This head design was used mainly in their higher end models in the late 80s early 90s such as the HS-PX50/PX505, HS-JX50/JX505.
Also the PX303/900 and PL30. It is a bi-directional azimuth aligned head. In my opinion, the head of the PX1000 and the later JX was a step back from this design. The head has two ridges, each one for the dedicated side of the tape. Since the head is ridged and to an extent, pointed, the contact surface with the tape is much smaller and therefore the flux optimized. Hence the designation hyper extended. Though i can't really make out much from the pictures. The monitor I am currently using is just horrible.
quote:
Originally posted by Tuna:
Also the PX303/900 and PL30. It is a bi-directional azimuth aligned head. In my opinion, the head of the PX1000 and the later JX was a step back from this design. The head has two ridges, each one for the dedicated side of the tape. Since the head is ridged and to an extent, pointed, the contact surface with the tape is much smaller and therefore the flux optimized. Hence the designation hyper extended. Though i can't really make out much from the pictures. The monitor I am currently using is just horrible.
I have to agree with you. These uniquely shaped heads had better contact with the tape enabling better sound and also allowed for bi-directional adjustment of azimuth. Sadly the later Aiwa models all reverted back to fixed bi-directional heads much like what we are more familiar with.
It is interesting how even a cheaper unit like the P50 used the head. The later P versions were really cheap indeed and rarely used metal construction, let alone better quality components. It is a nice looking unit!
I have a couple of with that head design they are the HS-T800 and HS-T303, these are both very nice players.
I think the PX505 was the last to use it and it was released in 1991. PX303 was a 1989 model. But can't really be sure on that since the PX610 which was a 1992 model used a similar design but I don't have that player.
Interestingly, the first player to utilize this hyperbolic contoured head was the DC2. The design was popular in some Nakamichi, Aiwa and Luxman cassette decks as these heads offered superior results in 2 head cassette decks. Naturally, those were recording and playback heads but the principle is the same.
dottor.walkman - 2010-10-03 06:57
Tonno is right, the heads dell'aiwa following this (for example, also mounted on the HS-JX2000) that were mounted on PX1000-hs and hs-jx3000 are lower. This looks identical to that of the head wm-dd9 but it is not the same, because the head of the dd9 having the tighter tolerances.
I had a look at the pictures again today, and I noted that there is something quite interesting about the HS-P50. It bears a remarkable likeness to a HS-PX410 mechanically and physically with the switch placements.
Now I am thinking as a project, how about combining the mechanics of a P50 with the contoured head and all metal case with the electronics (Dolby C) of a PX410?
I've just bought a P50 and when I get the two together will post up my findings.
Where is the FWD side tape guide on the head? There should be two guides.
Originally Posted by plop:
Sadly the later Aiwa models all reverted back to fixed bi-directional heads much like what we are more familiar with.
Fixed azimuth is the correct word of saying if the azimuth is not set by screws. What does even "fixed bi-directional head" mean?
The hs-px310 i just sold had this head as well ,which i found surprising!
Bi-Directional azimuth Aiwas are those types only where the head and rollers are attached to the door rather than the deck.
