Denon DRM-800A Service Manual

Hi-Fi Component

SERVICE MANUAL

STEREO CASSETTE TAPE DECK

IVIODEL

I TABLE OF CONTENTS I

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 2 - 11
SPECIFICATIONS 11
BLOCK DIAGRAM 12
LEVEL DIAGRAM 13
DISASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS 14 - 15

ADJUSTING AND CHECKING THE MECHANISM SECTION 15 - 17
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRICALSECTIONS 17- 19
PARTS LIST OF EXPLODED ViEW 20
EXPLODED VIEW OF CABINET AND CHASSIS GROUP _ 21
PARTS LIST OF 4U-1817/4U-1823/MECHANISM EXPLODED ViEW 22
EXPLODED VIEW OF MECHANiSM _ 23
PARTS LIST OF 4U-181 6 24
WIRING DIAGRAM/BUNDLE DIAGRAM _ 25
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM 26-27
PW.BOARD OF 4U-1816 28
P.W.BOARD OF 4U-1817/4U-1823 29
SEMICONDUCTORS 30

DRM-800A

I

NIPPON COLUMBIA CO.,LTD.

IMPORTANT TO SAFETY

WARNING:

TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO.

NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.

CAUTION:

1. Handle the power supply cord carefully

Do not damage or deform the power supply cord. If it
is damaged or deformed, it may cause electric shock
or malfunction when used. When removing from wall
outlet, be sure to remove by holding the plug attach·
ment and not by pull ing the cord.

2. Do not open back plate

In order to prevent electric shock, do not open the
back plate. If problems occur, contact your DENON

dealer.

3. Do not place anything inside

Do not place metal objects or spill liquid inside the

cassette deck. Electric shock or malfunction may result.

Please, record and retain the Model name and serial number
of your set shown on the rating label.
Model No. DRM-80QA Serial No. _

IMPORTANT

The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance
with the following code:

The colours of the wires in the mains lead of this ap·
paratus may not correspond with the coloured markings

identifying the terminals in your plug proceed as follows.
The wire which is coloured blue must be connected to
the terminal which is marked with the letter N or

coloured black.
The wire which is coloured brown must be connected

to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or
coloured red.

To ensure safe operacion, the three·pin plug supplied
must be connected only with a standard three·pin powe'r
point which is effectively earthed through the normal
household wiring.
Extension cords used with the equipment must be three·
core and be correctly wired to provide connection to
earth. Wrongly wired extension cords are a major cause

of fatalities.
The fact that the equipment operates satisfactorily does

not imply that the power point is earthed and that the

installation is completely safe. For your safety,. if in
any doubt about the effective earthing of the power
point, contact a qualified electrician.

(BRITISH MODEL ONLY)

Blue: Neutral
Brown: Live

FOR YOUR SAFETY

(AUSTRALIAN MODEL ONLY)

NOTE ON USE!HINWEISE ZUM GEBRAUCH!OBSERVATIONS RELATIVES A L'UTILISATION

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Avoid high temperatures
Allow for sufficient heat dispersion when installed on a

rack.

Vermeiden Sic hohe Temperaturen
Sehen Sie zu, daB eine zureichende Luftzirkulation

gewahrleistet wird, wenn das Gerat auf ein Regal
gestellt wird.
Eviter des temperatures elevees
Tenir compte d'une dispersion de chaleur suffisante lors
de I'installation sur une etagere.

Keep the set free from moisture, water, and dust.

.

Halten Sic das Gerat fern von Feuchtigkeit. Wasser und

Staub,

Proteger I'appareil contre I'humidite, f'cau et la pous-

siere.

~

Unplug the power cord when not using the set for long
periods of time.
Wenn das Gerat eine langere Zeit nicht verwcndet
werden soil. trennen Sie das Netzkabel vom Netzstecker.
Debrancher Ie cordon d'alimentation 10rsque I'appareil
n'est pas utilise pendant de longues periodes

~

Do twt let foreign objects in the set.
Keine fremden GegcnsU~nde in das Gerat kommen

lassen.
Ne pas laisser des objets etrangers dans I'appareil.

00 not let insecticides, benzene, and thinner come in
contact with the set.

lassen Sie das Gerat nicht mit Insektiziden, Benzin oder
Verdunnungsmitleln in Beruhrung kommen.

Ne pas meUre en contact des insecticides, du benzene et
un diluant avec I'appareil.

