Sony TC-K 808 ES

Data

General:

Technical data:

3 sound heads: 1x record (SD), 1x play (SD), 1x erase head (S&F)
3 motors, of which the Capstan motor is a brushless quartz controlled linear motor with two flywheels
Synchronism: ± 0.025% W.RMS, 0.03% DIN (Audio 5/1994, p.20);
Frequency response:
- Type I Cassette 15- 17,000 Hz,
- Type II cassette 15- 19,000 Hz,
- Type IV cassette 15- 21,000 Hz,
Total harmonic distortion: 0.4 %
Type I cassette, 160 nWb/ m, 315 Hz 3rd harmonic // 1.5 %
Type IV cassette, 250 nWb/ m, 315 Hz
Dolby: B, C, S, HX-Pro
MPX filter switchable

Special Features

Quartz-controlled direct drive with dual Capstan
Capstan sapphire bearing
Motorized cassette compartment with cassette compartment illumination / tape winding illumination
Solid metal front and cassette compartment cover
Ceramic cassette holder
Automatic tape type detection
Record and Bias Calibration with 2 tone generators and additional separate record EQ switch (3 positions Low, Normal, High)
Bias current and recording level calibration
Real-time count-in with memory function and AMS track search
Rec mute button
Gold-plated RCA jacks
Adjustable headphone output
Function display by means of LED directly on the Play, Pause, Record buttons
Built-in sensor for remote control

Stereoplay 11/1993: Top class II, reference beside Nakamichi DRAGON and Sony TC-K 790 ES (There was already since 1991 top class I, in which also the predecessor of the TC-K 808 ES was)
Stereo 2/1994: Stereo Recommendation. Very good, 2 stars, "Plus: robust drive with direct capstan drive, impeccable sound. Minus: less suitable for two-layer tapes." (Ibid. p.16)
Audio 5/1994: Very good, top class, 4 ears, sound 85 points. Test winner with Nakamichi DR-2,