Technics RS-BX501
A two-motor auto-reverse cassette deck with ATC calibration and Dolby HX Pro, made for precision tape recording and playback.
Overview
Manufactured by Technics, it features advanced tape management systems including Automatic Tape Calibration (ATC), which adjusts bias, equalization, and recording levels in 64 precise steps based on test signals at 400 Hz, 5 kHz, and 10 kHz. It supports Normal, CrO2, and Metal tapes with automatic tape type detection and includes a wireless remote control. Designed for high fidelity, it delivers low wow and flutter and a wide frequency response across tape types.
Specifications
| Type | Cassette deck |
| Heads | Recording / Playback : Permalloy, Erasing : double-gap ferrite |
| Wow flutter | ± 0.14% (W peak, JEITA), 0.07%(W.R.M.S) |
| Frequency Response (JEITA) | Normal : 30 Hz to 15 kHz ± 3 dB, CrO2 : 30 Hz to 15 kHz ± 3 dB, Metal : 30 Hz ~ 16 kHz ± 3 dB |
| Frequency Response (Other Standard) | 30Hz-16,000Hz (±3dB) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | NR off : 56 dB (Chrome Tape, WTD, 1 kHz, 3% 3rd order distortion factor), Dolby B NRon : 66 dB (Chrome Tape, WTD, 1 kHz, 3% 3rd order distortion), Dolby C NRon : 74 dB (Chrome Tape, WTD, 1 kHz, 3% third order distortion) |
| Power | 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | 14W |
| External dimensions | Width 430x Height 125x Depth 293 mm |
| Weight | 3.8kg |
| Attachment | Wireless Remote Control |
Design
The RS-BX501 features ATC (auto-tape calibration), Dolby HX-PRO, and Dolby B/C noise reduction systems. It includes a double-gap ferrite erase head and Permalloy record/play heads. High-speed FF/REW reduces winding time by about half compared to conventional decks, and the power-assist cassette holder ensures stable tape travel. The deck supports auto REC mute, memory stop, TPS (Tape Program Sensor) to locate recording starts, a timer counter, MPX filter switch, and adjustable left/right balance, recording level, and headphone output.
Context
The RS-BX501 shares a product family with the RS-BX601, which includes a monitor function during recording not found on the 501, suggesting the 601 is a higher-end model. Both are part of Technics' late-era cassette decks emphasizing automation and calibration accuracy.
Market
Originally priced at ¥34,800 in 1994 and later listed at £275.99, the RS-BX501 has appeared in recent years on secondhand markets at around £65 for functional units. Known issues include failed capacitors, such as C616 causing power shorts, and mechanical failures in gears or sensing switches. A service manual is available, but some repair experiences suggest long-term reliability may be limited due to aging components.
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