Outstanding dynamic range. No tape hiss at -30db, neither distortion at +12db. Very fast rewinding/fast forwarding.

A cassette deck that lists for $300 shouldn't lack ilumination through the cassette window, output level controls, microphone inputs and remote control. Although it has a RC sensor, you must have a Sony receiver RC, in order to use it. Fortunately, I do.

In one phrase: for less than $300, I’ve met no cassette deck better than the Sony TC-KE500S, period. I’ve been a cassette enthusiast since the early 70’s, starting with my father’s Teac 360-S. By the late 80’s, after I met a Nakamichi Dragon, I dreamed of having a 3 head deck, in order to monitor my recordings at real time, instead of “guessing” how they would sound. Only in 1997 I would have the chance to satisfy that wish. I fell in love with this Sony TC-KE500S at first site. Although it was not connected to anything, I pulled a tape from my walkman, plugged it’s headphones at the KE500, and got VERY surprised with the sound. It sounded so much better than my high-end walkman (which had even Dolby), that I made a knotty thing (hopping that the salesman wouldn’t catch me): plugged my walkman’s headphone outlet to the KE500’s input jack, and recorded some radio on the tape I was listening. It sounded exactly the same, no matter what sort of Dolby or sound level I choosed. I seized the opportunity, and did the same test to a Pioneer CT-W616DR deck that was beside it. The reproduction was great, but not as good - although it was more expensive -, and the recording just couldn’t match the 500’s. I first found it for ~US$300, but I finally bought it for US$264, at a sale. Since then, my ~400 cassettes have gained new life. They’re sounding so much better! I’ve made some more specific tests, like comparing TDK SA to MA tapes (couldn’t notice any difference: both sounded PERFECT), and different sound levels. It’s amazing how it just doesn’t have any tape hiss or distortion, no matter what level you choose. Anyway, I use TDK tapes (mostly SA or MA), and record them at 0db with Dolby-S. I have it for almost five years now, and it never gave me any trouble. I have a friend who is also an audiophile, who bought a KE500 together with mine, and his unit is also still in perfect condition. Unfortunately, cassettes are very expensive by now, so I moved to digital (CD-Rs, mostly). But, the only reason was the price: the sound quality of a good tape recorded at this deck is comparable to digital recordings: they sound just exactly as the source. If you have a lot of cassettes and would like to keep them, this deck is a very good deal.

Similar Products Used:

Several decks from Aiwa to Zenith. <:-) Nakamichi Dragon and Revox A77 were my dreams, but the prices keep them above my reality.

Separate playback & recording heads; Dolby S NR; fine bias adjustment; level & bias calibration circuit; build quality (for this price level).

Bias cannot be optimized for metal (Type IV) tapes, resulting in slightly 'bright' recordings.

The fact that this deck mirrors Sony's entry-level ES deck (the TC-KA1ESA) hints to its quality.


The Sony TC-KE500S features separate playback and recording heads (crucial for mastering against the source during recording), fine bias adjustment, and Dolby S noise reduction. The heads are fixed (no auto-reverse), but this should be viewed as an *advantage* not a weakness.


This cassette deck produces excellent frequency response and fidelity when used with Maxell metal (Type IV) tapes and decent interconnects. [I've found that the 'warm' signature of Monster Cable works well with the TC-KE500S.]


The deck's only real weakness is its feet; they are cheap and should be replaced or supplemented by a more sophisticated suspension/isolation system (but this is an easy--and inexpensive--DIY procedure).


Finally, the Dolby S system is highly recommended for those who want to transfer their favorite vinyl pressings to tape. If you invest in metal tape (Maxell or Fuji) and use the deck's record monitor to properly set bias, you will be able to enjoy virtually all the quality and fidelity of the vinyl discs, but with the convenience of cassette tapes.

Similar Products Used:

Awai (mid 80's model), Sony and Technics (mid 70's models)

Sounds excellent. Ability to use remote control. Time counter. Calibration and bias adjustments.

Display and knobs too small. Poor owners manual.

This little tape deck sounds outstanding with premium quality tape. There is really no need to use any Dolby NR
since today's high quality tapes are very quiet. Dolby S
sounds fine but you may have trouble finding a deck in the
future with Dolby S to play your tapes on. Dolby was needed in the 70's when tape was not nearly as quiet as it is today. This deck is reliable and very stable but the low price means limited quality display and little baby knobs that are way too small. The owners manual needs to go into much greater detail about calibrating tapes and bias adjustment. I purchased this from an Ebayer who only used it a few times. I was thinking of buying one at Fry's
for $250.00, this one is in excellent condition, like new.
I really got lucky on this one as used cassette decks can
be risky buys! At a normal street price of $250 I would say this is an excellent value.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer, Kenwood, Teac, BIC.

