Cassette Decks

A form of “tape recorder”, a cassette deck plays or records audio compact tapes. They were formerly differentiated from a “recorder” because of its being a component for stereo systems, in contrast to recorders that had “self-contained” speakers and power amplifier. Cassette decks are sophisticated and “hi-fi” component. Its success was greatly credited to its utilization for car entertainment systems or car stereos.

These days however, one can no longer see much of the cassette decks in modern cars, unless they’re factory decks. On the other hand, some manufacturing companies still produce cassette decks that have been enhanced with “fast scanning” features for song skipping. The most widespread cassette decks of today are the “Double-Din” ones.

The “Double-Din” models are actually a dual cassette deck that features two sound sources –the cassette and the CD. Although these types of cassette decks offer more versatility, as one can be able to use either a cassette tape or CD with the cassette deck, it is usually twice the size of “single-source” decks. Thus, it is sometimes difficult to fit into standard spaces for car decks.

For people who have a bunch of tape collection that they don’t want to convert to CD’s, then cassette decks are the best choice for that car stereo system. The majority of cars has built-in factory cassette decks but may not include certain advance features that “aftermarket” cassette decks offer.

Every standard cassette deck has AM/FM radio, and also mostly has “CD changer control”. The newer models will include features such as LCD display, LED backlighting, and “Dolby B noise reduction” that eliminates whatever static sound.

CD/Cassette decks can run Sirius Satellite and MP3’s as well. They’re the best option that can have if they want to be able to play both tapes and CD’s. In spite of its bulky feature, a “custom” installation will make it appear just as nice as standard single-source players in the car.

Sine the “Double-Din” is big; it permits a bigger display screen on its front. This can go well with a good “LCD display” for animations, graphics, text or anything else that the deck can out on view.

Kenwood, Pioneer, or Sony decks are great brand options as they have excellent quality. They’re also rather less expensive than other brand competitors for CD/Cassette players. The least expensive deck of this type is Sanyo, although the quality does not really compare with that of Sony, Kenwood, or Panasonic. Check out these cassette decks:

Sony XR-CA350X Cassette Player

For those who have CD’s and cassettes and already has a CD changer, then this cassette deck model from Sony is just the right thing. The player is XM-ready (satellite radio) and has “CD/MD changer control”, as well as features a “detachable” face.

Kenwood KRC-435 Cassette Player

This deck features six AM presets and eighteen FM presets, with changer control. The RNS power output is 88 watts, with added features such as remote control, satellite radio ready (Sirius), and detachable face.

Sony WX-4500X Tape Deck-In Dash Cassette/CD Player

If you want to get the maximum performance and style with your deck, then this model is a great option. It features a striking multi-color “dot matrix” display with silver finish. It also has an active Servo “control monitors” CD tracking that allows adjustments for best performance. Its “SSIR-EX” tuner technology adjusts the bandwidth of the tuner on existing environmental conditions; thus, it has improved sound quality and lessened station interference.

Cassette decks are a good alternative for car stereo decks, especially for those who still value their music tape collection and don’t really want to use CD’s. For the more flexible personality, you may want to opt for CD/cassette decks to have the convenience of both tape and CD sound sources. Always choose good quality brands that provide both maximum performance and a reasonable price.