HITACHI MX-W01: Hi-Fi even in the silhouette.

The HITACHI MX-W01 CD Slimline System with double cassette deck and receiver, introduced to the Japanese market in 1986 under the Lo-D series, was a predecessor for the famous Opus 450 CD series, built one year later.



One of the standout aspects of the MX-W01 is its user-friendly design. The system’s controls are intuitively arranged, ensuring that even casual users can easily navigate its functions. The combination of high functionality and simple operation enhances its appeal, making it a suitable choice for audiophiles and general users. Measuring 590 x 81 x 311 mm and weighing only 6 kg, the main unit's compact yet substantial build emphasizes portability without compromising performance.

At the heart of the MX-W01 lies a fully programmable, top-loading CD player. The CD player has various functions, including random memory selection, direct track selection, skip, and repeat play. These features offer a versatile listening experience, allowing users to enjoy their favorite tracks effortlessly in a personalized sequence or loop-specific sections.

The dual cassette deck adds another layer of functionality, with Tape 1 dedicated to playback and Tape 2 supporting playback and recording. The cassette section supports normal, chrome, and metal tapes and incorporates Dolby B noise reduction to minimize hiss and ensure clear audio reproduction during recording and playback.

The built-in AM/FM digital synthesizer tuner comes with 16 station presets, enhancing the convenience of quickly accessing favorite radio stations. The tuner’s performance is bolstered by a clear central display, making navigating the various options easy.

The MX-W01’s amplifier delivers a robust output of 30W per channel, sufficient to drive the system’s speakers to produce powerful, room-filling sound. With a frequency response of 20–20,000 Hz and a dynamic range of 95 dB, the audio quality is remarkably crisp and vibrant across the spectrum.

The Japanese version of the system includes a 3-way loudspeaker setup made in Denmark, featuring a 16 cm woofer, 6.6 cm midrange, and a 1.6 cm tweeter. This specific configuration is tailored to deliver a broad and dynamic range of sound, particularly suited to the high demands of CD audio quality. Internationally, the speakers were market-dependent, often locally sourced to meet regional preferences and standards.

The MX-W01’s ability to integrate with other audio sources, such as a record player or Hi-Fi video system, adds to its versatility. This flexibility, with its high-quality audio output and stylish design, underscores the system’s enduring appeal. Its blend of superior sound quality, versatile functionality, and sleek aesthetic makes it a timeless addition to any audio enthusiast's collection. We are proud to display this rare casceiver in our museum.

 

Curious why does the display screen show a JVC RC550?

 

Just because this shape is a logo of the Retro Audio Museum, Lelystad, the Netherlands

 

Well Google maps can't find any directions to there from Dallas, Texas USA. I guess it's pretty long drive.