Marantz's budget front-loader
The Marantz 5020 cassette deck has independent mixing mike and line level controls plus a separate master gain control. The 5020 also features three individual buttons(for ferric, ferrichrome, and chrome tapes) that adjust both tape equalization and bias. Dolby broadcasts can be de coded via a built-in Dolby FM de-emphasis circuit. A peak limiter circuit reduces tape saturation and distortion by automatically guarding against accidental overload. The 5020, which has professional-size VU meters, disengages the tape transport at the end of play. It costs $269.95.
Flat-impedance speaker from Cizek
A new company, Cizek Audio Systems, Inc., has announced marketing plans for a line of wide-range acoustic-suspension speakers. The Cizek Speaker, as its first product is called, has a "compensated crossover circuit" that is said to give exceptionally flat impedance and to eliminate midrange roughness. Three front-panel controls adjust the sonic balance for room acoustics. Frequency response is rated at 38 Hz to 17 kHz ( + 1 1/2,-2 dB); the crossover is at 1.5 kHz. The minimum recommended continuous amplifier power is 15 watts (12 dBW) into 4 ohms, and power-handling capability is rated at 150 watts (22 dBW). The Cizek Speaker is priced at less than $200.
Kenwood introduces anti-resonant turntable base
The semiautomatic KD-2055 turntable is the first to use Kenwood's anti-resonance resin concrete base, known as ARCB. The compression-molded base-made of limestone particles, unsaturated polyester resin, and limestone and glass powders-is designed to achieve damping characteristics below 1 kHz. The material, which looks like polished marble, is better able to absorb vibration and prevent resonance be cause its high density increases mass without increasing physical size, according to Kenwood. Acoustic feedback is also said to be eliminated. The KD-2055 is belt-driven and has a statically balanced S-shaped tone arm with antiskating device. The price is $139.95.
White Electronics' Big Mouth
Big Mouth is the name of White Electronics' new speaker line. including the Shotglass model. The moisture-resistant speaker features the proprietary Glasscone driver, which is stiffer than paper cones and thus prevents breakup over the frequency range. The Shotglass also em ploys a patented parabolic surround, six-layer voice coils, and port loading for smoother bass. The cabinet, whose hand-carved design is cast in urethane, comes in either Colonial style or a "patio" version for $189.50.
A "four-dimensional" Lafayette receiver
One of the stereo receivers in Lafayette Radio Electronics' new line is the LR-3030. The AM/FM receiver features illuminated signal-strength and FM center-tuning meters and a "four-dimensional circuit" that de rives a quad effect from two-channel sources when speakers are hooked to all four sets of output terminals The amplifier's continuous power ating is 30 watts (15 dBW) into 8 ohms from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with no more than 0.5% total harmonic distortion. Dual tape monitors allow dubbing and simultaneous recording with two recorders. The LR 3030 costs $299.95.
Memory Man echo unit
Electro-Harmonix has announced a solid-state echo / analogue-delay-line unit dubbed Memory Man. Small enough to hold in one hand, Memory Man is constructed--without moving parts (tapes, drums, discs, or even springs)--of 3,072 linked analogue storage registers and produces delays of from 5 to 320 milliseconds. The controls, which include variable delay, feedback, and blending, are said to offer a wide range of effects extending to "slap back" echo and spatial, repeating reverberation. The unit costs less than $230.
Parabolic replacement styli from Walco
The Extended Range Replacement Stylus assembly is designed to fit a wide variety of pickups. A reduction in tip mass is said to be responsible for exceptionally clear, effortless sound. Size has been reduced by bonding the diamond tip to the underside of the cantilever only, rather than drilling a mounting hole, so a smaller cantilever arm can be used. According to Walco, this mounting method improves stylus motion, ex tending frequency response to 50 kHz. The parabolic-shaped tip is suit able for all recordings, including Quadradiscs. The stylus costs $29.95 and is covered by a two-year warranty.
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(High Fidelity, Jan. 1977)
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