Denon DN-780R

Name: Denon DN-780R
Brand: Denon

A dual-well, auto-reverse stereo cassette deck with professional connectivity and Dolby + HX Pro noise reduction

Overview

The Denon DN-780R is a double cassette deck for stereo recording and playback. It has a dual-well, auto-reverse transport and runs 4-track, 2-channel stereo, with independent control over each well. Denon marketed it as a "Twin Output Auto-Reverse Cassette Deck Recorder." It has RS-232C and parallel D-sub control ports, which makes it usable for automated or studio work. It's noted for its Quick Auto Reverse function and for dual playback/recording.

Specifications

Track System	4-track, 2-channel stereo auto reverse dual cassette
Type	Auto reverse, double compact cassette deck
Heads	Record & Playback: Hard Permalloy x2 (Revolving Head) Erase: Dual-Gap Ferrite x2
Noise Reduction	Dolby noise reduction, HX Pro headroom extension
Connectivity	Serial D-sub 9 port (RS-232C), Parallel D-sub 25 port (dry contact), Stereo microphone input, Independent A and B Audio Outputs
Mechanical Features	Quick Auto Reverse
Number of Heads	2 (per well)

Design

The DN-780R has independent recording and playback heads for each well, so both wells can work at the same time. The head assembly uses hard permalloy record and playback heads with dual-gap ferrite erase heads. The control interfaces are the pro kind: RS-232C and dry contact parallel ports. That points to use with external automation systems.

Market

The DN-780R turns up on secondhand markets such as eBay, Gumtree, and Reddit, often sold as fully serviced with new belts. One user reported getting a nearly unused unit for $50. Listings file it as a "Professional Cassette Deck" under pro audio equipment. One known problem is partial failure. At least one listing says "Only Work Left Side," which suggests one transport mechanism can wear out mechanically or electrically over time.