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Handle the power cord carefully.
Hold the plug when unplugging the cord.
Gehen Sie vorsichtig mit dem Netzkabe! urn.
Halten Sie das Kabel am Stecker, wenn Sie den Stecker
herausziehen.
Manipuler Ie cordon d'alimentation avec precaution.
Tenir la prise Jars du debranchement du cordon.

00 not obstruct the ventilation holes.
Die Beluftungsoffnungen durfen nicht verdeckt werden.
Ne pas obstruer les trous d'aeration.

r:>:;

"(For sets with ventilation holes)

Never disassemble or modify the set in any way.
Versuchen Sie niemals das Gerat auseinander zu neh-
men oder auf jegliche Art zu verandern.
Ne jamais demonter ou modifier I'appareil d'une man-
iere ou d'une autre.

2

- TABLE OF CONTENTS-

FEATURES 3
CONNECTION 3
NAMES AND FUNCTIONS OF PARTS 4·5
PLAYBACK 5
RECORDING 6
PROPERRECORDINGLEVEL 6
RECORDINGBIAS ADJUSTMENT 7
REC/RECMUTE BUTTON 7
AUTO TAPE SELECT FEATURE 7
MUSIC SEARCH SySTEM 8
TAPE COUNTER AND MEMORY STOP : 8
MONITOR BUTTON 9
DOLBY C NOISE REDUCTION SySTEM 9

DOLBY HX·PRO HEADROOM EXTENSION SySTEM 9
MAINTENANCE 10
CASSETTE TAPE 10
SYMPTOMS OFTEN MISTAKEN AS BREAKDOWNS 11
SPECIFICATIONS 11

Please check to make sure the following items are
included with the main unit in the carton:

( 1) Operating Instructions .
( 2) Connection Cords 2
(3) Mini·plug Cable 1

CONNECTION

Thank you very much for purchasing the DENON

component DRM·800A.

THE DENON DRM·800A is a top·line stereo cassette
tape deck, capable of outstanding performance in
combination with high grade hi-fi systems.

DENON proudly presents this advanced
to audiophiles and music lovers as a further proof of
DENON's non-compromising pursuit of the ultimate in
sound quality. The high quality performance and easy
operation are certain to provide you with many hours
of outstanding listening pleasure.

FEATURES

• Computer·controlled servo technology.

• Closed· loop dual·capstan tape transport.

• Si lent, soft·touch controls provide maximum ease·of·use.

• Computer·controlled, full·logic tape controls enable
fool·proof operation.

• Automatic eliminating the slack of the tape.

• Three·head design utilizes the Amorphous record/
playback combination head assembly.

• Dolby HX PRO headroom extension.

• Dolby C noise reduction systems (Double Dolby System).

• Computing linear tape counter with 4-digit readout and
memory stop.

• Wide·range FL peak level meters.

• Auto tape selector.

• Recording Bias adjustment control.

.Cassette stabilizer.

tape deck

• Leave your entire system (including this cassette deck) turned off until all connections between the deck and other
components have been made.

Cassette Deck

CD Player

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Pin cord sold separately .

Amplifier or Receiver

• Connecting the deck to an amplifier

• Before connecting the deck to your amplifier, it is a good practice to review your amplifier's instruction manual.

• Use the white plugs for the left channel, and the red plugs for the right channel.

• Connecting the deck to CD player (CD DIRECT)

Use the separately sold pin cord to connect the CD DIRECT IN terminal of the cassette deck to the LINE OUT (ANALOG)
FIX terminal of the CD player.

• Systems remote control

When you use our company's receiver and the cassette deck having the REMOTECONTROL (TAPE) terminal, connect their
REMOTECONTROL terminals with the attached mini·plug cable. ("PLAY, FF, REW, STOP, REC/REC MUTE AND REC PAUSE"
can be operated by the wireless remote controller attached to the receiver.)

• Tape dubbing

• Many stereo amplifiers and receivers have tape dubbing circuitry so that tape duplication can be performed between
two or more tape decks. Review your amplifier's instruction manual for a full explanation of this mode of operation.

• Connecting Headhones

To listen through headphones, plug your headphones into the PHONES jack .

• Installation Precautions

If the deck is placed on or too near an amplifier or tuner, noise (induced hum) or beat interference may result (especially
during AM reception). If this occurs, separate the deck from other components or reorient its position.

..••........It is used when our company's receiver has the

REMOTE CONTROL (TAPE) terminal.

