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


Pictures

  • Extract from brochure: Harman/kardon CD 491

Harman Kardon CD-491-Prospekt-1.jpg


  • Extract from brochure: Harman/kardon CD 491

Harman Kardon CD-491-Prospekt-2.jpg


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