3 head

This deck was originally purchased so that I could record from my other deck. I have been making quality copies of tapes on this deck for close to a year now with little problems. This deck is no Nakamichi Dragon, but if you are looking to purchase a sub $300 deck than I give it my recomendation. If you look hard on the net you can find this deck very reasonably priced. There are better decks out there but they are either going to be more expensive, used, or refurbished. My experience has taught me not to buy anything but new equipment, and I recomend you do the same. One problem I have had is that the front of the cassette holder has fallen off twice. Both times it has fallen off have been times when the operater was very drunk. In both cases the cover slid easily back on in the morning.

First class performance and sound. Good looking.

Flimsy casing and very lightweight. Is there anything in there or have the companies been putting too much in the cassette decks in the past?

When I consider the limited choice of cassette decks available today this Sony deck is a first-class standout in comparison to current and past decks. Digital sound is in and cassette decks are seconds now. Although the deck feels like a lightweight soda can and the case is cheesy feeling, the TC-KE500S performance is solid. Once a tape is calibrated, which is very easy to do because of its built in signal generator, the tapes are simply good, no, say GREAT sounding. When using the Dolby S I can't tell the difference between tapes and compact disks. Most people want a deck that specs out at the highest frequency (so high only dogs can here it) and so shrill that the sound output is, well, shrill. I concentrate on the mid-tones (the ancient name was called timbre) because this is where 95% of your music is at and the timbre is where the Sony does a first class job. The timbre is realistic, believable and accurate. And it will sound shrill if you want it to.

You won’t get a lot of features on this deck. It does have 3 heads, music scan, memory stop, a two speed fast forward and a very nice real time counter. The performance of the recorded sound is what this deck is built for and it does the execution perfectly. I don’t think there is nor was a better performing deck ever made. This Sony TC-K500S, its older brothers, the fancier TC-KE611S and TC-K615S and the current ES series decks are unbeatable.

Similar Products Used:

Nakamichi CR-7A, CR-1A, Sony TC-K611S, numerous Aiwas, JVC KDD-4, Technics something with DBX

value, build quality, decent sonics, features

none for the price.In absolute terms, relative lack of sound refinement.

This tape deck gets a 5 star rating from me when it comes to
build quality, features, overall value.
however, the sound quality is not as good as the one one could see in a more expensive deck.
Dolby S performs reasonably well in this deck, although you do lose some sonic detail with it when the sound is compared with the original CD.
In terms of features, particularly usefull is the double speed fast forward and rewind.
The sound quality is excellent for making tapes for car use or for home low-fi systems. For those with high resolution
stereo systems, this deck will be obviously the weakest link
and not worthy of that company. For a high-end system, we, the cassette deck lovers, would be better off these days with such decks like Nak DR-10 or the Sony TC-KA 3 ES.

Similar Products Used:

more expensive Akai, Teac models. Also similarly priced Technics and older Sony, Onkio, Aiwa and Pioneer models.

dolby S, 3 head design..........remote capatable.....

none

can not complain for a price of $220. Tapes sound like CD's. the best in its price range.........

Amazing value. Dolby S recordings sound great on everything but complex soft passages.

Non dolby recording is not as good as some Naks, but easily the best I have heard in this price range.

Hella good buy. Makes cassettes about as good as you can expect with Dolby S.

Similar Products Used:

Nakamichi, NAD

Very Good Performer for the money. Convenient features and above average build quality.

The feet on the unit are cheap, and don't provide good vibration isolation.

This is my back-up deck for making tapes for the car - AWESOME quality tapes! Purchased at Best Buy as floor demo for $185 - no box, no manual, no cables - NO PROBLEM. This is a great deck for the money. Even has calibration for individual tapes. (both bias and balance) Dolby b, c, and s. Good readout. Overall, a great buy. The output quality will surprise you for the money - not that far off from the Dragon for a WHOLE LOT LESS! No reservations recommendation for those in the market for a "good" quality tape deck. 5 stars for the bucks and one of the only Sony Audio products I'd recommend purchasing!

Similar Products Used:

JVC and Nakamichi Dragon

Could not belive the quality for the money

none`

will make great tapes for the car it is the bomb .Have used it a lot no problems

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Advent Harmon -Karmon