Aiwa SX-R1700: The Forgotten Flagship of Cassette Fidelity

Name: Aiwa SX-R1700
Brand: Aiwa

In the mid-1980s, when compact cassettes were not just a portable music format but a serious medium for high-fidelity home audio, Japanese electronics manufacturer Aiwa stood at the forefront of innovation. While often overshadowed by giants like Sony and Nakamichi, Aiwa carved out a reputation for delivering exceptional performance at competitive prices. Among its most accomplished cassette decks, the Aiwa SX-R1700 stands as a remarkable example of engineering excellence—a dual-cassette deck designed for audiophiles, music archivists, and home tapers who demanded precision, durability, and advanced features.

Released in 1985, the SX-R1700 arrived during the golden age of analog tape, a time when manufacturers were pushing the limits of what a 1/8-inch magnetic strip could achieve. With its sleek black finish, dual chrome-faced transport mechanisms, and comprehensive feature set, the SX-R1700 was clearly positioned as a premium machine—though it often flew under the radar compared to the more famous Nakamichi Dragon or even Aiwa’s own SX-V8. Yet, in terms of value, functionality, and sound quality, the SX-R1700 remains a hidden gem among vintage audio collectors today.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Detail
Model	Aiwa SX-R1700
Year of Release	1985
Type	Dual Cassette Deck
Tape Speed	4.76 cm/s (1 7/8 ips)
Heads	Dual Ferrite, Fixed Position
Motor Type	Direct Drive (Dual Capstan)
Wow and Flutter	< 0.055% (WRMS)
Frequency Response	30Hz – 18kHz (Type I), 30Hz – 20kHz (Type IV)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	66 dB (Dolby B), 72 dB (Dolby C), 75 dB (Dolby HX Pro + Type IV)
Total Harmonic Distortion	< 1.5%
Dolby Noise Reduction	B, C, and HX Pro
Bias System	Automatic Tape Type Detection (I, II, IV)
Recording Modes	Normal, Chrome, Metal
Display	Dual VU Meters, LED Indicators
Inputs/Outputs	Line In (RCA), Line Out (RCA), Headphone Out
Dimensions	430 × 140 × 340 mm
Weight	9.8 kg (21.6 lbs)
Impedance	8 ohms

Sound Characteristics and Performance

The Aiwa SX-R1700 was engineered for accuracy and transparency. Its dual direct-drive capstan system ensured rock-solid tape speed stability, contributing to its impressively low wow and flutter—critical for maintaining pitch integrity and rhythmic precision. The fixed-position ferrite heads were carefully aligned at the factory for optimal azimuth and contact, delivering a balanced frequency response across all tape types.

What truly set the SX-R1700 apart was its handling of high frequencies and stereo imaging. Thanks to Dolby HX Pro (Headroom Extension), the deck could dynamically adjust the bias during recording to prevent high-frequency saturation, especially on metal tapes. This allowed for cleaner, more extended treble without the harshness that often plagued over-biased recordings.

In practice, the SX-R1700 produced warm yet detailed sound—neither clinical nor overly romanticized. Its midrange was rich and natural, making it excellent for vocals and acoustic instruments. Bass response was tight and well-controlled, avoiding the flabbiness common in lower-tier decks. When paired with high-quality Type IV (metal) tapes and recorded using Dolby C and HX Pro, the SX-R1700 could produce cassette copies that were startlingly close to the source—so much so that many users employed it for archiving vinyl records and reel-to-reel tapes.

Notable Features and Innovations

The SX-R1700 was packed with features that reflected Aiwa’s commitment to usability and performance:

Dual Cassette Operation: Unlike most high-end decks of the era that focused on single-play excellence, the SX-R1700 featured two full-featured tape transports. This allowed for seamless high-speed dubbing between cassettes at real-time speed, a boon for collectors and mixtape enthusiasts.

Automatic Tape Type Detection: The deck could sense whether a Type I (ferric), Type II (chrome), or Type IV (metal) tape was inserted and adjust bias and equalization accordingly. This eliminated manual settings and reduced user error.

Dolby HX Pro + Dolby C: While Dolby B and C were common, HX Pro was a more advanced feature typically found on professional or ultra-high-end decks. Its inclusion on the SX-R1700 was a major selling point, enhancing dynamic range and reducing distortion on metal tapes.

Dual VU Meters: Large, responsive VU meters provided real-time feedback on recording levels, allowing for precise gain staging—a must for critical recording tasks.

Direct Drive Capstans: Each transport used a direct-drive motor system, minimizing mechanical noise and ensuring consistent tape speed without belt slippage.

Metal-Exclusive Recording Mode: When a metal tape was detected, the deck engaged a dedicated metal bias and EQ curve, maximizing fidelity.

Common Issues and Maintenance

Like all vintage tape decks, the Aiwa SX-R1700 requires regular maintenance to perform at its best. The most common issues include:

Deteriorated Rubber Components: The pinch rollers and idler tires can harden or crack over time, leading to speed instability or tape slippage. These should be replaced with fresh silicone parts.

Dirty or Worn Tape Heads: Oxide buildup can dull sound quality. Regular cleaning with isopropyl alcohol and a demagnetizer is essential. Head wear is rare due to the durable ferrite material, but alignment should be checked if azimuth issues arise.

Capstan Shaft Oxidation: Over decades, the chrome-plated capstan shafts may develop oxidation, causing increased wow and flutter. Light polishing with metal polish can restore smooth operation.

Mechanical Wear in Transport: The dual transport mechanism is complex. If buttons feel sluggish or tape loading is inconsistent, internal lubrication and inspection may be needed.

Capacitor Aging: While not as prone as some electronics, the power supply and audio circuit capacitors may dry out over time. A recap by a qualified technician can prevent future failures.

With proper care, the SX-R1700 remains highly reliable. Its robust metal chassis and high-quality internal construction have allowed many units to survive in excellent working condition.

Current Market Value and Collectibility

The Aiwa SX-R1700 is not as widely collected as the Nakamichi Dragon or Revox decks, but it has developed a loyal following among cassette enthusiasts and analog purists. Its dual-deck functionality, advanced noise reduction, and excellent build quality make it a practical and sonically rewarding machine.

As of 2024, a fully functional Aiwa SX-R1700 in good cosmetic condition typically sells for $250–$400, depending on region and included accessories. Units with original manuals, dust covers, and low usage can command higher prices. While not yet a “blue-chip” vintage item, its value has been steadily rising as interest in analog tape grows.

It’s particularly sought after by:

Vinyl archivists looking for high-quality cassette duplication
Musicians and producers exploring analog tape saturation
Retro audio collectors focusing on 1980s Japanese engineering

Conclusion and Legacy

The Aiwa SX-R1700 may not have the legendary status of some of its contemporaries, but it represents the peak of what a dual-cassette deck could achieve. It combined professional-grade features—Dolby HX Pro, automatic tape sensing, direct drive, and precision mechanics—with user-friendly design and excellent sound.

In an era when cassettes were dismissed as inferior, the SX-R1700 proved that with the right engineering, they could deliver audiophile-grade results. Today, as analog formats enjoy a resurgence, the SX-R1700 stands as a testament to Aiwa’s ingenuity and a reminder that high fidelity isn’t limited to vinyl or digital.

For those seeking a capable, reliable, and sonically impressive cassette deck that doesn’t break the bank, the Aiwa SX-R1700 remains one of the best-kept secrets of vintage audio.