I

3

NAMES AND FUNCTIONS OF PARTS

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POWER switch
Controls the supply of AC power to the deck. One push

turns the deck on, a second push turns it off. The deck
remains in a stand·by (non-operative) mode for approxi·
mately 2 seconds after it is switched on.

EJECT button

Press this button to eject the cassette. When the deck
is operating (tape is running), press the stop (.) key
first to stop the tape transport; then press the EJECT

button.
Cassette compartment cover

If this comparment cover is not closed completely, the
deck's transport controls will remain inoperative.

COUNTER RESET button

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Operation of the button resets the counter to all zero.
MEMORY button

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During rewinding operations, the tape will stop at the

":~:C:C::~,'" counter point automatically when this button

is pressed in.

TAPE SIZE button

You can know accurate elapsed time of the tape by
adjusting the TAPE SIZE button to the tape size used.
When the TAPE SIZE button is pressed, the current tape
size is displayed for 1 sec in the 4-figures counter _ If
you further press the button during the display, the
tape size will change in the following cycle.

C·90 C·75 C-60 C·100
DOLBY NR button

When the left·side DOLBYNR button is pressed once with
DOLBY NR being at the "OFF" state. DOLBY NR B·TYPE

is preferred and turned on. Every time when the right·

BIC button is pressed, B·TYPE and C-TYPE are

side
selected alternatively.

«;) MPX FILTER button

The MPX FILTER button should be used to prevent
interference with the Dolby NR circuit when making
Dolby NR encoded recordings of FM stereo programs.
When making Dolby NR encoded recordings from any
program source other than FM stereo, leave this button

in the "OFF" position.

flUORESCENT PEAK METER
These mefers indicate recording or
playback peak levels for each channel.

For peak levels exceeding
Auto Peak Hold Feature holds the peak
I!"vel reading for approximately 2 seconds.

4-DIGIT READOUT indicator

• LINEAR TAPE COUNTER @
Tape-passage is indicated digitally minutes and seconds .

• TAPE SIZE (I)
The tape sige selected by the TAPE 51ZE button is

displayed for 1 second.

-7dB, the

DOLBY NR indicator (1)

INPUT indicator ())

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CD DIRECT button
If you connect the CD player as the CONNECTION (CD

DIRECT) shown on page 3, the signals are directly
input without passing through the stereo amplifier, and
thus the signal route can be shortened improving the
sound quality. Press this button for the CD DIRECT
recording.

MONITOR button
The SOURCE position of this button allows you to

monitor the source program before it is record8d. The

TAPE position of this button is used for tape playback

monitoring or simultaneous monitoring during recording.
BIAS FINE control

(for NORMAL, Cr02 and METAL tape)
Adjust the bias according to the tape characteristics.
Standard biasing is obtained at the center click-stop
position.

BALANCE control
This is the knob to adjust the recording level balance

between the left and right channels. Turn it counter-

clockwise to reduce the right channel's level and

clockwise to reduce the left channel's. Usually, put

the knob at the center click position.

PHONES jack

For private music enjoyment without disturbing others,

or for monitoring a recording, a,set of headphones may

be plugged in. Impedance should be from

ohms.

OUTPUT LEVEL control

This control adjusts playback, recording monitor, and

headphones output levels for the both channels simul·

taneous Iy.

f!i) INPUT LEVEL control

The recording input level is adjusted by this knob. The

levels in the left and right channels can be changed

simultaneously.

~ DISPLAY

The indicators with an encircled number light up by

pressing the corresponding button.

TAPE SELECT indicator

This indicator light is.interlocked with the Auto Tape Select
feature which autcmatically adjusts -the deck to the type of
tape in use.

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FILTER indicator (j)

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TAPE TRANSPORT indicator @

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TAPE

SOURCE

MONITOR indicator @

8 to 1200

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~ REC RETURN Button

When this button is pressed at the recording state, the
tape is rewound to the starting point. When the starting

q;) Tape transport controls

PLAY PLAY button

STOP

REC PAUSE

button

button

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about 5 sec of non·recorded part can automatically be created.

If only the RECORD button is pressed, the deck is placed in the REC

To begin recording, press the RECORDand PLAY buttons simultaneously.

Press this button

PLAyBACK _

• Switch on your amplifier or receiver.

• Set the TAPE MONITOR switch on your amplifier or receiver to the TAPE position.

• Operate the deck in numerical order as illustrated below:

Press for fast rewind.

