Sony TC-4550SD (1978–1981)
A portable cassette recorder with Dolby B/C noise reduction and dual capstan transport, built for high-fidelity mobile recording.
Overview
Sony's flagship portable cassette recorder of the late 1970s, and the top of their consumer cassette technology before digital formats showed up. The TC-4550SD sounds neutral and transparent, with excellent frequency response and low distortion. That makes it one of the most accurate-sounding cassette decks of its era. It was designed for professional-grade mobile use, with a 3-power supply system and a stable transport.
Specifications
| Year of Production | 1978-1981 |
| Heads | Erase : 1, Recording : 1 |
| Motor | For Capstan : Frequency Servo Motor with FG, For Quick Winding : DC Motor |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 61 dB (Dolby off, Peak Level, Duadcassette) |
| Frequency characteristic | 20 Hz ~ 20 kHz (Dual Cassette) |
| Wow and flutter | 0.065%wrms |
| Distortion factor | 1.2% (Du Ad Cassette) |
| Monitor output | 500mW(EIAJ) |
| Power | 100 VAC (Attached AC Pack Used) |
| Dry battery | 12 v (D 1x8) |
| Car Battery | (Optional DCC-130 Used) |
| Battery life | About 40 Hours (Eveready Alkali AM-1), Approximately 12 hours (Sony Super SUM-1S) |
| Power consumption | 7 VA (at AC) |
| External dimensions | Width 370x Height 110x Depth 240 mm |
| Weight | 5.2 kg (including dry batteries) |
| Power Specifications | N/A (cassette deck, no power amplification) |
| Impedance | N/A (line-level output device) |
| Sensitivity | N/A (line-level output device) |
Design
Features two motors: a variable reluctance type frequency servo motor with FG for the capstan and a DC motor for quick winding. Anti-rolling effect via sample-and-hold wide-band servo ensures stable drive during mobile use. Uses an F & F head with direct coupling to the reproducing amplifier for improved characteristics. Includes a 3-step switching tape selector with independent bias and equalizer, microphone attenuator, Sony Limiter switch, Dolby NR system, and MPX filter. Playback speed tuning is adjustable up to ±6%. Monitor speaker offers ON/OFF and L/L+R/R mode switching with master volume control. Powered by AC (via included pack), dry batteries, or optional car battery using DCC-130. Includes DC-DC converter for amplifier linearity, memory light (10-second activation), auto shut-off, and comes with a shoulder belt.
Context
Sony's "Classic Models Reference" table lists it as a flagship model. A dedicated carrying case, the LC-4550 (¥6,000), was sold separately.
Market
Current market value runs from $300 to $800, depending on condition and cosmetic appearance. Collectibility rating is 8/10. Common maintenance issues are belt deterioration, idler tire hardening, solenoid mechanism lubrication, head wear after heavy use, capacitor aging in the power supply, and meter bulb replacement.
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Related Models
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