Sony TC-K555ESA Stereo Cassette Deck

This Sony TC-K555ESA is a stereo cassette deck with Dolby B/C and HX-Pro noise reduction, it was first sold by Sony in 1992 with a recommended retail price of USD $1,000.

The main features of the Sony TC-K555ESA cassette deck are: 3 heads and off-tape monitoring, digital linear tape counter with 4 digits, automatic tape type selection and capable of handling normal, chrome and metal tapes, dual capstan transport.

Typical front loading cassette deck with the cassette compartiment located on the center of the deck. Tape loading/unloading is operated motorized and the cassette needs to be placed with the side to be played facing forward in the cassette well.

Level meters used on the Sony TC-K555ESA cassette deck are generic digital peak reading meters with peak hold for easy adjustment of optimum recording level. Full-logic transport controls used on the Sony TC-K555ESA let it respond to the slightest finger contact for fast and effortless transport function selection.

Dolby C-type used in the Sony TC-K555ESA provides 20 dB of noise reduction above about 1,000 Hz, fully doubling the amount given by B-type. The Dolby HX PRO system provides precise bias control during recording to reduce distortion and improve linearity in the high-frequency range, the result is recorded sound that is highly faithful to the original. 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 TC-K555ESA filters out the pilot signal, and assuring proper Dolby processing of FM stereo programs.

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 wireless remote control.