Kenwood KX-2060 3-Head Cassette Deck, Serviced

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General:
This vintage cassette deck was serviced by another shop not that long ago. We located a note inside the deck detailing the work, and were able to confirm its accuracy. 

We cleaned the controls and heads one more time as a good measure, then tested both playback and record capabilities where we were able to make a good sounding tape.

Best of all this model features a tape source/monitor switch that allows you to "monitor" the results while making a tape, usually found on top of the line and much more expensive machines.

It's remarkable how reliable these early decks are compared to the more complicated models of the late 1980's and 1990's which often require a full restoration.

More from Kenwood:
Kenwood engineers have again advanced the art of cassette deck design with the remarkable KX-2060, a superbly engineered deck with performance characteristics equal to the best available today.

The KX-2060 incorporates many advanced design features such as the ability to record and playback every kind of tape - including the latest high-output metal tape (Type IV),

A three-position tape equalization selector and a variable fine-bias adjustor using two oscillators, plus calibratable double Dolby noise reduction circuitry, ensure that every tape will perform to its limits.

Moreover, the 3-head design offers important advantages both in optimum sound quality and monitoring convenience.

The extraordinary electro-magnetic performance of the KX-2060 is fully complemented by mechanical excellence. 

A new constant tension tape transport, and Kenwood's own rugged two-belt drive system, all ensure that nothing stands in the way of the highest quality recording and playback of tapes.

The KX-2060 is also very easy to operate, and features electronic push-button controls and advanced fluorescent peak level meters. Its carefully laid out front panel is designed to match equivalent Kenwood amplifiers and tuners.

Standout Features Include:
• Three Ferrite Heads
• Dolby Noise Reduction System with LED Indicator Three Position Bias Selector (Normal-Chrome-Metal)
• Three Position Equalization Selector (Normal-Chrome-Metal)
• Dolby Recording Calibrator and Fine Bias Adjustment Controls with Oscillator
• LED Test Tone Indicators (400 Hz/10 kHz)
• Full Auto Shut-Off Mechanism in all Modes
• Memory Index
• LINE/MIC Mixing
• LED Recording Indicator
• Tape Monitor
• MPX Filter Switch (at Dolby NR ON Position)
• Timer Stand By Mechanism
• Three Digit Tape Counter
• Fluorescent Peak Meters and Tuning Meters
• Two Microphone Jacks, Headphone Jack
• DIN Rec/ Playback Connector

General Sound:
Accurate to the recording

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab.

Included:
Just the unit and power cord.

Manual:
Click Here

Approximate Age:
1981 (Production only from 1980-1981).

Packing:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Specs:
Heads: 
Three Ferrite Heads Type
1 x Recording and Playback Combination Head
1 x Erase Head

Fast Winding Time:
Approx. 80 seconds with C-60 length tape.

Motor: 
Electronically controlled DC

Tape Type: 
type I, CrO2, Metal

Noise Reduction: 
Dolby Type B

Frequency Response: 
20 Hz to 19 kHz  (When using Metal type IV tape)

Signal to Noise Ratio:
70dB (With Dolby B Enabled)

Wow and Flutter: 
0.04% (WRMS)

Input: 
77.5mV (line)
0.19mV (mic)

Output: 
0.775V (line)

Dimensions:
17.32" x 6.02" x 14.84"
(440 x 153 x 377mm)

Weight: 
20.50 lbs
(9.3kg)

Testing Process:
First steps are performed to determine if the unit is a candidate for our full restoration process, or if it's just in need of a light service.

We perform a basic functionality test to ensure proper playback, fast forward, and rewind. We look for smooth operation of the motors, transport engagement, and associated rolling parts.

We then do an internal physical inspection to ensure the belts and rubber consumable parts are up to spec.

Internal components are checked to make sure there are no signs of heat stress or damage, particularly in the power supply section. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

A light service will involve replacement of belts and rollers, external cleaning of heads, mechanism and boards, and basic record and playback tests.

A full restoration will often include disassembly of the drive system and replacement of all consumable and wearable parts including pinch rollers, belts, brakes, and bearings. We then clean, lubricate, and re-assemble the drive and perform basic mechanical alignment to ensure proper tape path and head alignment.

Final calibration will involve adjustment of the playback, erase, and record heads, along with optimization of the bias for a specific tape type. We do this with the aid of a Sound Technology 1510A tape deck analyzer plus a Nakamichi T-100 Audio Analyzer with reference calibration tapes.

Final listening tests are performed while monitoring with our reference Grado HP-1 headphones and a variety of factory and custom reference recordings We find that there is no better system for critical listening on tapes than with headphones, especially when comparing a live feed to a recorded feed.