Sony TC-5350SD (1975)
A high-fidelity upright cassette deck with Dolby B, F&F head, and see-through tape window, released by Sony in 1975.
Overview
The Sony TC-5350SD is a stereo cassette deck introduced in 1975 as part of Sony's component audio lineup. It was Sony's first upright, see-through cassette deck series, designed for high-fidelity home recording and playback. The unit features a vertical tape transport, front-panel line inputs, and a memory counter with auto-stop at "999". It supports timed recording when paired with the optional PT-24 program timer.
Specifications
| Tape speed | 4.8 cm/s |
| Track system | 4-track 2-channel stereo |
| Recording time | 120 minutes (using C-120 cassette) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (Dolby off) | 61 dB (Fe-Cr), 57 dB (CrO2), 55 dB (Normal) |
| Dolby noise reduction improvement | 5 dB (at 1 kHz), 10 dB (at 5 kHz or more) |
| Overall wow and flutter | 0.07% (WRMS) |
| Frequency response (Fe-Cr tape) | 20 Hz – 17 kHz / 30 Hz – 15 kHz (± 3 dB) |
| Frequency response (CrO2 tape) | 20 Hz – 17 kHz / 30 Hz – 15 kHz (± 3 dB) |
| Frequency response (Normal tape) | 20 Hz to 15 kHz |
| Inputs | Microphone (2 jacks, low impedance), minimum input level: 0.2 mV |
| Inputs | Line-in (2 pin jacks), minimum input level: 0.06 V, input impedance: 100 kΩ |
| Outputs | Line-out (2 pin jacks), output level: 0.775 V (into 100 kΩ load), load impedance: 10 kΩ or more |
| Outputs | Headphone jack (stereo), load impedance: 8 Ω |
| Rec/Play connectors | Input/Output impedance: 10 kΩ or less |
| Semiconductors | Transistors: 42, FETs: 2, ICs: 2, Diodes: 45 |
| Power supply | 100 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Power consumption | 28 W |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 430 x 168 x 310 mm |
| Weight | 12 kg |
Design
The TC-5350SD uses a vertical (upright) tape transport mechanism with cassette loading from the top. It features a see-through window with backlighting to monitor remaining tape. The F&F (Ferrite & Ferrite) recording/playback head offers high wear resistance and extended frequency response. The first amplifier stage uses a high-Gm, low-noise FET with direct coupling to the head, eliminating capacitive elements for improved signal integrity. A hysteresis synchronous motor ensures low vibration and minimal wow/flutter. The pause mechanism disengages the pinch roller from the capstan to reduce mechanical wear. Front-panel stereo line inputs, a mixing capability for line and microphone signals, and adjustable line output level are included. Large VU meters with peak indicator LEDs provide visual monitoring. The unit includes Dolby B noise reduction, a recording limiter switch, a 3-position tape bias and 2-position equalizer selector, an MPX filter switch for FM stereo recording, and an auto shut-off mechanism.
Context
The TC-5350SD was Sony's first component-style upright see-through cassette deck series, marking a design shift in home audio. It was compatible with the separately sold PT-24 program timer, enabling unattended recording.
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