AIWA CS-500U 4 Band Stereo Radio Cassette Recorder RARE VINTAGE Audio Boombox
October 17, 2019 admin 0 Comments
AIWA CS-500U 4 Band Stereo Radio Cassette Recorder. Featuring an all-new “Twin Drive” speaker system, this high performance compact delivers sound with a fullness that belies its size. Unique 4- speaker configuration combines with D. For dynamic music reproduction. Other high quality features include Dolby noise reduction, soft-touch tape controls, metal tape compatibility, 3-program music sensor facility and rec-mute. (text from 1982 AIWA brochure). Unique Dynamic Super Loudness (DSL) system electronically enhances low frequency reproduction for startlingly realistic sound. Twin drive speaker system employing two 100 mm center speakers and two 90 mm side speakers. Timer standby for unattended recording of scheduled broadcasts. Three-stage selector mode switch (WIDE / STEREO / MONO) to enable you to enjoy space matrix sound. 2-position tape selector switch with METAL position. REC MUTE button enables you to create non-recorded blanks between songs or programs while recording. Dolby NR circuit efficiently reduces tape hiss noise. Manual (Adjustable) or automatic recording level. Easy Touch control buttons work positively with just a light touch. MS (MUSIC SENSOR) System senses the unrecorded gaps on cassette tapes to allow skipping ahead or back. Full Automatic Stop Mechanism. Built-in stereo condenser microphones. External speaker jacks for connection of a pair of hi-fi loudspeakers. Beat Noise Cutoff (OSC) switch. – – – – – – – – – – – -. Type: Stereo multiband radio cassette recorder Circuitry: 8 transistors, 1 diode, 5 ICs Power source: Batteries, DC 12 V (UM-1×8), Car battery (thru car adapter), AC 120 V220 V240 (switchable) 50-60 Hz Output: 10 W maximum (5 W + 5 W) FTC Rule 2 watts per channel. RMS at 4 ohms, from 200 Hz to 10 kHz, with no more than 10% total harmonic distortion. Power consumption: 14 W Speakers: 4 (100 mm) center (2), 3-5/8 (90 mm) side (2) Dimensions: (WxHxD) 18-3/4 x 6-5/8 x 6-3/8 Weight: 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) Accessories: AC power cord. Built-in microphone: Electret condenser microphones (2) Tape speed: 1-7/8 ips (4.8 cm/sec) Recording system: AC bias Erasing system: AC erase Recording time: 90 minutes (C-90 cassette, both directions) Frequency response (LINE OUT): LH tape: 40-12,500 Hz / METAL tape: 40-16,000 Hz Signal-to-noise ratio (LINE OUT): 54db (LH tape; Dolby NR off) / 65db (METAL tape; Dolby NR on peak level) Wow and flutter: 0.05% (WRMS). Frequency ranges: FM: 87.5108 MHz; MW: 5251,605 kHz; SW1: 2.37.0 MHz; SW2: 7.022 MHz Antennas: Whip antenna for FM and SW2; Ferrite bar antenna for MW and SW1. It has been boxed and stored in a closet for the past 30 years or so, and recently removed and used. The unit was stored fully functional, but now exhibits the typical problems of older audio gear that hasnt been used in a long time. Cosmetically, the unit has surface marks typical of a portable unit of this era (1982). The back right corner has damage from impact and a section has been glued back together (theres a little section missing see photos). The battery compartment door is original (not a replacement), but the composition of material differs from the surrounding unit and has aged differently (appears lighter in tone). The AC power cord is flexible and damage free (its like a new cord). The telescopic antenna is complete and expands / contracts normally. The middle antenna retaining clip on the top of the unit is missing a small section on the outer edge (still holds the antenna when its retracted and stored). The unit powers on/off without issue. The selector for the radio bands needs to be cleaned as it affects the sound output (sound will cut out, and moving the selector knob to another band and back restores it most of the time). When I first powered it on after removing it from storage, the right channel was out. Not sure which of the knobs or switches is the problem, but moving them to different positions seems to affect the left and right channels i. Brings one back if it goes out. Currently, the left channel is out. I think the electronic switches and knobs need cleaning. For the radio section, tuning within the bands seems more audibly noisy in the higher frequencies (far right side) while moving through the stations. The DSL (Dynamic Super Loudness) system works, but the button that engages it needs to be cleaned or repaired. There are indications of two missing decals on the back of the unit. The label adhesive dried out and they fell off at some point. The narrow one on the left side was a caution about battery types, and the missing one on the right was a Tested by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) sticker. Additionally, the belts for the cassette mechanism have decayed and are no longer present (normal for a unit of this age). If play is pressed on the cassette mechanism, you can hear the motor rotating. The motor is audible, so it might be a benefit to clean or replace it. I have tested the RCA audio inputs and the headphone jack and they work fine. Im not able to test aspects of the cassette functionality or the other inputs / outputs, so for all these reasons and the ones listed above, Im listing the AIWA CS-500U as Not Working – For Parts. I hope someone does a complete restoration and enjoys this beauty as much as I have. Note: I no longer have the original box, but I do have the Operating Instructions book that came with the unit. Please see my other listing for the “Operating Instructions” (user manual) for the AIWA CS-500U, H, and HG models. The item “AIWA CS-500U 4 Band Stereo Radio Cassette Recorder RARE VINTAGE Audio Boombox” is in sale since Thursday, August 29, 2019. This item is in the category “Consumer Electronics\Portable Audio & Headphones\Portable Stereos & Boomboxes”. The seller is “neonkaiser” and is located in Norwalk, Connecticut. This item can be shipped to United States.
- Model: CS-500U
- Country/Region of Manufacture: Japan
- Brand: AIWA
- Type: Boombox
- Features: Line-out Jack