Harman Kardon Ultrawideband Linear Phase Cassette Deck TD292

$195.00

A 1985 two-head deck with a Sendust combination record and playback head, Dolby B and C, and a full-logic belt-driven single-capstan transport. Bias fine adjustment for dialling in a particular tape, digital peak meters (see the known issue in the description below), and normal, chrome and metal all supported. 20Hz to 21kHz, wow and flutter 0.05% WRMS. Made in Japan.

1 in stock

Description

Harman Kardon TD292 Ultrawideband Linear Phase Cassette Deck

Known issue, and the reason this one is priced where it is: on the playback level meter, the first three segments do not light. Everything after them works — greens and reds both — and the meter tracks properly from that point on. It is the display only. The deck plays and records perfectly and there is nothing wrong with the audio. We found it in pre-shipment testing and would rather you knew before you bought than after. It is covered by our Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty and the Perpetual Trade-Back Program exactly as any other deck here.

Introducing the Harman Kardon TD292, a high-quality stereo cassette deck from 1985 that offers exceptional sound reproduction and build quality. Made in Japan, this deck delivers impressive performance in an attractive package.

Key Features 2-head design with Sendust combination record/playback head Dolby B and C noise reduction for improved audio quality Support for normal, chrome, and metal tapes Full-logic transport controls for responsive operation Digital peak reading meters with multi-color indication Belt-driven single-capstan transport mechanism Bias fine adjustment for optimal recording

Performance The TD292 delivers outstanding audio performance, with many enthusiasts praising its dynamic and engaging sound quality. It competes favorably with more expensive decks, offering excellent value for money. The deck’s ultrawideband design contributes to its impressive frequency response of 20Hz to 21kHz.

Build Quality and Design Featuring a sleek finish and a robust metal chassis, the TD292 exudes a premium feel. Its full-logic transport controls respond to the slightest touch, ensuring smooth and effortless operation. The deck’s layout is user-friendly, with clearly labeled controls.

Specifications Frequency response: 20Hz – 21kHz Signal-to-noise ratio: 70dB (with Dolby C) Wow and flutter: 0.05% WRMS Dimensions: 443 x 122 x 334 mm (17.4 x 4.8 x 13.1 inches) Weight: 5.7 kg (12.6 lbs)

The Harman Kardon TD292 represents an excellent choice for audio enthusiasts seeking a high-performance cassette deck. Its combination of sound quality, build, and features make it a standout option in the used market, offering exceptional value for those looking to enjoy their cassette collection with style and precision.

 

$195.00
Additional information
Weight14.6 lbs
Dimensions17.1 × 21.4 × 8.8 in
Cassette Wells
Noise Reduction
About brand
Harman Kardon at Radique
We service Harman Kardon, too. Bring us your own Harman Kardon receivers, amplifiers, cassette decks and CD players for repair, servicing or restoration (solid-state gear; we don't take in tube equipment), with a 90-day warranty on the work. See our Audio Service page

Harman Kardon began in New York in 1953, founded by Sidney Harman, who was born in Montreal, and Bernard Kardon. Harman Kardon calls its 1954 Festival D1000 the first hi-fi receiver. We carry Harman Kardon stereo receivers, AV receivers, integrated amplifiers, cassette decks and CD players. We've had more than 130 Harman Kardon listings so far. Every used Harman Kardon here is inspected, tested and serviced as required, then photographed in-house and covered by our Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty and Perpetual Trade-Back Program. Every AV receiver we list is tested input by input on our bench: each HDMI input and output, the analog, optical and coaxial inputs, the subwoofer outputs and the wireless features where it has them. Don't see the model you want? Tell us on First Dibs and we'll email you when one arrives.

The Harman Kardon story, 1953 to today

Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon left the David Bogen Company, where Kardon was chief engineer, and founded Harman Kardon in New York in 1953. Harman was born in Montreal in 1918 and grew up in New York. Kardon retired in the 1950s.

Receivers first. Harman Kardon calls the Festival D1000 of 1954 the first hi-fi receiver and the Festival TA230 of 1958 the first stereo receiver. The Citation II tube power amplifier of 1959, designed by Stu Hegeman, sold as a kit or ready-built.

Cassette and the 1970s. Harman Kardon says its CAD-5 of 1970 was the first hi-fi cassette recorder with Dolby noise reduction. Its "Twin Powered" receivers of the 1970s, such as the 430 and 730, gave each channel its own power supply.

Owners. Sidney Harman sold the company to Beatrice Foods in the late 1970s, when he became US Deputy Secretary of Commerce. He formed Harman International in 1980 and bought Harman Kardon back in 1985. Samsung bought HARMAN in 2017, and Harman Kardon remains one of its brands.

Which Harman Kardon is which?

Tube era (1950s and 1960s): Festival receivers, and Citation kits and factory-built units such as the Citation I preamplifier and II amplifier.

1970s receivers: the 330 series, the Twin Powered 630, 930, 430 and 730, and the HK670.

1980s receivers: the "i" models such as the hk690i, advertised for its high current capability, and the 330i.

Citation separates: solid-state Citation amplifiers and preamplifiers from 1970 to the 1990s, including the Citation XX of the early 1980s.

Cassette decks: from the CAD-4 and CAD-5 to the 1980s decks numbered CD91 to CD491. Those "CD" models are cassette decks, not CD players; Harman Kardon CD players carry "HD" names.

AV receivers (late 1990s on) and later stereo: the AVR line, such as the AVR 3600, and stereo models such as the HK 3700 and HK 990.

Buying used Harman Kardon: what to check

Dial and meter lamps. Owners report dead or flickering lamps on 1970s receivers such as the 930, 430 and 330C; many are replaced with LEDs.

Capacitors. Expect a 1970s receiver that hasn't been recapped to need it.

Output stage. Owners report blown output transistors on the 730 and 430, often caused by a failed part nearby. Both channels should play cleanly at a realistic level.

Switches. Owners say the 1980s "i" receivers are prone to dirty switches that make channels cut out. Try every input and the balance control.

AV receivers. HDMI is usually the first thing to fail on a modern AV receiver. We test every HDMI input and output before listing.

Everything we list is inspected, tested and serviced as required here, and comes with our warranty.