Harman Kardon Dual Cassette Deck DC5500

Tested and working nicely

The basics are simple enough, In a standard size and characteristically stylish ~ $1000 package (when new), the H/K DC5500 supplies a record/replay tape transport and a playback only one, both with auto-reverse. The deck has the standard Dolby B, C and HX Pro, and switchable MPX filter switching. All the usual features are present: one-key normal and high speed dubbing, an electronic tape counter (shared between the transports) plus intro and track search modes that will look up to fifteen tracks in either direction.

The Harman/Kardon DC5500 largely justifies its maker’s claims. This really is a ‘dual well’ cassette deck for those who want the convenience without too much compromise. The deck is most comfortable with Type I (ferric) and Type II (chrome bias) tapes. Metal tape recordings tend to sound raw and edgy, especially if Dolby C is used. As with so many cassette decks, Dolby B is sonically preferable, and represents the optimum compromise between sound quality and background hiss for most music and tape types.

This is an excellent dual deck for the audiophile who doesn’t want to sacrifice quality for the sake of being able to dub tapes.

Specifications:

Type: auto reverse, double compact cassette deck

Track System: 4-track, 2-channel stereo

Tape Speed: 4.75 cm/s

Heads: 1 x playback, 1 x record/playback, 1 x erase

Motor: 2 x reel, 2 x capstan

Tape Type: type I, CrO2, Metal

Noise Reduction: B, C

Headroom Extension: HX Pro

Frequency Response: 20Hz to 18kHz (Metal tape)

Signal to Noise Ratio: 70dB (dolby C)

Wow and Flutter: 0.05%

Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.9%

Input: 80mV (line)

Dimensions: 443 x 134 x 342mm, Weight: 7.8kg

Includes soft copy of manual in PDF.

Asking $295 for this High Quality HK Dual Cassette Deck.