Sony 230W (circa 1967–1969)
Not much information on the Sony 230W survives. The period record shows a solid-state, four-track stereo tape recorder sold as the “Stereo Consolette” (or “Stereo Compact” in some references). What set it apart from the base Model 230 was the walnut cabinet. An Audio ad (October 1967, p.45) pitched it as a complete home stereo system. The ad said you could connect a stereo tuner and tape broadcasts directly, and that the front-panel control center gave you the versatility of separate preamp and power amplifier components.
A later mention in Studio Sound (March 1969, p.4) listed the TC-230W at a UK recommended retail price of £110:4:9. That is the same machine under Sony’s TC prefix. Optional matching walnut bookshelf speakers were available. The same source cited three speeds, four-track stereo/mono recording and playback, a split-lid speaker system, and front-panel selection of mic, tuner, or disc inputs.
Beyond these scattered ads and a brief product listing, nothing detailed has surfaced. No service manuals, no full specifications (power output, frequency response, wow & flutter), and no production run figures. The 230W appears to have been a modestly priced, furniture-styled deck for the consumer who wanted an all-in-one taping solution in the late‑1960s.
Known specs (from period references):
- Solid‑state, 4‑track stereo record/playback
- Split‑lid speaker system
- Stereo control center with front‑panel input selection (mic/tuner/disc)
- Available in walnut-finished cabinet (230W) or portable configuration (Model 230)
- Matching optional walnut bookshelf speakers
- UK price (1969): £110:4:9
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