Harman Kardon CD491 Ultrawideband Linear Phase Cassette Deck

The Harman Kardon CD491 is a stereo cassette deck with Dolby B/C and HX-Pro noise reduction, it was introduced by Harman Kardon in 1983 with a recommended retail price of USD $1,099 and discontinued 3 years later in 1986.

The main features of the Harman Kardon CD491 are: 3 heads and off-tape monitoring, analog 3 digit tape counter and memory stop, manual tape type selection with support for normal, chrome and metal tapes, dual capstan transport.

Typical front loading cassette deck with the cassette compartiment located on the left side of the deck. Tape eject is operated mechanically and the cassette needs to be placed with the side to be played facing forward in the cassette well.

Level meters used on the CD491 are generic digital peak reading meters with multi-color indication to provide visual saturation level of tape and peak hold for easy adjustment of optimum recording level. Full-logic transport controls used on the CD491 let it respond to the slightest finger contact for fast and effortless transport function selection.

To ensure the best response from the wide variety of tapes available adjustment of, sensitivity, to optimum levels can be performed prior to recording.

Dolby C-type used in the CD491 provides 20 dB of noise reduction above about 1,000 Hz, fully doubling the amount given by B-type. The Dolby HX PRO system provides precise bias control during recording to reduce distortion and improve linearity in the high-frequency range, the result is recorded sound that is highly faithful to the original. To further maintain recording accuracy, the CD491 incorporates a switchable multiplex filter. When you record FM stereo broadcasts, the MPX filter of the CD491 can be swiched on to prevent the standard 19kHz FM pilot signal from interfering with the noise reduction system.

To make live recordings this deck has 2 microphone inputs to connect microphones with a jack connector. For undisturbed listening a jack connector for a pair of stereo headphones is supplied. Connection to other audio components for plaback can be achieved by a RCA cable and recording from a source by a RCA cable.

• Direct Drive
• Closed Loop Dual Capstan
• 3 Head
• Ultra Wideband Linear Phase