Sony TC-KA3ES 3 Head Stereo Cassette Deck Dolby B-C-S NR HX Pro (1995)
The Sony TC-KA3ES is flat-out one of the best cassette decks you can own. The TC‑KA3ES is a flagship model from Sony’s prestigious ES (Elevated Standard) line, offering audiophile-quality performance with advanced analog recording and playback features.
First, the KA3ES is a 3-head system, meaning you get an erase head, a record head, and a play head. By having a separate record head and a play head, you get fully optimized recording and playback. In other words, it sounds amazing. And in terms of noise reduction, it offers Dolby S and HX Pro - the best NR you can get, greatly improving the quality of your recordings. Designed for music lovers and collectors, this deck delivers precision, clarity, and durability in a compact, elegant package.
📌 AUDIOPHILE PERFORMANCE
- Professional users and community reviewers praise its clean recordings: one user called it “absolutely awesome” with “totally clear” recordings and playback.
-
Renowned reviewer Ken Rockwell considers the KA3ES “the world’s best cassette deck”—a testament to its enduring quality.
CONDITION
SPENCERTIFIED- Fully certified by Spencer
Refurbished and SPENCERTIFIED
This Sony TC-KA3ES has been fully refurbished and is in perfect working condition. All internal components have been professionally inspected, serviced, and cleaned for long-term reliability. The transport runs smoothly, recording and playback functions operate flawlessly, and the heads have been cleaned and aligned for optimal performance.
All inputs, outputs, and calibration features are fully functional, and the unit has been thoroughly tested across all tape types and noise reduction modes. Cosmetically, it's in good shape with no dents or cracks, but it does have a number written into the side panel.
A top-tier cassette deck, restored and ready for serious analog listening or recording.
Cosmetic Condition: Good (side panel has a number written into it).
Functional Condition: Works Like New.
📦 Professionally packed and shipped with care.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
- Sony TC-KA3ES 3 Head Stereo Cassette Deck Dolby B-C-S NR HX Pro
- Analog Audio Cable
KEY FEATURES
- 3-head design with closed-loop dual capstan and direct-drive motor—this setup provides stable tape transport with minimal wow & flutter (0.022% WRMS) and exceptional sonic fidelity
- Supports Normal, Chrome, and Metal tapes, with a 3-point REC calibration system (400 Hz/3 kHz/15 kHz) and Dolby B, C, S, plus HX PRO headroom extension for crisp, low-noise recordings
- High-quality playback with a wide frequency response of 15 Hz–22 kHz and signal-to-noise ratio of 85 dB (Dolby S), ensuring dynamic, detailed sound
- 3-phase BSL direct-drive motor and sapphire-based capstan bearings for long-term stability
- Solid build quality—heavy chassis, dual-lock cassette clamp, and vibration-resistant construction make this a reliable, long-lasting deck
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: 3-head, single compact cassette deck
- Track System: 4-track, 2-channel stereo
- Tape Speed: 4.8 cm/s
- Heads: 1 x combination record/playback, 1 x erase
- Motor: 1 x reel, 1 x capstan, 1 x assist
- Tape Type: type I, CrO2, Metal
- Noise Reduction: B, C, S
- Headroom Extension: HX Pro
- Frequency Response: 15Hz to 22kHz (Metal tape)
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 85dB (dolby S)
- Wow and Flutter: 0.04%
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 1.3%
- Input: 160mV (line)
- Output: 0.5V (line)
DIMENSIONS
- 17" x 13" x 5.25" (Length x Width x Height)
- Weight: 16.75 lbs
INPUTS
- Line In L/R x1 (back)
OUTPUTS
- Headphones Jack x1 (front)
- Line Out L/R x1 (back)
MANUFACTURE DATE and PLACE
- MFD. 1995
- Made in Japan
