This is a high-end K and ES cassette deck by Sony during the height of the cassette tape audio culture. K means this is a three-head Sony deck and ES stands for their Elevated Standard line. NOTE: The cassette door cover is missing, but it does not affect the decks functionality in any way. FeaturesJust some of the many features include:Dual capstans and pinch rollers, driven by a linear torque Brushless and Slotless (BSL) motorAmplifier section has twin-mono configuration, tapes head coils use linear crystal oxygen-free copperTape heads use an independent suspension and are constructed of a laser-amorphous magnetic allowBias calibration and record level calibration control is includedFL displays with digital linear counter and peak program metersSeparate headphone amplifier circuit and volume controlThis is a SERIOUS tape deck with three heads, dual-mono circuitry, and record level bias calibration. The bias and record level calibration is something that was really needed for all cassette tapes. Typically, every deck and tape combination yielded slight differences that were impossible to control with run-of-the-mill tape decks of the period, which led to most cassettes having huge peaks in the mid-bass and lack of high-end detail when recorded on one deck and played on another. There were differences in tape formulations and differences between tape mfrs. The bias and record calibration addresses that. I have confirmed all functions operate as they should and have tested and recorded samples that are very difficult to distinguish from CD and Hi-Res digital files using my ECP Audio Walnut X DAC and T4 headphone amplifier and Sennheiser HD800 headphones. I would call this deck a very high-end deck, indeed. NOTE: An Ebayer asked for extra photos of the tape heads (10/17/2024). The photos can be confusing, because the tape heads literally have a mirror-finish and reflect absolutely everything above them. The best I can tell is that the play head (the one on the far right) has a small brown spot on the very far right. I suspect that is a deposit of ferric oxide from tape use, probably because theres a slotted metal tape guide welded to the right-hand side of the head. That no doubt caused some build-up of tape coatings during use. In any event, it is well to the right of the central contact point of the head. Tape TypesAfter the demise of Sonys Ferrichrome tape, this deck was setup as others in the industry, to use Type I, Type II and Type IV tapes. In my opinion, you should never use Type I tapes in a deck like this - it would be a total waste of its capability. Type I - Ferric Oxide, Low Bias, High EqualizationType II - Chromium Dioxide, High Bias, Low EqualizationType IV - Metal, High Bias, Low Equalization DocumentationI do not have an original manual, nor does there seem to be one readily available on the Internet (the K444ES II is a rare deck). However, I do have a PDF copy of the Sony Service Manual that I will supply to the buyer. Bonus Tape MediaAlso included are 6 90-minute pre-recorded tapes. The music is random and is not being supplied except as a used tape for use in recording. Tapes included are:Two copies of UX-Pro 90, early Sony top-of-the-line Type II tape,Two copies of UX-Pro 90, late Sony top-of-the-line Type II tape,One copy of UCX-S 90, very early Sony top-of-the-line Type II tape, andOne copy of CD-IT Pro, very late Sony Type II tape.ShippingPlease review my feedback. I have over a decade of Internet audio sales and packing/shipping high-dollar equipment. I pack to give the best chance of surviving the treatment that can happen in shipping. I cant guarantee that it wont be damaged, but my packing is among the best you will find.

Vintage Sony TC-K444ES II 3 Head Dual Capstan Cassette Deck - Working *READ* Vintage item. There is no audio output from the Line Out jack. Headphone output is working, Line Input is working.Testing was done using headphone audio output only. All features and mechanical elements are working.All belts unchanged, intact and workingTape heads and mechanism parts given a cursory cleaningRecord and playback working. Noticed no issues with speed or pitch of audio. Line input worksTape monitor feature is workingForward and rewind workingStandard signs of use. May have cosmetic wear and/or scuffs.Some scratches on caseSee photos for more detail. Includes only what is pictured.Does not include any additional components. The buyer is responsible to confirm compatibility of this item with their existing system/setup. Return shipping cost due to incompatibility would be at the expense of the buyer. Purchase with confidence: We are experienced with selling and shipping this type of item and we will package properly for safe transit.Please do not hesitate to ask any questions prior to purchase. R2v3 CATEGORY C4/F3 NON-DATA

SONY TC-K444ES MK11 - LASER AMORPHOUS 3 HEAD CASSETTE DECK. All seems to be working but the tape seems to be playing fast. Im not sure