wjm (12/06/82)
There are 3 systems for cassette noise reduction in fairly common use - in ordr
of increasing effectiveness they are 1. Dolby B, 2. Dolby C, 3. dbx
However, this is also the order of decreasing "listenability" of undecoded tapes.
Dolby B doesn't sound too bad when played back without decoding - In fact, the
frequency response shift may sound better in some environments like low end
auto decks.
Dolby C doesn't sound too good when not decoded, and when played back through a
Dolby B deck sounds like Dolby B played back without decoding.
dbx is unlistenable without decoding ... BUT dbx has several advantages that
make this price worthwhile.
dbx gives the most noise reduction (>30db vs. 20db for Dolby C and 10db for
Dolby B) and it is not level sensitive (You don't have to re-adjust it for
different tapes). Personally, I'd recommend getting a deck with dbx (or an
outboard dbx unit like the 222 for 2-head decks or the 224 for 3-head ones)
and skipping the Dolby C. I don't think most "mass-market" tapes are going
to use anything other than Dolby B in the near future, and quite a few
audiophile tapes are available in the buyer's choice of noise reduction system.
I also like the idea of getting a Nakamichi deck, since they are certainly the
best deck on the market.
Bill Mitchell
Bell Labs - Whippany, NJ
(harpo!wjm)