Aiwa TP-S30 (1980)
Personal stereo recorder with metal-tape capability and dual headphone jacks, launched as CassetteBoy in Japan.
Overview
The Aiwa TP-S30 is a personal stereo recorder introduced in 1980 by Aiwa Co. Ltd., marketed as CassetteBoy in Japan. It was the world's first personal stereo recorder, allowing users to record and play back music anywhere. Designed as a direct competitor to the Sony TPS-L2, it marked Aiwa's entry into the personal stereo market and is considered a groundbreaking device. The unit is described as "built like a tank" with a metal case and plastic frame, featuring a "beautiful" and "masterpiece" cassette mechanism. It has a compact, handheld shape with a window, manual tape selector, and dual headphone jacks.
Specifications
| Dimensions (WHD) | 139.8 x 80.8 x 26.8 mm |
| Net weight | 365 g |
| Power | 2 x AA batteries (1.5V each) |
| Battery life | 5h (with 2AA) |
| Frequency range | 40–12500 Hz (Type I), 40–16000 Hz (Type II/IV) |
| Max output | 2x33 mW |
| Wow & flutter | below 0.3% |
| Features | Metal-tape capability, built-in electret condenser microphone, counter and reset, LED operation indicator, pause, CUE/FFWD, REVIEW/REW, dual headphone jacks, balance control, MIC/AUX inputs, rotary volume, auto stop, hold lock |
| Functions | DC in, record by input, cue, balance (L/R), supra-aural phone type, LED indicator |
| Construction | Plastic material, metal case, plastic frame |
Design
The TP-S30 features a metal case with a plastic frame and is described as "built like a tank." Its cassette mechanism is called "beautiful" and "a masterpiece," with many sliding parts designed before CAD. The unit includes a built-in electret condenser microphone and supports metal-tape recording. It came with color-swappable stickers for the HP-M3 headphones. The output is rated at 2x33 mW, making it an "output beast" capable of driving headphones effectively.
Context
Launched in 1980, the TP-S30 was Aiwa's first model to compete with the Sony TPS-L2, entering a market that included the Sony WM2, JVC CQ-1K, Sanyo MR-555, and Panasonic RQ-J9. Despite Sony being a major shareholder in Aiwa, the competition was seen as profitable. The device was part of the Cassette Boy series and nicknamed the "Pocket deck." It is recognized as a legendary product by Aiwa and is considered a pioneering device in personal audio.
Market
The original price was 36,800 ¥. Current market value is $694. Common issues include dissolving belts and leaking capacitors that require full replacement. Restoration is difficult, described as "a pain in the bud to fix" and "gave me a hard time, almost gave up on it." A service manual is available, and specific replacement belts are sold.
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