Aiwa AD-WX727

The AD-WX727 is a stereo cassette deck manufactured by the Aiwa Corporation in Singapore. This is a dual cassette deck system with auto-reverse facility on both decks, however recording capability is only on one deck. This model shares similarities with the AD-WX616, AD-WX717, AD-WX707, and many more in the WX series. In each version, they kept improving the tape transport mechanism and the electronics. The AD-WX727K is the UK version; however, there were other versions with different domestic power requirements. The AD-WX727HE is a dual voltage system 110 V - 120 V / 220 V - 340 V (50 Hz / 60 Hz) with switchable options. Models AD-WX727E, E1, and EE are 230 V (50 Hz) systems, and model AD-WX727U is 120 V (60 Hz) system.

Specification

Review

The build quality is average and there is a great deal of plastic in its boxy construction. This medium specification deck has some useful features such as auto reverse, and Dolby C. It faithfully plays back cassettes without any problems. The sound quality is good, with wow-and-flutter as little as 0.09 % due to the servo controlled motors. The bass and treble are unhindered and noticeable as with most of Aiwa decks.

This tape deck uses the HA12155NT audio signal processor manufactured by the Hitachi Corporation in approximately 1997. It was very popular and widely used in many tape decks of that era. It has built-in Dolby B/C noise reduction circuitry, recording equaliser, level meter and electronic volume control.

Back in the 90s, Aiwa and other manufacturers were developing tape decks with extremely powerful and elaborate computer technology, which very few people knew about. The LC66408A IC manufactured by the Sanyo Corporation directly controlled the HA12155NT audio signal processor. This is a single-chip 4-bit microcomputer with 8 K-Byte ROM memory, and 512×4-bit RAM memory.

Cost / eBay

Aiwa tape decks usually hold well in price compared to other decks. The price can vary considerably depending upon the condition. A broken one that has scratches and is non-operational may cost as little as ten pounds, whilst a working one in mint condition and original box may sell for over one hundred pounds. These 90s decks are now approximately 27 years old, and the most common problem is with the drive belt requiring replacing. Should that be the case, then, you would have to buy a pair of flat belts that would cost approximately twenty pounds, and a pair of square-cut belts that would cost approximately fifteen pounds. In addition, you would need to sacrifice a couple of hours of your time replacing the belts.

If you are unlucky, you could end up with a machine where the belts require replacing, the heads require replacing, and the motor requires replacing. I have come across machines such as these as well.

This Article Continues...