TC-RX80ES

[BlazeES]

Here's one you don't see very often ... a Sony ES deck with a built-in (albeit limited), spectrum analyzer.

 

[62vauxhall]

Not a good seller. Sony down costed them and a bunch were bought and held as a Boxing Day special. Advertised at $99 and my store had six. Five were still on hand at end of day. To anyone who knew Sony's ES stuff, it was embarrassing to show those.

 

[orange]

I have a JVC DD-7 or something sorta like that and in need of repairs. Regular and Super ANRS.

 

[BlazeES]

They weren't costing down that much in 1988 and 1989 when this deck was released.
That was actually right in the beginning of the pinnacle 'Elevated Standard' years of 1987 to 1993 for Sony.
Sure they had entry level decks donned with the 'ES' badge, but this wasn't one of those lower end models.

And this deck sold for around 600 clams - only to be discounted by liquidators, years later.

 

[Elite-ist]

I think it's a respectable deck, judging by the spec sheet on it. There was a mint one selling, locally, for a good price. The integral spectrum analyzer is somewhat like the feature on the JVC KD-A7.

And take a look at those stepped function control buttons on the Sony - Nakamichi Dragon style.

Nando.

 

[orange]

Didn't Harvestmanman have one of these?

 

[BlazeES]

My Dad had one of those A7's back in the day. Super ANRS was a sort of sleeper NR scheme that worked really well. That deck made great tapes for the in-dash. Fond memories of that era...

 

[Elite-ist]

That's my KD-A7 pictured above. I use it in my downstairs stereo system. I have had to do zero maintenance on it since picking it up years ago. I keep the receipt taped to the back of the deck - dated 06-22-2010, $16.04.

Nando.

 

[BlazeES]

16 bux. What a deal.

The one thing I remember about that deck is the solenoid control of the mechanism. There are some strong solenoids in that rig. Big throws when activated. Built like a tank. My Dad had the accompanying JVC integrated amp with this big built in equalizer section and this funky ledge that jutted out of the bottom of the face.

 

[Elite-ist]

Tony: Thanks. After using it all this time, it still throws me with the right-side orientation of the tape well and hitting the correct function buttons. It's the only deck I have to look at the buttons to figure out what action I want to take.

Nando.

 

[BlazeES]

Yeah, I totally get it. That right hand well position was a head scratch-er and I always thought left or center was more natural.

 

[Skywavebe]

The button on the transport were too small and the meters look kind of cheap. The JVC decks I worked on never impressed me much. Nakamichi were better but there were even some off brand one that were better than the middle of the road stuff.

 

[Elite-ist]

I didn't think I would be revisiting this thread, but it's possible I may be purchasing an RX-80ES. Just communicating with the seller and if it comes to fruition, I will post more details.

Seller's photo:



Nando.

 

[BlazeES]

I didn't think I would be revisiting this thread, but it's possible I may be purchasing an RX-80ES.
Nando.

5 years ... in the blink of an eye.