REC PAUSE button

Press for fast forward tape winding.

It you want to cnange trom tne rec mute or recording

PAUSE (record standby) mode.

REW

FF

STOP button

Press to playback tape.

Press to stop tape in any mode.

state into the rec pause state."Pause" is effective during "RE-

RECORD/MUTE button

When this button is pressed under the

When this

point is automatically reached, the record standby mode

(rec pause state) comes.

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o PHONES

Playback sound is fed into the headphone set.

@POWER

Push the switch to turn "ON" (-) the power.

8 EJECT

Press the EJECT button to open the cassette compart-
ment .

9 Cassette Compartment Cover

When a cassette tape is inserted and the door is closed,
the tape is automatically wound up for about 0.2 sec.

to eliminate the slack.

8 DOLBY NR

For recordings made without Dolby NR, set to "OFF".
For recordings made with Dolby B NR, set to "ON"
and "B". (The B·TYPE indicator will light up.)
For recordings made with Dolby C NR, set to "ON"
and "C". (The C-TYPE indicator will light up.)

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o ~PLAY

Push the PLAY KEY (The [> PLAY and TAPE indicators
will light up).

8OUTPUT

Check to make sure the OUTPUT LEVEL.

• When playback is finished, press the stop (. STOP) button.

• To restart the tape, press the PLAY (~PLA Y) button.

• If different types of Dolby Noise Reduction are used for
record and playback, playback response will be adversely

effected.

Note:
If the power switch is turned OFF in either the re-

cording or playback mode, the cassette cannot be
removed, even if the EJECT button is pressed.
Please turn the power switch ON again, and then
in stop mode, press the EJECT button to remove
the cassette tape.

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5

RECORDING

• Switch on the source component (tuner, amplifier, etc.).

• Set the TAPE MONITOR switch on your amplifier or receiver to the SOURCE position.

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o POWER

Push the switch to turn "ON" (.--) the power.

f} EJECT

Press the EJECT button to open the cassette compart·
ment.

e Cassette Compartment Cover

When a cassette tape is inserted and the door is closed,
the tape is automatically wound up for about 0.2 sec.
to eliminate the slack. (Confirm that the claw of the
cassette half is not broken.)

e DOLBY NR

Set, in accordance with the recording to be made.
For recordings without Dolby NR, set to "OFF". For
recordings with Dolby B NR, set to "ON" and "B" (The
B·TYPE indicator will light up). For recordings with
Dolby C NR, set to "ON" and "C" (The C·TYPE indicator
will light up). Future mistakes during playback can be
avoided if the cassette is so marked for Dolby NR
encoded recordings .

• MPX FILTER
Button it "ON" for the DOLBY NR recording of FM
broadcasts (The FILTER indicator will light up).

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o OREC/REC MUTE

When pressed, the deck goes into the record standby
mode. The OREC and ODPAUSEindicators will light

up, and both recording/playback and erase heads will
come into contact with the tape. Initial setting of
recording levels should be made in the record standby
mode. (The source monitor mode comes automatically.)

8 INPUT LEVEL

Used to set the recording level.

o BALANCE

Adjust the recording level balance between the left
and right channels.

o ~PLAY

When pressed, the recording will start.
The C>PLAY and OREC indicators will light up.

(The tape monitor mode comes automatically.)

• When recording is finished, press the STOP (IISTOP)
button.

PROPER RECORDING LEVEL _

A too high recording level can saturate the tape and cause distortion. On the other hand, if recording levels are set
too low, soft passages will be marked by residual noise. Proper recording level is the single most important factor for
making well balanced recordings.

The tape select indicators- TYPE-I, TYPE-II and TYPE· N provide guidelines for the maximum allowable recording levels
for each tape type. Adjust the INPUT LEVEL controls while checking the FL PEAK METER.

Guideline for maximum recording level

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Cr02 tape

Normal tape

• Meter reading difference between Land R channels
The left and right channels readings of the PEAK METER can differ due to variations in input signal levels. In such ~

cases, adjust the individual channels of the BALANCE control until identical meter readings are obtained for both channels.

+ 3 dB levels on peaks

+5 dB levels on peaks

+ 1 dB levels on peaks

Note: Optimum recording levels can differ depending

I

on program sources or the type of tape used.
Make trial recordings using the simultaneous
monitoring. Refer to the description under
"MONITOR BUTTON".

6

RECORDING BIAS ADJUSTMENT

For best recording results, monitoring during the recording
process and comparing various recordings using your own
judgement are essential.

