Sony TC-KA3ES Stereo Cassette Deck

This Sony TC-KA3ES is a stereo cassette deck with Dolby B/C/S and HX-Pro noise reduction, it was first sold by Sony in 1996 with a manufacturer suggested retail price of USD $800 and discontinued 4 years later in 2000.

The main features of the Sony TC-KA3ES are: 3 heads and off-tape monitoring, digital linear tape counter with 4 digits and memory stop, automatic tape type selection and capable of handling normal, chrome and metal tapes, dual capstan transport.

Typical front loading cassette deck with the cassette compartiment located on the center of the deck. Tape loading/unloading is operated motorized and the cassette needs to be placed with the side to be played facing forward in the cassette well.

Level meters used on the TC-KA3ES are generic digital peak reading meters with multi-color indication to provide visual saturation level of tape. Full-logic transport controls used on the TC-KA3ES 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, bias, equalization and sensitivity, to optimum levels can be performed prior to recording.

Dolby S-type noise reduction gives cleaner transient response, provides lower noise levels, both at low and high frequencies, and allows higher signal levels to be recorded safely on the TC-KA3ES. Dolby S-type noise reduction provides 24 dB of high frequency noise reduction plus an additional 10 dB of low frequency noise reduction. 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. The 19kHz multiplex pilot slgnal present in FM stereo broadcasts can cause false triggering of the noise reduction system. The switchable MPX filter of the TC-KA3ES filters out the pilot signal, and assuring proper Dolby processing of FM stereo programs.

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. All main transport commands can be issued remotely with a wireless remote control.

• Laseramorphous Head
• Quartz-Locked Speed Servo Control
• Sapphire Main Bearings
• Free-Action Sorbothane CassetteStabalizer
• Three-Point Record Calibration
• Anti-Resonant Ceramic Cassette Holder
• Closed Loop Dual Capstan
• AMS (Automatic Music Sensor)
• ES (Elevated Standard)
• 3 Head
• 160 kHz Super Bias