Sony TC-K60 (1978–1981)
A front-loading stereo cassette deck with AMS sensing and dual-mode peak hold meters.
Overview
The Sony TC-K60 is a stereo cassette deck built from 1978 to 1981 by Sony Corporation, Tokyo. It has an Automatic Music Sensor (AMS) function for track detection and a double-indication LCD peak program meter with Manual and Auto peak hold modes. It belongs to Sony's TC-K series. The deck uses a single capstan drive and a brushless, slotless BSL Green Motor, which came from Sony turntable technology. A 3-position selector handles three tape types, each with its own bias and equalizer settings. Dolby NR is included, with an integrated MPX filter.
Specifications
| Heads | 1 x Erase, 1 x Record/Playback (F&F ferrite head) |
| Motor | BSL Green Motor |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 59 dB (Dolby off, Peak Level, Duadcassette) |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz ~ 18 kHz (Duadcassette) |
| Wow and flutter | 0.045% WRMS |
| Total harmonic distortion | 1.3% (Du Ad Cassette) |
| Power consumption | 11W |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 430 x 155 x 325 mm |
| Weight | 7.6 kg |
| Servo system | Frequency generator |
| Drive system | Single capstan |
| FF/Rew time | 90s (C-60) |
| Inputs | 0.25 mV (MIC), 0.07 V / 100 kOhm (line) |
| Outputs | 0.435 V (line fixed), 0.026 V ... 0.775 V (line variable), 8 Ohm (headphones) |
| Bias frequency | 105 kHz |
| Tape selector | 3-position with independent bias and equalizer |
| Dolby NR | Switch with integrated MPX filter |
| Rec Mute | One-touch silent recording |
| Level controls | Separate for line output and headphone output |
| Auto shut-off | Yes |
| Soft-eject | Mechanism included |
| Programming | Up to 9 selections |
| Memory Stop / Autoplay | Simultaneous rewind + play stops at counter 999 and auto-plays |
Design
The TC-K60 uses an F&F (ferrite & ferrite) record/playback head for long-term stability. The BSL Green Motor is a brushless, slotless linear motor originally developed for Sony turntables, and it keeps the transport smooth and quiet. An integrated-circuit microprocessor controls the AMS (Automatic Music Sensor) function, and the CX-765 IC drives the LCD peak meters. The deck has only one motor, one capstan and two heads. It still keeps mechanical transport keys, and the build is rugged.
Context
Sony sold the TC-K60 as a front-loading cassette deck with Dolby noise reduction, placed in the TC-K series in the late 1970s. It did not sell strongly. Most consumers thought it too expensive, and it fell short of the semi-professional performance people expected from three-head decks of the era.
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