The DRM-800A is equipped with a bias adjustment
control to assist you in setting the proper bias for different
types and brands of recording tape. At the center-stop
position, the deck is set for a reference bias level' for
NORMAL,
in this position has too much or too little high frequency

CrGz and METAL tapes. If the resulting redording

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RECjREC MUTE BUTTON

REC/REC MUTE is the DENON's unique and convenient
function. By using this button, it is easily possible to insert
a suitable space (the non-recorded part) between two

melodies.

1. When you want to make about 5 sec of non-recorded

part after the recording state:
Press the REC/REC MUTE button. The recorder will
automatically create about 5 sec of non-recorded part
and will stay in the recording standby state.

2. To create about 5 sec of non-recorded part after the

standby state:

content, varying the bias adjustment control can be useful
to achieve better results.

If the high frequencies (treble sounds) are to be boosted,

turn the bias control counterclockwise to decreases bias
current. If distortion is of more concern than high frequency

response, turn the control clockwise to increase bias current,
By the use of this control, you can record tapes with res-
ponse that matches your personnal listening tastes.

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3. To cancel the non-recording state (the REC MUTE state):

4. To extend the non-recording state (the REC MUTE state)

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FREQUENCY (Hz)

Press the REC/REC MUTE button, and the recorder will
enter the non-recording state, automatically create about
5 sec of non-recorded part and stay in the standby state.

Press the RECPAUSE button, and the recorder will cancel
the non-recording state and will stay in the standby state_

for further 5 sec or more:
Press the REC/REC MUTE button, and the non-recorded

part will automatically be extended for another 5 sec.

Counterclockwise

Clockwise

AUTO TAPE SELECT FEATURE

This Stereo Cassette Deck contains an Auto Tape Select feature which automatically selects the optimum bias and

equalization for the tape in use. This is accomplished by detection of tape type detection holes in the cassette housing.
The Tape type (TYPE-

• If a tape without tape type detection holes is used,
the TAPE SELECT indicator will not indicate the

correct tape type and the deck will automatically
adjust itself for normal tapes.

I, TYPE-II or TYPE-N) is indicated by the TAPE SELECT indicator.

Detection holes
for chrome tape

I

7

MUSIC SEARCH SYSTEM _

This device is a convenient system which detects the
non-recorded part of more than 4 seconds between melodies,
cues the next melody while the present melody is being
reproduced or automatically detects the beginning of the
melody now being reproduced and makes it into the repro-

duceable state.

1. For cueing the next melody while the present melody
is being reproduced:
At PLAY mode, depress the PLAY button and the FF
button simultaneously. This device will detect the

interval between melodies with the CUE state on, auto-
matically become the PLAY mode and begin performing
the next melody.

2. For hearing again the melody being reproduced:
At PLAY mode, depress the PLAY button and the REW
button simultaneously. This device 'Will detect the

interval between melodies with the REVIEW state on,
automatically become the PLAY mode, detect the be-
ginning of the melody now being performed and play
it from the first again.

TAPE COUNTER AND MEMORY STOP _

LINE

DIRECT

MONITOR

FLTER

+2 +3 +5 +7 +10

FIL TER

DOLBY NR

B- TYPE

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TAPE

TAPE

TYPE-I

SEC

TYPE-IV

DO PAUSE

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DII

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TYPE-I

MPX

RETURN

REC

MONITOR

- MEMORY

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- DOLBY NR-

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SOURCE

PEAK HOLD

dB -40 -30 -20 -10 -7 -5 -3 -2

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Note: Note about MUSIC SEARCH action:

MUSIC SEARCH is a function which operates by detecting
a comparatively long non-recorded part on the tape. There-
fore, MUSIC SEARCH may not operate normally in the
following cases.

• Sound on the tape is interrupted by speech or conversa-
tion ..

• Long periods of pianissimo (softly played music) or
non-recorded intervals occur on the tape.

• The tape has picked up noise in a non-recorded interval.

• Non-recorded intervals on the tape are less than 4 seconds
in length.

• Noise-emitting electrical appliances are in operation
nearby _ i.e.; Electric razors, dri lis, refrigerators, etc.

D

1) Operation of the Linear Tape Counter

( 1) Press the RESET button to reset the counter to

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(2) By using the PLAY, FF, or REW function. the reading

of the counter indicate in minutes and seconds.

