Sony TC-K555ESR (1988)
A high-end stereo cassette deck built for the Japanese market, representing the top of Sony’s ES series in 1988.
Overview
The Sony TC-K555ESR is a stereo cassette deck released in 1988 as the flagship model of Sony's ES (Elevated Standard) line. Designed exclusively for the Japanese market, it builds on the TC-K555ESX with enhanced high-frequency resolution through an increased "Super-Bias" frequency. It features a refined mechanical layout with a midship drive system to minimize vibration and a dual-capstan transport driven by a quartz-locked, 3-phase linear torque motor for precise tape control.
Specifications
| Heads | 3 (Erase: 1, Record: 1, Playback: 1) (Independent suspension system) |
| Motor | 1 x Linear Torque BSL Direct Drive motor (3-phase, quartz-locked servo), 1 x DC motor |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (EIAJ) | 56 dB (Dolby off, Metal tape), 73 dB (Dolby NR, peak level, Metal tape) |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz ~ 20 kHz ± 3 dB (EIAJ, Metal tape) |
| Wow and flutter | 0.04% Wpeak, 0.025% WRMS (EIAJ) |
| Total harmonic distortion | 0.5% (EIAJ, Metal tape) |
| Power consumption | 27W |
| External dimensions (with side wood) | 470 mm (W) x 125 mm (H) x 350 mm (D) |
| External dimensions (side wood removed) | 430 mm (W) x 125 mm (H) x 350 mm (D) |
| Weight | 10.5 kg |
| Remote control | Wireless Remote Control RM-99 (included) |
Design
The TC-K555ESR uses a midship drive layout with the mechanical deck and power supply centered in the chassis to isolate vibration. The audio and control circuits are separated into left and right sections by a U-shaped inner chassis. It features a closed-loop dual capstan system driven directly by a 3-phase linear torque BSL motor with quartz-locked servo. The heads are amorphous laser heads with LC-OFC winding, and recording/playback amplifiers are on separate boards in a twin mono DC configuration. It includes a built-in oscillator for calibration, switchable high-frequency equalization, and a wide-range peak program meter with dual display modes. The deck has a linear electronic counter with subtraction, Dolby B and C noise reduction, auto tape type selection (I/II/IV), memory stop/play, record mute with auto space, and a slack prevention mechanism. A gold-plated headphone jack with volume control is provided, and the unit ships with side wood panels attached.
Context
The TC-K555ESR is the final and top-of-the-line model in Sony’s 555ES series, succeeding the TC-K555ESX. It is part of Sony’s ES (Elevated Standard) series, which includes the TC-K600ES, TC-K630ES, and TC-K650ES. Marketed only in Japan, it was positioned as Sony’s highest-performance cassette deck in 1988.
Market
Original pricing was ¥105,000 in Japan. Recent auction activity shows a bid of ¥198,000, while used units in working condition list around ¥30,000. Units described as "junk" have sold for ¥29,800. Service discussions note potential issues with bias calibration and modifications, indicating active owner engagement in maintenance and tuning.
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