Sony EL-5
(1976 - 1980)

Well, best-seller probably ain't the proper word, but it is nowadays the easiest to find ELCASET recorder, along the upper EL-7.
Released in two versions besides the standard EL-5: an FM version that had a pair of FM calibration pots on its back and an x-rare black-face Mediatech M950 that very briefly saw the light of day in Europe.

One really has to see the EL decks in the flesh to grasp the size of them and their build-quality. As a side-note, I will allow myself to add that Sony's EL transport control panel still is the most beautiful transport control panel ever.

Below: The EL-5 accompanied by a TA-5650 VFET integrated, ST-5950SD Dolby-ready tuner, SS-G3 carbon-fibered loudspeaker and a K.H. Haselwanger painting.
If the painting might rest on a matter of personal taste, I firmy believe that this set shows-off quite differently than the plastichip slim line stuff we're supposed to use and junk nowadays.