TEAC Z-5000 Master Cassette Deck

This TEAC Z-5000 is a stereo cassette deck with Dolby B and C and DBX noise reduction, it was first sold by TEAC in 1983 with a list price of USD $1,000.

The main features of the TEAC Z-5000 are: 3 heads and off-tape monitoring, digital linear tape counter with 4 digits and memory stop, manual tape type selection and capable of handling normal, chrome and metal tapes, belt driven single-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 Z-5000 are generic digital peak reading meters with multi-color indication to provide visual saturation level of tape. Full-logic transport controls used on the Z-5000 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 C-type used in the Z-5000 provides 20 dB of noise reduction above about 1,000 Hz, fully doubling the amount given by B-type. Dbx Type II found in the Z-5000 is a simplified version of the Type I noise reduction system. The dbx Type II system was designed to be used with systems with limited bandwidth such as cassette based recorders and also uses a simple 2:1:2 compander to reduce noise. 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 Z-5000 filters out the pilot signal, and assuring proper Dolby processing of FM stereo programs.

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

• Direct-Drive Two Motor
• Manual Bias/EQ Calibration System
• Linear Tape Counter
• Three Head System
• CPS (Computomatic Program Search)
• Silent Mechanism