Sony TC-4300SD (1975)
A component-style stereo cassette deck with an upright, see-through design released by Sony in 1975.
Overview
The Sony TC-4300SD is a stereo cassette deck introduced in 1975 as part of Sony's first upright see-through deck series. Designed for component audio systems, it features a vertical cassette loading mechanism that allows users to view tape remaining through a backlit window. It was originally priced at ¥72,800 in Japan and built with a focus on durability and precise recording control.
Specifications
| Tape speed | 4.8 cm/s |
| Track system | 4-track 2-channel stereo |
| Recording time | 120 minutes round trip (when using C-120) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (at peak level) | 59 dB (Fe-Cr, Dolby off), 55 dB (CrO2, Dolby off), 53 dB (Normal, Dolby off) |
| Dolby on improvement | 5 dB improvement (1 kHz), 10 dB improvement (5 kHz or more) |
| Overall strain rate | 1.7% (Fe-Cr) |
| Frequency characteristic | 20 Hz ~ 16 kHz / 30 Hz ~ 15 kHz ± 3 dB (Fe-Cr) |
| Frequency characteristic | 20 Hz ~ 16 kHz / 30 Hz ~ 15 kHz ± 3 dB (CrO2) |
| Frequency characteristic | 20 Hz to 14 kHz (Normal) |
| Wow and flutter | 0.08% wrms |
| Input terminal | Microphone (2 standard jacks), Minimum input level: 0.2 mV, Low Impedance |
| Input terminal | Line-in jacks (2 pin-jacks, 1 binaural), Minimum input level: 0.06 V, Input impedance: 100 kΩ |
| Output terminal | Line-out jack (2 pin-jacks), Specified Output: 0.775 V (at 100k Ω load), Load impedance: 10k Ω or more |
| Output terminal | One stereo headphone jack, Load impedance: 8 Ω |
| Recording and reconnector | Input impedance: 10k Ω or less, Output impedance: 10k Ω or less |
| Semiconductor used | Transistor: 24, IC: 3, Diode: 13 pcs |
| Power supply voltage | 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | 6.5W |
| External dimensions | Width 430 x Height 168 x Depth 310 mm |
| Weight | 7.5 kg |
| Attachment | 2 x connection code (RK-74H), Head Cleaning Rod 1 Set |
Design
The TC-4300SD uses an upright tape transport mechanism, with cassettes inserted vertically for a space-saving, component-friendly layout. A backlit window on the cassette back lets users monitor remaining tape. It features an F & F (ferrite & ferrite) head with all-ferrite construction, offering abrasion resistance about 200 times greater than permalloy and strong high-frequency response. The deck includes a soft eject system using an air damper, and during timer standby, the pinch roller disengages from the capstan to reduce mechanical wear. It has a Dolby NR system, a limiter ON/OFF switch, and a 3-position tape selector for bias and equalizer settings. Front-panel stereo line inputs, level controls for both line and microphone inputs, a large VU meter, and a peak level indicator are included. An MPX filter, frequency-controlled servo motor with FG, and auto shut-off mechanism are also integrated.
Context
The TC-4300SD was released as Sony's first upright see-through cassette deck, marking a distinctive design direction in their component audio lineup.
Market
Current listings show the TC-4300SD selling for around $69 (tax included), with units appearing in the used market under descriptions noting analog VU meters and repair status.
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