Nakamichi BX-1

Commentary

This is a stereo cassette deck designed to achieve high sound quality by pursuing new value that has never been seen before amid price constraints.
In pursuit of sound quality, only the minimum necessary functions are installed, and elements that adversely affect sound quality are eliminated.

The recording equalizer amplifier employs a double-NF circuit to reduce distortion and stabilize DC. It also provides accurate head loss compensation based on theoretical values. It also uses a high-performance low-noise operational amplifier to gain dynamic range.
The playback equalizer amplifier is also a double-NF type, and a discrete configuration is adopted by selecting a transistor that is compatible with the playback head.

In order to prevent distortion of the waveform of the bias current and degradation of sound quality caused by modulation of the music signal due to unstable voltage, a constant voltage power supply is turned on to the bias oscillation circuit and a luxurious circuit is used for the oscillator to suppress waveform distortion.
In addition, a dedicated bias adjustment mechanism is provided inside the set for each tape position of the left and right channels ZX, SX and EX to adjust to the best bias.

The head uses a 1.2 μ gap high-bias read / write head with a hyperbolic contact surface to the tape.

In the mechanism section, we pay attention to the fact that the accuracy of the take-up motor affects the flutter. We use motors with proper bearings and make pulleys with high roundness made of metal to prevent flutter even at the stage of power transmission.
In addition, a special microprocessor is used for mechanism control, and the current situation is judged from the condition of the cam attached to the mechanism, and the processor issues commands to operate the motor.

Every last BX-1 produced has been adjusted for about 30 items, and the dispersion of each product is suppressed.

Equipped with a 2-position equalizer switch, two positions of 120 μ s and 70 μ s can be selected.

Equipped with an LED peak level meter, it can be checked in the range of -30dB to + 5 db.

Equipped with a recording balance and recording master volume.

Model Rating

Type	Stereo cassette deck
Truck type	4-track, 2-channel stereo system
Heads	Record x1 Erase x1
Motor (for tape drive)	For Capstan : 1 DC servo motor For Reel : DC Motor
Tape speed	4.8cm/s
Wow and flutter	0.06% or less WTD RMS 0.11% or less WTD Peak
Frequency characteristic	20 Hz to 20 kHz (recording level -20dB)
Overall Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF-A)	DolbyNR B on : 62 dB or more (ZX Tape, 70 μ s, 400 Hz, 3% THD, WTD RMS)
Overall strain rate	1.0% or Less (400 Hz, 0 dB, ZX, EXII Tape) 1.2% or Less (400 Hz, 0 dB, SX Tape)
Erasure rate	60 dB or More (100 Hz, 0 dB)
Channel separation	36 dB or More (1 kHz, 0 dB)
Crosstalk	60 dB or More (1 kHz, 0 dB)
Bias frequency	105kHz
Input Sensitivity / Impedance	50mV/30k Ω
Output Level / Impedance	Line : 0.5 V (400 Hz, 0 dB) / 2.2k Ω Headphone : 1.2 mW (400 Hz, 0 dB) / 8 Ω
Pwer	100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz
Power consumption	Up to 23W
External dimensions	Width 430x Height 110x Depth 250 mm
Weight	Approx. 5.5 kg