Luxman K-331W (1984)
The Luxman K-331W is a two-head, two-motor stereo cassette deck from 1984. The record on this model is thin. The specs that survive come largely from a single enthusiast database, though the year and wow-and-flutter figure are corroborated by a second source. What's documented points to a conventional mid-1980s deck: 4-track, 2-channel stereo, with a single combined record/playback head and a separate erase head. A contemporary overview in HiFI-Stereo (March 1993, p.76) grouped such decks with Dolby B/C noise reduction and metal-bias compatibility. The two-motor arrangement splits duties between capstan and reel drive.
It handles all three tape types - normal, CrO₂ and metal - with an auto tape selector that reads the detection holes on the shell. Dolby B and Dolby C noise reduction are both on board. Frequency response is rated to 16 kHz on metal tape, 15 kHz on CrO₂ and 14 kHz on normal tape. Signal-to-noise runs 58 dB with Dolby off, 68 dB with Dolby B and 76 dB with Dolby C. Wow and flutter is spec'd at 0.045% WRMS. A memory stop function and a headphone jack round out the features.
The dimensions don't quite reconcile. The primary listing gives 430 x 115 x 305 mm (W x H x D). The same source also lists a main body measurement of 424 x 112 x 297 mm and a total of 440 x 120 x 310 mm. All three are kept here, since the source doesn't say which is which. Weight is listed at 4.7 kg. The deck is AC powered (100V, 50/60Hz) and was sold with a 1.38 m power cable.
Known specs:
- Type: Stereo cassette deck, 4-track, 2-channel
- Heads: 1 record/playback, 1 erase
- Motors: 2 (1 capstan, 1 reel)
- Tape speed: 4.8 cm/s
- Wow and flutter: 0.045% (WRMS)
- Frequency response: 30 Hz–16 kHz (metal), 30 Hz–15 kHz (CrO₂), 30 Hz–14 kHz (normal)
- Signal-to-noise: 58 dB (Dolby off), 68 dB (Dolby B), 76 dB (Dolby C)
- Noise reduction: Dolby B, Dolby C
- Inputs: 0.16 mV (mic), 60 mV (line)
- Outputs: 0.45 V (line), 0.7 V (DIN)
- Features: Auto tape selector, metal tape capability, memory stop, headphone jack
- Dimensions: 430 x 115 x 305 mm (per primary listing)
- Weight: 4.7 kg
Plenty is missing. No original price survives, no production end year, no service manual. A forum thread title mentions both the K-331W and a separate K-331 model, but nothing explains what the "W" suffix distinguishes. No ownership impressions or common problems have surfaced in the record.
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