Sony TC-2500
A portable cassette deck with multi-power support and professional-grade recording controls.
Overview
The Sony TC-2500 is a portable stereo cassette recorder with a domestic Japanese price of ¥59,800. It supports four power sources: AC, dry batteries, rechargeable batteries, and car batteries via optional adapter. Designed for field and mobile use, it includes a built-in 700 mW monitor speaker, VU meter, peak level indicator, and microphone attenuator with 15 dB and 30 dB settings. It also features a Sony Limiter to prevent over-level distortion during recording.
Specifications
| Power supply system | AC power, dry batteries, rechargeable batteries, car batteries |
| Head type | F & F head with high-frequency characteristics |
| Tape selector | 3 levels of bias and 3 levels of equalizer |
| Motor | DC servo motor with FG |
| VU meter | -20dB to +5 dB |
| Peak level indicator | Equipped |
| Microphone attenuator | 15 dB and 30 dB selectable |
| Limiter | Sony Limiter to prevent over-level |
| Monitor speaker | Built-in, 700 mW output |
| Headphone output | Adjustable via monitor volume |
| Memory light | Turns on for approximately 10 seconds |
| Auto shut-off | Equipped |
| Heads | Erase: 1, Recording: 1 |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 57 dB (peak level, duadcassette) |
| Frequency characteristic | 20 Hz ~ 16 kHz (Duadcassette) |
| Wow and flutter | 0.09% wrms |
| Distortion factor | 1.3% (Du Ad Cassette) |
| Monitor output | 700 mW (EIAJ) |
| Power sources | AC100V, Dry battery 6V (D 1x4), Car Battery (optional DCC-130), Rechargeable Battery (BP-8H, sold separately) |
| Battery life | About 20 hours (Eveready Alkali AM-1), Approximately 7 hours (Sony Super SUM-1S) |
| Power consumption | 8W (at AC) |
| External dimensions | Width 350 x Height 100 x Depth 240 mm |
| Weight | 4.6 kg (including dry batteries) |
| Attachment | Shoulder belt |
| Sold Separately | Carrying Case LC-3000 (¥5,000), Rechargeable Battery BP-8H, Car Battery Adapter DCC-130 |
Design
The TC-2500 uses a DC servo motor controlled by the frequency generator (FG), allowing stable rotation by adjusting voltage in response to load fluctuations. It features an F & F head for accurate gap alignment and enhanced high-frequency response.
Market
Belts are a known maintenance item, with replacement kits available. Some units may fail to play cassettes, indicating potential mechanical wear. The model was sold with accessories like the carrying case LC-3000, rechargeable battery BP-8H, and car adapter DCC-130, all sold separately.
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