The HiFi stereo cassette deck C301M, made by Braun in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1979 was a high-performance tape deck with a direct front loading system, illuminated cassette window, inputs for line and microphone, outputs for headphones and line, and DIN tape connector. The C301 deck corresponds to the latest Braun HiFi technology at that time and has all the quality features that characterize a top cassette deck. All components of the 301 series can be combined with the corresponding elements of the 501 series. To ensure excellent synchronization for a front-loading device, which is also crucial for the playback quality, an electromagnetically controlled 2-motor drive was used. An electronically controlled DC motor carries out the sound wave drive. The tape-end switch-off is automatic. In addition, the C 301 has an anti-blocking device—touch buttons and a C-Mos memory IC controlling the functions. LEDs show all the functions. Two LED chains were also used for the peak value control display. Since LEDs work without inertia, they respond more quickly than a conventional pointer instrument. A tape type selector adjusts for Type 1, Type 2, Ferrochrome, and Metal tapes. The Braun C301 was equipped with a Super AW sound head in a laminated SENDUST design. For optimal noise suppression, it had a switchable Dolby NR system. According to DIN 45516, the frequency response was 30-15000 Hz (Type 1), 30-16000 Hz (Type 2), 30-16500 Hz (Type 3), and 20-18000 Hz (Type 4), with wow and flutter 50.12%. The RRP in Germany was 800 DM in 1979, which is equivalent to 1135 Euros for today.
I like the design, it looks different, the green switch is cool. Fits their classic analogue alarm clocks perfectly. The DIN plugs in the front do look horrible tho, but then it is immediately clear what you get.... no rca. It looks like a Dieter Rams design.
Very nice deck, wow and big money, it would have been in the higher end at that price. Over here they did deep discounts off of list price, usually 20-30%, did they do that in Germany or was the price fixed?
