Priced as the most expensive deck from Philips in its time, the N5846 boasts a plethora of features that cater to audiophiles and music enthusiasts seeking top-notch performance. It cost 1850 DM in Germany in 1981, which was the equivalent of 1073 USD, to obtain. Encased in a silver-colored metal front housing with a robust metal die-cast chassis, the N5846 exudes durability and elegance. The attention to detail in its design reflects Philips' commitment to creating a high-end audio device. The main standout feature of the N5846 is its Computer-Coded Search (CCS) system with an electronic counter, providing precision and convenience during playback. The FSX Sendust tape head ensures a super-long life, contributing to the longevity of the device. The built-in mixer, Master Controller, and Direct Drive for the tone wave (capstan) post-fading demonstrate the deck's advanced control capabilities. The inclusion of an adjustable fade-in and fade-out time adds a layer of customization for users. The tape deck supports metal, chromium dioxide, and iron oxide cassettes, with a frequency range tailored to each type (30-20,000 Hz for the metal). The signal-to-noise ratio is notably improved with metal cassettes, showcasing the deck's versatility and adaptability to various tape formulations. The user interface is designed for ease of use, featuring jog buttons with LED displays for all drive functions. The FTD control display with adjustable brightness enhances visibility. The "Cue and Review" functionality enables swift navigation through tape contents, while the automatic belt end switch-off adds a layer of convenience. The N5846 offers a range of inputs, including two microphone inputs, a line input, and a DIN input, providing flexibility for different audio sources. The adjustable line and headphone outputs cater to varying impedance levels, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio equipment. The technical specifications, including speed accuracy, frequency range, and noise voltage distance, underscore the precision engineering that went into the N5846. The switchable MPX/RIF filter and separate winding motor with torque-dependent clutch contribute to its exceptional performance.
Not to be mean but it looks like Philips went shopping at the Hong Kong Electronics Markets and bought plug and play assemblies. The computer is probably proprietary, and where the main costs went, but other features look borrowed. I do like the tape guide on the door, that's different. Do you know where this was assembled?
Philips made some really nice audio equipment. I have a few pieces made in Belgium and Austria. A dual CD recorder and a cassette radio boom box. Top quality stuff.
