High-Value, Low Dollar Component Expansion
Written: Feb 18 '03
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Pros: Incredible value--reasonably priced with necessary accoutrements
Cons: No digital display
The Bottom Line: If you want to add a dual-deck component to your existing stereo as an occasionally used addendum to your playback repertoire, buy the TC-WE305.
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| davepaine's Full Review: Sony TC-WE305 Single Cassette Deck |
When looking to upgrade to a component-based stereo system, I knew I wanted--well, needed--a dual tape-deck, but with the ever-increasing use of CD-R's over tapes, I didn't particularly care if I had the high-dollar features on the tape deck. It needed to play my old tapes, make copies of new tapes, and have high-quality sound. The Sony TC-WE305 admirably meets these requirements.
My Sony is wedded to a Kenwood A/V receiver with surround sound capabilities. I haven't experienced any displeasure at the difference in stereo sound between my CD changer and the Sony tape deck. Obviously, there's going to be a difference, but for those of us who grew up in the changeover from LP's to tapes, we know the shortcomings of tapes. However, the 305 doesn't accentuate any of the inherent shortfalls of tapes.
Sony's next step up in their line of tape decks features high-density heads on both decks, high-speed recording, DC servo-controlled heads, Dolby NR recording, and a digital display for approximately $50 more. The 305 has the exact same features except no digital display. It does have an LCD peak meter and an analog counter. Fifty dollars to read glowing numbers instead of watching the bar or following the analog counter does not seem like a fabulous deal.
Other options which are missing: side A to side B automatic recording and fast-forward and/or rewind with automatic detection of the track beginnings or endings. In my mind, though, the 305 is such a good deal that I don't really mind going without.
Of course, if you are someone who uses tapes almost exclusively--and I suppose there are still a few of you out there--I would pass over the 305 to buy a more option-laden, albeit considerably more expensive, dual deck stereo component.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 100
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Epinions.com ID:
davepaine
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Member: David Paine
Location: Boone, NC, USA
Reviews written: 19
Trusted by: 11 members
About Me:
Outdoor enthusiast who gets sucked into his computer quite often.
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