Step back into the early '70s with the Blaupunkt HC 50, a horizontal top-loader stereo cassette recorder. This sleek machine, dressed in a rich walnut finish, offered more than just great looks—it promised a complete home stereo experience without additional components like a receiver or amplifier. At the heart of the HC 50 is its built-in stereo amplifier, delivering 2 x 4 watts of power. This feature allowed users to enjoy stereo playback straight from the recorder, a rarity at the time. Whether recording from the radio or a microphone, the HC 50 ensured high-quality output with its advanced 4-track system and precise electronic speed control. The honest frequency response is from 80 Hz to 10 kHz measured at the DIN standard. The HC 50 was characterized by ease of use. Its push-button and slide control system made operations like recording, playback, and fast-forwarding seamless. The illuminated display fields, counter with a reset button, and easy cassette insertion via guide rails were thoughtful touches that catered to both novices and audiophiles. Blaupunkt didn't skimp on the technology. With 21 transistors, 4 integrated components, and an electronic stabilization device, the HC 50 delivered reliable performance. Its HF pre-magnetization system ensured superior recording quality, while the low-harmonic push-pull oscillator minimized distortion. Beyond its technical quality, the HC 50 is a visually attractive device. Compact and elegant (measuring 35 x 8.2 x 22.2 cm), it blends seamlessly into any room. Its walnut finish evokes a sense of warmth and sophistication, making it as much a piece of décor as an audio device.
Over here Blaupunkt was only high end car decks, the cool ones had the gooseneck controls. I love whatever supplier was making those plastic buttons with the metal edges, they look so cool, some early Panasonic Portables still had them going into the 80's including the RX-2700 which looks fantastic with them. I'd love to see a left to right flow chart showing the early decks and the frequency response, 80 Hz to 10 kHz isn't much but it would nice to see year by year how that opened up. This deck looks around 1974 and with the big rock and roll drum beats and screaming singers everywhere by then, you'd probably want a little better deck.
