Sony TC-K22
A metal-compatible cassette deck from Sony featuring a slim design, Dolby NR, and a 4-stage tape selector for bias and equalizer switching
Overview
The Sony TC-K22 is a cassette deck designed for high-fidelity audio playback and recording, built to handle metal tape with specialized components. It features a slim profile and includes both Mic and Line input options, a stereo headphone jack, and an auto shut-off mechanism. The unit supports Dolby noise reduction and uses a soft eject system for tape handling.
Specifications
| Heads | Erase : 1, Recording : 1 |
| Motor | FG servo motor (green motor) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 58 dB (Dolby off, peak level, metal cassette) |
| Frequency characteristic | 30 Hz ~ 15 kHz (Metal Cassette) |
| Wow and flutter | 0.07% wrms |
| Distortion factor | 1.0% (Metal Cassette) |
| Power consumption | 10W |
| External dimensions | Width 430 x Height 105 x Depth 290 mm |
| Weight | 4.5kg |
Design
The TC-K22 uses a newly developed SD head made of high-density magnetic material to support metal tape performance. It includes a MagneFocus 4-Gap erasing head optimized for metal tape characteristics and a specially polished FG servo motor known as the "green motor" for precise tape transport. The deck features a wide-scale twin level meter ranging from -20 to +5 VU, a 4-stage tape selector for simultaneous bias and equalizer switching, and a timer standby switch for unattended recording or playback. A soft eject mechanism and auto shut-off function are included, along with a Mic/Line input selector and a stereo headphone jack.
Market
The Sony TC-K22 was originally priced at ¥33,800 around 1980. One owner reported attempting to repair their unit to revive a cassette tape collection, indicating ongoing interest in its use. Another noted that the forward and reverse functions stop working after a few seconds, suggesting a potential operational issue in some units.
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