Cassette players: features and best models

In the modern world, it is believed that the era of listening to tape cassettes is long gone. Cassette players have been replaced by advanced audio devices with a wide range of capabilities. Despite this, cassette players have not lost their popularity. Moreover, many manufacturers are again releasing a line of audio players for cassettes. In this article, we will talk about the history of cassette devices, as well as about modern models and the main selection criteria.

The first cassette audio player appeared in 1979 in Japan. Walkman has produced the TPS-L2 in blue-silver color. The device won the hearts of music lovers all over the planet, including the USSR.

Some models were equipped with a pair of headphone inputs. Two people could listen to music at once. The device had a hotline button, thanks to which it was possible to talk to each other. When a key was pressed, the microphone was turned on. The sound of the voice was partially superimposed on the music, but despite this, you could hear your interlocutor.

The company also produced models on which it was possible to record. Cassette player Walkman Professional WM-D6C was the professional version for sound recording. It was released in 1984, and sales have not fallen for 20 years. The quality recording and playback on this device has been compared to the best non-portable tape recorders. The audio player was equipped with a bright LED, recording control and frequency stabilization. The device was powered by 4 AA batteries. The cassette player was very popular with journalists.

Sony Walkman had its own device release scheme. Every five years a new model was sent to the market.

In 1989, the Walkman manufacturer raises the bar and releases player for audio cassettes WM-DD9. This player was released with auto-reverse, and was considered the only one of its kind. The audio device was equipped with two motors. The drive system was similar to high quality household decks, which ensured that the tape was tensioned with high precision. The player had precise rotation speed stabilization on a quartz generator. The amorphous head made it possible to reproduce sound with a frequency of 20-20 thousand Hz.

The Walkman WM-DD9 had a gold-plated socket and an aluminum body. Power consumption has also been improved - the player ran on one AA battery... In this device, the manufacturer placed special emphasis on sound quality. The device had a Dolby B / C (noise reduction system) function, as well as the ability to select a film, Mega Bass / dbb (bass booster) and several auto reverse modes.

In the 90s, the release of devices with a wider range of capabilities begins. So, in 1990, the company produces model WM-701S.

In 1994 the company gives light model WM-EX1HG. The device was equipped with an audio cassette ejection function, and also had a longer battery life.

1999 year. The world saw audio player WM-WE01 with wireless remote control and wireless headphones.

By the late 1990s, Walkman cassette players were becoming obsolete due to the emergence of new digital technologies.

The last cassette player was released in 2002. Model WM-FX290 was equipped with digital FM / AM radio and TV bands. The device worked on one AA battery.

But by May 2006, sales were falling rapidly.

At the end of summer 2006, the company again decides to enter the cassette player market, and this time it releases only a basic model WM-FX197. Until 2009, audio cassette models were popular in South Korea and Japan. Some turntables had intuitive controls and polymer batteries, which greatly improved the sound quality. Also, a system for searching songs in automatic mode was installed on such players.

Since the start of production, the company has produced over 200 million cassette players.

To start a review of the top models, you should start with the most popular Chinese player. ION Audio Tape Express Plus iTR06H. This model of cassette player is capable of working with all types of cassettes. The device has a built-in ADC and a USB connector. Included is the EZ Vinyl / Tape Converter software, which allows you to digitize your recordings to MP-3 format. Power is supplied from two AA batteries or by means of an external battery via the USB input.

The model has the following characteristics:

• 4.76 cm / s - the speed of rotation of the magnetic tape;
• four tracks;
• two channels.

The disadvantage of the model is the increased noise level. But for those who are not chasing great achievements, the device will serve as an excellent device for digitizing audio cassettes.

Next cassette player Panasonic RQP-SX91... The model with a metal body supports all types of tape and automatically detects it.

The advantages of the model are:

• LCD display located on the headphone cable;
• intuitive control;
• auto reverse;
• accumulators.

Attractive model DIGITNOW Cassette Player BR602-CA takes a place in this roundup of the best cassette players. First of all, it is worth noting the low cost of the device - about $ 20. This lightweight mini-player (only 118 grams) is capable of playing all types of cassettes and has the ability to digitize the recording. Digitizing software included. Like the two previous models, the device has four tracks, two channels and a movement speed of 4.76 cm / s. This model is in great demand among users.

Another player worth paying attention to Portable Digital Bluetooth Tape Cassette Player BR636B-US... The main advantage of the model is the Bluetooth function. Another plus is the presence of a card reader. The player has the ability to digitize the recording. The digitized stream can be recorded both on a computer and on a TF card. With the built-in speaker, the recording can be played directly from the TF card. The base cost of the player is about $ 30.

When purchasing a player, you should pay attention to certain parameters.

The first thing to look for when choosing a cassette player is its body. It can be made of plastic or metal. Each material has its own pros and cons. Plastic constructions are cheaper... Also, in the presence of an FM / AM radio, plastic does not interfere with signal reception.

The metal body is more durable.

Expensive player models are electronically controlled. This greatly expands the playback capabilities. In some devices, up to several fragments can be selected and produced. But this also has its drawbacks. Buttons on the case are often poorly visible. In order to use the electronic control, you need to remove the player from the case. This is a little awkward. To eliminate these problems, some players are equipped with a remote control located on the headphone cable... However, this is also an advantage of expensive devices.

To choose a player with high-quality sound, you should pay attention to headphones. The most common cause of low sound levels is the headset. Sound problems are found in cheap devices. It should also be borne in mind that Poor sound quality is possible due to low supply voltage... Because of this, many cassette players have a low dynamic range.

Since it is impossible to correctly adjust the volume level when listening to music in urban areas and transport, manufacturers equip their products with automatic volume limiters. In some models, the maximum volume level, certified by production, may simply not be enough while listening to some songs.

There are models with avls or ear guard function. Thanks to these systems, the volume when listening to quiet sounds does not change, and too loud sound is reduced to the set limit. But these models also have their drawbacks. During playback, distortion of the frequency range and the appearance of excess noise during pauses may occur.

Also, when choosing a cassette player, it is worth considering how often it will be used. If you play music frequently, purchase batteries or a charger immediately.... This purchase will save a lot of money.

See below for an overview of the cassette player.