The Kenwood Basic X1 is a high end direct drive cassette deck from the early 80ties. The transport used in this deck is the same used in the Nakamichi decks of that time. In performance its right up with the Nakamichi BX300 (also called the little Dragon) but just lacking the extra recording head. If you are looking to a well performing cassette deck for recording or play back don’t miss out of this rare unit in beautiful condition!
To make it perform within specs we carried out the below service:
- Replacement of idler tyre
- Lubrication of capstan shaft and moving parts (no capstan belt in this machine – direct drive!)
- Treatment of original pinch roller
- Cleaning of heads
- Demagnetisation of heads and capstan
- Speed calibration
- Full function test
Below is the test recording made with the X1 and played back by it:
Specifications
Type: 2-head, single compact cassette deck
Track System: 4-track, 2-channel stereo
Tape Speed: 4.76 cm/s
Heads: 1 x record/playback, 1 x erase
Motor: 1 x capstan, 1 x reel, 1 x mech
Tape Type: type I, CrO2, Metal
Noise Reduction: B, C
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 21kHz (Metal tape)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 74dB (dolby C)
Wow and Flutter: 0.027%
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.8%
Input: 77.5mV (line), 0.3mV (mic)
Output: 0.39V (line)
Dimensions: 440 x 111 x 322mm
Weight: 5.9kg
Finish: black
Year: 1983
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