Sony TC-K555ESJ
(1992 - 1994)

Last of the classic ES years.

Nothing sparkling new besides the addition of the Dolby S noise reduction: PC-OCC heads wiring, 70µm OFC boards, ESC-OCC wiring. The rest was present on the two previous versions: Lapis bearings, FET-loaded audio boards, GIC filter, LA Heads (Laser Amorphous), copper-plated chassis, gold plated terminals, gold-plated heads, Sony's own Dolby S chips, the ceramic casstte holder, the huge R-Core twin transformer, etc. Center stage is the excellent three-motor TCM-200D: 1x BSL DD + 2x DC for spooling.

The Dolby S + HX Pro allow for an 80dB s/n ratio and frequency response escalates to 22kHz - there wasn't much room for improvement as the Cassette format was just about to be replaced by recordable CD and was already replaced by DAT by the "serious recordist". The smaller TC-K333ESJ did away with chassis copper-plating and OFC wiring but sported identical features... and specs. Both were available in champagne ("N") or in black ("B") with matching remote controls.

Later to come was the ultimate TC-KA7ES.
Excellent decks worth a listen - inexpensive analog recording at its very best !