AKAI GX-R99 & GX-R88 (JAPAN 1985)
AKAI GX-R99 and GX-R88. Two Super Machines that redefine the state of the recording art. Four features mark these decks as significantly new and different (in 1985): (1) Super GX 3-Head Quick Reverse; (2) Closed Loop Double Capstan by Twin Direct Drive; (3) CRLP (Computer Recording Level Processing - GX-R99 only); and (4) High Tuned DC Amplifier Circuitry. Akai's unique Super GX head (Rotary 3-Head design) is made of crystal ferrite in extra hard, mirror polished glass. The superiority of the Super GX head is overwhelming in the critical high frequencies, the playback output level being as much as 7.8dB better than sendust at 10kHz. The finish is so smooth that practically no friction noise is generated and dust particles cannot easily adhere. Both the GX-R99 and GX-R88 are three-head decks with separate Super GX heads using a 4-micron gap for high level recording and a 1-micron gap for high frequency playback performance. The double capstan system is driven by one DD motor for forward, and another DD motor for reverse tape transport. Each DD motor has a heavy flywheel to smooth irregularities. Brushless, coreless and slotless FG servo motor construction assures excellent speed accuracy. CRLP (Computer Recording Level Processing - GX-R99 only) handles everything that contributes to the sound quality of a recorded tape. First "Quick Auto Tuning" sets the optimum bias and recording equalization for the tape to be used. Second it detects MOL (maximum output level). Third it analyzes the energy spectrum of the input signal, compares it with MOL and sets recording level to bring out the tape's full potential while avoiding overload distortion. Akai's 3-way 2-color 24-segment fluorescent (FL) display indicates recording level in VU and peak modes, it shows the energy spectrum of the music signal, and it includes a 3-way 4-digit electronic tape counter (elapsed time, remaining time, and normal tape counter), auto monitor position, IPLS operation, Dolby NR, MPX filter, reverse mode, and more.
JVC DD-V9 (JAPAN 1983)
Superior performance specifications, Special convenience features, superb sound quality, this is the JVC DD-V9 (Victor DD-V9 in Japan) 3 Head Auto-Reverse cassette deck introduced in 1983. The JVC DD-V9 is the ultimate in convenience and precision - convenience because it records and plays both sides of a tape automatically, and precision because it has three heads. JVC's auto-reverse swivel head features a jewel-lock system (ruby-tipped azimuth adjustment screw) that makes possible to adjust the head alignment for each path of tape travel independently. The three-head design consists of a SA (Sen-Alloy) recording head and a Metaperm playback head, hyperbolically curved for extended bass. During forward play and record, the DD-V9 use a capstan directly driven by compact Pulse Servo motors designed and built by JVC at their own plant. The Pulse Servo motor used incorporates a significant amount of technology originally developed for JVC turntables. Technically the motor can be described as a "4-phase, 8-pole, brushless & coreless FG direct-drive motor" The JVC computerized B.E.S.T. (Bias, Equalization, Sensitivity of Tape) tuning system analyzes the electromagnetic properties of any tape and adjusts the deck's electronics for a perfect match - all in about 15 seconds. The fluorescent display will show you remaining tape time in minutes and seconds and various Music Scan modes. The two-color fluorescent level meters are accurate, easy to read and highly responsive. Each of the bars for the left and right channels consists of 18 segments, and in turn each segment is formed of 20 matrix dots. Less frequently used controls are located on a slide-in/out panel for easier operation and cleaner lines while the optional R-70E wired remote control adds to the list of comfort features.
TEAC R-999X (JAPAN 1984)
The R-999X introduced by TEAC in 1984 is a cassette deck format which achieves the convenience of auto reverse without compromising recording and playback quality. The challenge was in finding a way to maintain close-to-identical recording and playback performance in both directions, for both sides of the tape. After exhaustive research and development, the unique Acculign Rotating Head System was developed, a system as different from ordinary rotating types as night is from day. Using Teac's own Cobalt Amorphous (CA) Rec/Play heads along with source/tape monitoring in the three-head configuration on a diecast base, the rotating head assembly with ceramic stoppers is mounted on an extremely precise dual micro-bearing. This high-precision system maintains almost perfectly identical performance in either tape direction. In the interest of the best possible mechanical performance the R-999X features a 6-motor configuration in a Bi-Directional Symmetrical Transport. This auto-reverse model uses two FG servo-controlled brushless DC direct-drive (DD) capstan motors with heavy flywheel for unfailing speed accuracy in either direction. I also uses two tension servo-controlled coreless DC direct-drive (DD) motors for reel tension servo control, and two motors for support functions. TEAC's Manual Calibration System offers considerable level and bias adjustment flexibility, a real advantage to those seeking optimum recording quality. The R-999X is provided with independent controls and a test-tone generator for exact adjustment of bias and level (sensitivity) for both left and right channels. A 4-bit microprocessor-operated CPS (Computomatic Program Search) system is responsible for various memory, search and repeat functions. The R-999X is equipped with double dbx and Dolby B/C noise reduction systems but it also features dbx disc decoding as well (for dbx encoded vinyl records). Technical data: Wow and flutter: 0.025% (WRMS) | Frequency response (-20 dB): 20-22,000/21,000/20,000 Hz (Metal/chrome/normal) | Dimensions: 432x119x350 mm | Weight: 8.5 kg.