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Sony ES hype?

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pishta

Active Member
I got a Sony TC-KE500S and I found the repair manual covers the same model TC-KA1ESA (in USA). Wondering what differences are to be found between the 2 decks other than the name on the front? This one does have a metal flywheel unlike my 611S that had a plastic one (or 2?) but that may have been a closed capstan deck. I heard the specs for a S deck were supposed to be pretty high to qualify for the S chips by Dolby themselves but I'm not sure if there is a difference between these 2 decks other than maybe regional names. Did the ES get higher end components? 2 things I noticed off the bat were a diagonally mounted transformer and a grounded metal sleeve around both motors. Bare minimum design elements.
 
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They're pretty much identical other than the model number. I'd not recommend putting much money into this machine as it is based on the troublesome TCM-190 transport. They can be made to work when the plastic gear eventually cracks if you get a new aftermarket gear. I would avoid them personally.
 
I agree completely. When the ESPRIT components became ES, it truly was Elevated Standard. Better components, heavier construction and a LONGER warranty than standard components. But much later on, they definitely spread the ES badge around on completely undeserving products. Sometimes they would take the same product, add wood side panels and like magic, it's now an ES! True ES products weigh more than their standard counterparts, even without the side panels. Probably a marketing ploy by bean counters to charge more and beef up some mediocre products into something they clearly were not. Of course they still were making true ES components right along side too. That didn't stop. But you had to be wary of what you were getting for your money. Simply having ES on the name no longer guaranteed you were getting the good stuff.
 
I had for a short time a Sony TCK 615S, manufactured in 1994, with 3 heads and dolby S.
Compared to my dear Sony TC 177, the first 3-head Sony deck manufactured in 1974, which I keep in good condition until today, the difference in sound quality is, to say the least, astonishing. This observation is just a reference to the advertising of the audio industry that always tries to sell the newest, but not always the best.
 
As a hobbyist and trying out everything I can get my hands on, there is a real difference between the sound quality from a Pre LCD cassette deck and a Post LCD cassette deck. More plastic in the latter, but the difference in quality of sound seems to be more than just a little. This has been my experience with every 3 head deck I have had. Maybe it was the move away from Dolby B and C to other better options? Most of the time, with a good tape and a Sony TC-K707ES, or my Denon DR-M24HX, or my JVC TD-V711, I enjoy listening to it more than CDs. LPs are still my preferred, but a good mixed tape is hard to beat!

I also had a few 3 Head Sony cassette decks from before the LED Meters, with those beautiful lighted needled meters. I have a number of them still, and I can't get them to sound near as nice as those late 80s to mid 90s decks.
 
There must be different era's of ES series. I kept my 3-head TC-K700ES over my Nak CR-5A. Just sold the Nak last year. Great deck, but I like the Sony better.
 
There are. I have a nice TC-K707ES as well as a Denon DR-M24HX and a JVC TD-V711, and I use the JVC most. I got the 707 working 2 years ago, and it sat in storage for 18 months. I may get to know it better in the coming months. It has the most plastic of the three, which is my first objection.
 
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