Sony TC-FX20

A stereo cassette deck with Dolby B and C noise reduction, part of Sony's classic lineup from the early 1980s.

Overview

Specifications

Noise reduction system	Dolby B and Dolby C
Motor system	2-motor system (DC servo capstan motor, DC reel motor)
Heads	SD (Super High Density) record/playback head; Magne-Focus 4-Gap erase head
Tape selector	4-position selector (bias/equalizer)
Amplifier system	DC amplifier with ± dual power supply
Meters/Indicators	Twin VU meters with lighting and peak indicator
Headphone port	Yes
Timer function	Compatible with optional audio timer for timed recording
Signal-to-noise ratio (EIAJ)	BHF tape: 52dB / 54dB / 61dB / 67dB; JHF tape: 55dB / 56dB / 63dB / 69dB; DUAD Tape: 57dB / 59dB / 66dB / 72dB; Metallic Tape: 55dB / 58dB / 65dB / 71dB
Frequency response	30 Hz ~ 15 kHz ± 3 dB (Metallic Tape)
Wow & flutter (EIAJ)	0.07% W Peak (0.05% WRMS)
Power requirements	100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz
Power consumption	11W
External dimensions	430 mm (W) x 105 mm (H) x 255 mm (D)
Weight	4.4 kg

Design

The TC-FX20 uses Dolby C noise reduction with a sliding band method that avoids processing low-frequency signals to prevent noise breathing, and includes anti-saturation and spectral skewing circuits. It features an anti-frequency circuit that allows up to 3dB compression to prevent high-frequency saturation, and a spectral skewing circuit that suppresses ultra-high frequencies at input to avoid system malfunction. The playback amplifier is directly coupled to the head for improved signal integrity.