Sony TC-2250SD

A stereo cassette deck from Sony with Dolby noise reduction and a precision dual capstan transport.

Overview

The Sony TC-2250SD is a stereo cassette deck for analog recording and playback. A built-in tape selector handles standard and chromium dioxide (CrO₂) tapes. With Sony Chromicassette it gives extended frequency response. The transport is a closed-loop dual capstan design with the head in the center, which steadies the tape and cuts wow and flutter.

Specifications

Tape speed	4.8cm/s
Track system	4-track 2-channel stereo
Recording time	120 minutes round trip by C-120
Fast-forward and rewind time	1 min 30 sec (at C-60)
Recording bias frequency	85kHz
Total S/N	49 dB (Dolby In : 1 kHz 5 dB, 5 kHz 10 dB improvement)
Overall strain rate	2%
Frequency characteristic	20 Hz ~ 17 kHz (when Sony Chromicassette is used)
Frequency characteristic	20 Hz ~ 15 kHz (When Using General Tape)
Wow and flutter	0.1%Wrms
Input Sensitivity / Impedance	Mic input (2 systems) : maximum sensitivity 0.2 mV / low impedance
Input Sensitivity / Impedance	Line input jack (2 systems) : maximum sensitivity 0.06V/100k Ω
Input Sensitivity / Impedance	Re-connector (input side) : 2.2k Ω
Output Level / Impedance	Line output jack (2 systems) : Reference output 0.775V/10k Ω or more
Output Level / Impedance	Stereo headphone jack : 8 Ω
Output Level / Impedance	Re-connector : 8.2k Ω
Semiconductor used	Transistor : 42 FET : 2 Diode : 27 units SMD : 1
Power	100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz
Power consumption	18W
External dimensions	Width 400x Height 127x Depth 276 mm
Weight	6.6kg
Attachment	Connection code RK-74x2 Head Cleaning Rod x1 Set

Design

The TC-2250SD uses an F & F (ferrite & ferrite) head wired straight to the first-stage FET of the head amplifier, for better signal integrity. The preamplifier has two low-noise FETs with excellent linearity and high-frequency performance. The head sits between the two capstans of the closed-loop system, which keeps the tape moving steadily. A hysteresis synchronous motor with anti-vibration measures drives the mechanism. A built-in stabilization circuit holds Dolby performance consistent when the power supply fluctuates. The deck also has a memory counter, auto shut-off by electronic circuit, a see-through lamp for checking tape condition, and a removable eject box lid that makes head cleaning easy. It handles SQ4-channel recording and playback, and it uses Sony's original limiter recording method.