hearing protection |
| Mechanism | Alpha tape mechanism, fixed playback head, cassette lid lock |
| Capacitor Values | Two 470uF 2.5V, three 100uF 4V |
| Battery | PB S5 (2V 280mAh) |
Design
The HS-PX505 has a full metal body and includes a detachable full remote control. Its PCB features a hole to assist with head alignment, and the logic control emits distinct beeps: one for play, two for reverse, one for stop, and it automatically begins playback after a full rewind. The 470uF capacitors serve as DC coupling capacitors affecting bass roll-off, while the 100uF capacitors filter noise from the playback head. A user repair replaced non-audio path capacitors with tantalums. The tape head from an Aiwa PX303 is compatible. Common failure involves electrolyte leakage from capacitors, damaging pads and traces on the board.
Context
The HS-PX505 is part of Aiwa’s G-Metal X collection. Aiwa pioneered personal audio with the CassetteBoy (TP-S30) in 1980, the world’s first personal stereo recorder, predating Sony’s Walkman.
Market
The HS-PX505 is considered rare, possibly due to high quality, low sales volume, or high failure rates. A common issue is capacitor failure leading to leaked electrolyte, causing logic malfunctions and audio crackle or static, often requiring board cleaning, acid neutralization, and trace repair. There is no easy way to cannibalize parts from other alpha-based models with bi-azimuth mechanisms for use in the PX505.
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