• During recording and playback operations, the
counter is useful for noting the location of existing
programs or positions where recording is to be

started .

• The reading of this counter does not correspond
with that of any other deck.

• The linear counter of this machine is designed to
be suitable for the cassette tape with a small hub.
Therefore if a cassette tape with a large hub is

used is this machine, some error will occur in the
display on the counter.

2) Operation of MEMORY STOP
( 1) During recording or playback operations, MEMORY

STOP can be used to locate a particular point on
the tape. At the desired point, reset the counter

8

to

":::i::::". With the MEMORYSTOP button in the

"ON" pOSition, the deck will stop at the "L:C:C,':~'"

point (actually

REWIND operations.

(2) The MEMORYindication will light when this function

is activated.

( 3) Notes:

o When the power is turned "OFF", this function

is automatically deactivated.

• The MEMORY STOP is accurate to - 5 on the coun-

ter, and will stop between "5~~~,S"and IjC,rC:::II,~:".

• The MEMORY STOP is released by pressing the
EJECT button.

o The MEMORY STOP does not operate during the

REC RETURN.

Display Back-up

( 1) The functions DOLBY NR, MPX FILTER, CD DIRECT

(input select), MONITOR and the counter content
are protected by 24 hour memory back-up. After 24
hours, Dolby NR and MPX FILTER are set to "OFF",
CD DIRECT is change to LINE. MONITOR is reset

to "TAPE" and the counter content is reset to

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MONITOR BUTTON _

This Stereo cassette deck uses a three-head system which permits simultaneous "off-the-tape monitoring" during

recording. Use the MONITOR button to select monitoring sources. Incidentally, as this Stereo Cassette Deck adopts an

automonitor system, ITAPE! or! SOURCE!can automatically be activated according to the operation conditions. These modes
can also be activated manually~ The MONITOR indicator shows the selected monitoring source, ITAPE! or! SOURCE!

Monitor button •• I TAPE I

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The signal recorded on the tape is monitored simultaneously
"off-the-tape". This monitoring mode enables you easy
check for optimum recording levels. In the

the FL PEAK METER indicates the signal levels played back

I TAPE I mode,

off-the-tape.

Recording

Monitor button "ISOURCE I

The SOURCE position enables you to monitor -the input

source signal before it is recorded on the tape. Using the
FL PEAK METER, this mode is convenient for setting
recording levels or input level monitoring during recording.

During playback, the MONITOR button must be placed in
thelTAPE

the signal from the tape won't be heard.

I position. If it is set in the ISOURCE Iposition,

Playback

:=:...~ ....,

Inpu.t t [::>-----0o""" ••,

Monitor button ••

~ ~~

~OUIP"I

I TAPE I

DOLBY C NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEM _

• The Dolby noise reduction system substantially reduces
the tape background noise (hiss) inherent in the cassette

medium. Dolby B NR is most widely in use. However,
Dolby C NR is a much more recent development and
represents a significantly improvements over Dolby B NR.

• Tape background noise consists primarily of high frequency

information which is particularly annoying during soft
passages. The Dolby NR system increase the level of
low volume mid and high frequency signal during recording

and reduces the level of these signals by an identical
amount during playback. As a result, the playback signal

is identical to the original source signal, but the level

of background noise generated by the tape is greatly

reduced.

• The operating principle of Dolby C NR is simi lar to that
of B except for the encoding/decoding response curves.

The noise reduction effect obtained by Dolby C NR is up
to 20dB, compared to lOdB with Dolby B NR. In addition,

Dolby C NR uses an antisaturation network and spectral
skewing circurity, and significantly improves the dynamic
range in the mi.d to high frequencies.

DOLBY HX-PRO HEADROOM EXTENSION SYSTEM _

This deck is equipped with the DOLBY HX-PROheadroom
extension system. Since the system functions automatically
during recording, no switching operation or adjustment is
required. The system is effective with any type of Normal,
CrO, or Metal tapes.

The Dolby HX·PRO headroom extension system functions
during recording to lift up the saturation level in the treble
range. Therefore, most of the treble range components

distorted or lost during recording on conventional cassette
decks are more faithfully recorded on the new DRM-800A
cassette deck.

Features of the DOLBY HX-PRO headroom extension
system

( 1) Performance of Normal and CrO, tapes can be up-

graded closer to that of Metal tapes.

(2) The dynamic range in the treble is improved signifi-

cantly.

(3) Since no decoding in playback is necessary, the

improvement can be obviously heard on any hi·fi
playback system including portable components and
car systems.

