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. It sold in Japan for ¥59,800. It runs on four power sources: AC, dry batteries, rechargeable batteries, and car batteries via an optional adapter. It was designed for field and mobile use, so it has a built-in 700 mW monitor speaker, a VU meter, a peak level indicator, and a microphone attenuator with 15 dB and 30 dB settings. It also has 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). The motor adjusts voltage in response to load fluctuations, which keeps the rotation stable. The F & F head gives accurate gap alignment and better high-frequency response.

Market

Belts are a known maintenance item, and replacement kits are available. Some units fail to play cassettes, which points to mechanical wear. Accessories included the carrying case LC-3000, rechargeable battery BP-8H, and car adapter DCC-130, all sold separately.

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