Sansui SC-1110 (1978–1979)

A stereo cassette deck from the late 1970s with Dolby B noise reduction and a reputation for solid audio reproduction.

Overview

The Sansui SC-1110 is a stereo cassette deck made in Japan between 1978 and 1979. It was built for high-fidelity playback and recording, with Dolby B noise reduction and support for both Fe₂O₃ and CrO₂ tape. The circuit is simple and the mechanical layout is durable, so cassette enthusiasts treat it as a reliable machine worth restoring. It shares design lineage with the Sansui SC-1100, part of the same product series.

Specifications

Track System	4 track, 2 channel stereo
Tape Speed	4.8 cm/sec
Wow and Flutter	<0.08% WRMS
Frequency Response (Fe₂O₃ tape)	30 Hz - 13,000 Hz (±3dB)
Frequency Response (CrO₂ tape)	30 Hz - 16,000 Hz (±3dB)
Signal to Noise Ratio (CrO₂ tape, no Dolby)	Better than 54 dB (weighted)
Signal to Noise Ratio (CrO₂ tape, with Dolby, above 5 kHz)	Better than 64 dB
Heads	1 x Permalloy record/playback head, 1 x Ferrite erase head
Motors	1 x DC motor
Semiconductors	Transistors: 19, Diodes: 15, Zener Diodes: 1, Integrated Circuits: 2
Power Voltage	220 V, 240 V at 50 Hz
Power Consumption	13 W
Dimensions	160 mm (H) x 430 mm (W) x 302 mm (D)
Weight	6.8 kg
Connections	Line In: 70 mV / 100 kOhm; DIN In
Made in	Japan
Colour	Silver

Design

The SC-1110 has a simple signal path: three transistors and a single Dolby IC per audio channel. That keeps the audio clean. The main boards are coded G-1217 (Main Circuit Board), G-1218 (Power Supply), and G-1230 (Lead-in and Shut-off Circuit). It uses a Permalloy record/playback head and a ferrite erase head, driven by a single DC motor. The spark-canceling ceramic disc capacitor on the mains power switch is known to fail over time from electrical stress.

Reception & Use

Users have praised the audio quality of the SC-1110. One said the sound was good enough to justify a full restoration. It is regarded as nearly matching higher-end cassette decks, and it has been described as a simpler, more preferable playback option than complex models like the Akai GX-95. Its additional controls make it a strong candidate for a rugged playback-only machine.

Collectibility

The SC-1110 is often found with non-original record/playback heads, sometimes Pioneer units, and may show poorly executed internal repairs. Common restoration issues include capacitors replaced with Chinese equivalents, substituted small-signal transistors, and LEDs fitted in place of the original VU meter bulbs. Detailed component replacement guides exist, which supports full restorations. The deck is considered desirable, with current listings for working units and original parts.