(4) The system functions whether the Dolby B/C NR is

engaged or not.

9

MAINTENANCE _

• Removing the cassette compartment cover

It will be more convenient if the cassette compartment
cover is removed during the cleaning of the pinchroller
and heads, or during demagnetizing of heads.
Follow these procedures:

1. Press the EJECT button to open the cassette com-
partment_

2. Hold only the cover of the cassette compartment and
pull it up. The compartment cover is removed from

the front.

When attaching the cassette compartment cover, reverse
the above procedure.

• Head Cleaning

After long usage, tape coating or dust may adhere to
the heads causing deterioration of sound. Clean them

regularly. Use a cotton swab moistened with cleaning
solution (such as alcohol).

Note:

1. Some cleaning cassettes on the market have a strong
abrasive effect and scratch the heads. Use cotton

swabs instead of cleaning cassettes.

2.. Since the use of metal tapes is apt to collect more
dust on the heads, clean the heads more often to
enjoy optimum sound.

• Clean ing the pinchroller and the capstan

If the pinchroller or the capstan accumulate dust, tape
transport may become unstable resulting from slippage
during recording or playback. The tape can also be da-
maged by being rolled up around the capstan.
Clean them with a cotton swab or a soft cloth moistened
with cleaning solution (such as alcohol).

• Demagnetizing the heads

The heads may become magnetized after long usage or
by having a strongly magnetized object brought near them.
The result is a generation of noise, loss of the high

frequency range, or erasing the treble components of
pre-recorded tapes and adding noise.
Demagnetize the heads on a regular basis.

• Procedure

1. Be sure to turn "off" the power supply.

2. Turn the' demagnetizer "on" while it is more than

30cm away from the heads. Bring the demagnetizer
near the heads and slowly move it in a small circle
four or five times.

3. Slowly move the demagnetizer away from the heads

and turn "off" the power of the demagnetizer when

it is about 30cm away from the heads.

CASSETTE TAPE _

• Handling Precautions

• C120 cassettes
C120 cassettes are not recommended as they use a very

thin tape base which may become tangled around the
capstan or pinchroller.

• Tape slack
This cassette deck incorporates an automatic tape slack-
ness preventive mechanism, but it can not prevent such
a slackness as shown below. Remove it with a pencil or

the like prior to use.

• Storage Precautions

• Do not store cassette tapes in a place where they will
be subject to:

• Extremely high temperature or excessive moisture

• Excessive dust • Direct sunlight

• Magnetic fields (near TV set or speakers)

• To eliminate tape slack, store your cassettes in cassette
cases with hub stops.

• Accidental Erasure Prevention

• Every cassette has erasure prevention tabs for each side.
To protect your valuable recorded tapes from accidental
or inadvertent erasure, remove the tab for the appropriate

side with a screwdriver or other tools .

• To record on a tape with the erasure prevention tabs

removed, cover the tab holes with plastic tape.

Erasure prevention

Erasure prevention
tab for side B

tab for side A

10

I

SYMPTOMS OFTEN MISTAKEN AS BREAKDOWNS _

Make sure of the followings before you consider as any
malfunctions:

1. Are all the connections correct?

2. Is the set being operated correctly in accordance

If the tape deck sti II does not function properly, check
it again, using the check list below. If the symptom does
not correspond to the check list, please contact your DENON

dealer ..

with the operating instructions?

3. Are the speakers and amplifiers functioning cor-
rectly?

con-

Clean them.

rewind to loosen

con·Clean them.

switch

forward

pinchroller

or

are

isnotrecordedwhen

ON

cassette

cannot. be

or

pinchroller

No cassette is loaded. Load cassette.

and

tape

capstan

power

again,

Tape is wound too tight.

Heads are magnetized.

The

High frequency (treble) is lost.

or

are

If the power switch is turned off in either

tape

.

Symptom

Power cord is off.

Cause

Heads are contaminated.

Heads, capstan

Dolby NR button is set improperly.

Erase prevention tab is broken off.

The cassette housing is of an older design

without tape type detection holes.

the recording or playback mode, and the

Tape is worn ..Replace tape.

Fast

Turnthe

Clean them.

detection holes.

Check power cord.

Rewind tape.

Tighten tape with pencil, etc.

Adjust recording input level.

Replace tape.

Demagnetize heads.

Adjust recording input level.

Replace cassette.

Cover hole with plastic tape.

