Harman/kardon CD 491

Data

General

• Manufacturer: harman/kardon
• Model: CD 491
• Type: Cassette Tape Deck
• Years of manufacture: 1983 - 1988
• Made in: Japan / USA
• Color: Black, Champagne
• Remote control: no
• Power consumption: 60 watts
• Dimensions: 443 x 123 x 345 mm (WxHxD)
• Weight: 7.2 kg
• Original price: 2000 DM (RRP 1983) / 2250 DM (RRP 1986)

Connections

• Number of inputs:
  • Line (2x RCA RCA)
  • Microphone (2x 6.35mm jack)
• Number of outputs:
  • Line (2x RCA cinch)
  • Headphone (6.35mm jack)

Technical Data

• Audio heads: 3 (separate A/W heads: Sendust/Ferrit)
• Motors: 3
• Tape speed: 4,75 cm/s
• Synchronous speed fluctuations: ± 0.025% (WRMS), ± 0.04% (DIN)
• Tape types: Type I / II / IV
• Frequency response:
  • Normal/CrO2 band: 20-24,000 Hz (±3 dB).
  • Pure iron band: 20-26,000 Hz (±3 dB)
• Distortion factor: 0.9%
• Signal-to-noise ratio:
  • 58 dB (Dolby off)

66 dB (Dolby B) 75 dB (Dolby C)

• Dolby: B / C / HX-Pro
• MPX filter: yes, switchable

Special Features

• Backband control
• Bias calibration with test tone generator
• Level calibration (channel-separated) with test tone generator
• LED level meter with 2 x 16 segments and peak hold (switchable)

Other

• Direct-Drive, Dual-Capstan
• Auto-Reverse: no
• Backlighting
• Electronic counter
• Title search: yes
• Fader/Mute: yes
• Pitch control: no
• CD synchro recording: no
• Output level control.

Comments

• Other models in the same series:
• harman/kardon CD 91
• harman/kardon CD 191
• harman/kardon CD 291
• harman/kardon CD 391
• harman/kardon CD 491

Pictures

• Extract from brochure: Harman/kardon CD 491

• Extract from brochure: Harman/kardon CD 491

Reviews

• All-time top-of-the-line unit from Harman/Kardon'
• In reviews compared to Nakamichi DRAGON - Absolute top class
  • Audio 6/1984 (four ears), see link.
  • Stereoplay 5/1984: "Spitzenklasse II" (same group as the legendary Nakamichi Dragon; best rating of cassette decks by Stereoplay at the time; for tape machines "Spitzenklasse I").

Tips for buying used:
Almost always defects on the drive. Fast forward, rewind, play does not work in
the correct speed or not at all.
In the USA there are 'Belt Kits' for Harman/Kardon CD491 tape decks 
for $26,95 (about 20,-- € + shipping).

Links

• [Audio-Test 6/1984 (vs. Braun C3), accessed December 10, 2017.
• High end cassette decks in comparison list
• [Dolby HX Pro at German Wikipedia].