Replace tape.

Remedy

Set Dolby NR button properly.

Load cassette properly.

Use the latest cassettes with tape type

then press the stop ( • ) button.

Then, in the stop mode, press the EJECT

button to remove the cassette tape.

SPECIFICATIONS _

• Type _ Vertical tape loading 4-track 2-channel

• Heads Record/Playback Combination head

• fv1otors.

• Tape Speed ..

• Fast forward,
rewind time Approx. 90 sec. with a C·60 cassette

• Recording bias Approx. 105 kHz

• Overall SIN ratio

(at 3% THD level) .. Dolby C NR on ... more than 75 dB

• Overall frequency
response 20~21,000 Hz ±3 dB

• Channel separation. more than 40 dB (at 1 kHz)

• Crosstalk. _ more than 65 dB (at 1 kHz)

• Wow & flutter 0.038% wrms (JIS method)

• Inputs

line 80 mV (-20 dBm) input level at

stereo cassette deck

(Amorphous head)

Erase head (Double gap ferrite)

.... Capstan (DC servo motor)

Reel (DC motor)

Actuator (DC motor)

... 4.8 cm/sec.

(CCIR/ARM)

(at -20 dB METAL tape)

maximum
Input impedance: 50 kohm unbalanced

x 1

x 1
x 1

x 1

x 1

• Outputs
line _ _ 620 mV (0 dB) output level at maxi-

headhone 1.2 mW output level at maximum

• Accessories Parallel pin cord x 2

• Power supply 50 Hz/60 Hz compatible, voltage is

• Power consumption .19 W

• Dimensions 434 (W)

• Weight _ 5.8 kg

mum (with 47 kohm load, recorded
level of 200 pwb/mm)

(optimum load impedance 8 ohm~

1.2 kohm)
Mini-plug cable
shown on rating label

x 1

x 135 (H) x 303 (D) mm

• Above specifications and design styling are subject
to change for improvement.

• Dolby noise reduction and HX Pro headroom extension

manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories
Licensing Corporation. HX Pro originated by Bang

Olufsen.
"DOLBY", the double·D symbol DD and "HX PRO" are

trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

Best results will be obtained with use of DENON DX and HD
Series cassette tapes.

&

I

11

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s:

PB EO AMP

PB

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BIAS

FIL TER

DOLBY NR

RECODER

34

(9)

MONITOR

SELECT

IC304

TO

METER IN

Leh

(Reh)

LINE IN

70l'S

LINE/CD DIRECT

SELECT

IC304

BALANCE

VR

f-r

INPUT

VR

~ PLA Y BACK

••• RECORD

a::

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f-

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Ul
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40

(3)

(21)

22

~

M.SENSE

DET.

t

RT102

(RT202)

N M

LINE MUTE

REC EO

BIAS TRAP

BIAS
FINE

VOL.

7

(1)

~~

RT203

(R-eh)

LINE OUT

L-ch

(R-Ch)

PHONES
OUT

(

(

( (

(

I LEVEL DIAGRAM [

PLAYBACK SYSTEM

TCC-l 30 DOLBY B-TYPE

400 Hz 200 nwb/m

LEVEL

(dB)

-10

-10

-20

-30

-40

-50

-60

-70

-59.0dS

RECORDING SYSTEM

INPUT FREQUENCY

400 Hz

-28.0dB

OdB

LINE MUTE

-2.0dB

OUTPUT

VOLUME

t

HEADPHONE

-5.3dB

OdS = O.775V

AMP

~OUT

~ nPHONES

LINE OUT

+6.BdB PHONES OUT

-2.0dB LINE OUT

INPUT FREQUENCY

400Hz

LINE

INPUT

Loh

(Rch)

LEVEL

(dB)

-10

o

-10

-20

-19.5dB

-30

-40

-50

-60

-70

BALANCE INPUT

VOLUME VOLUME

t-t

DOLBY NR
SYSTEM Ie

40(;5) I 122(21)

-25.0dB

-10.0dB

RT102

(RT202)

REC Ea

AMP

IC309

BIAS TRAP

-O.4dB

ft.':'~,-2.2dB

-21.0dB

.~t-. 'W

/7 ,.,-"'" ,'"': 1o!i<_

~~-~~~~---- - .

~\ --.-==-.:==-:

'~---- (BIAS CUT)

OdS = O.775V

REC

HEAD

TAPE

-~~·gdB(NORMAL)

I

13