Key Features
- Matching TEAC Reference 500 component – Designed to sit neatly with TEAC’s compact half-width separates.
- Auto-reverse cassette transport – Allows both sides of a cassette to be played without manually turning the tape over.
- Dolby B and C noise reduction – Helps reduce tape hiss when playing or recording Dolby-encoded cassettes.
- HX Pro headroom extension – Improves high-frequency recording headroom without requiring special playback decoding.
- Auto tape selection – Detects the cassette type and adjusts the deck accordingly for Normal, Chrome/CrO₂ and Metal tapes.
- CD synchro recording – Designed for easier recording from compatible TEAC CD players in the same system.
- CPS track search – Computomatic Program Search scans for silent gaps, helping locate individual tracks on a tape.
- Multi-function fluorescent display – Provides clear status indication for tape operation and deck functions.
Design Highlights
The R-H500 follows the same compact-separates design as the rest of TEAC’s H500 range. It is smaller than a standard full-width component while still functioning as a proper standalone hi-fi cassette deck, making it particularly suitable for smaller systems where matching separates are preferred over an all-in-one unit.
Its auto-reverse transport is useful for everyday listening, while Dolby B/C and HX Pro make it flexible for both playback and recording. The deck also includes system-oriented features such as CD synchro recording and remote-control integration with compatible TEAC components.
For anyone who still uses cassette, the R-H500 is a practical match for the A-H500, T-H500, PD-H500/PD-H500C, DV-H500 and other Reference 500 units, keeping the system visually consistent.
Technical Specifications
Sources: HiFi Engine, TEAC R-H500 owner’s manual/service manual, and Hifi-Wiki.
General
- Model: TEAC R-H500
- Type: Single compact cassette deck
- Series: TEAC Reference 500 / H500
- Years listed: 1997–2005, according to Hifi-Wiki
- Transport: Auto-reverse, full-logic control
- Track system: 4-track, 2-channel stereo
- Heads: 2-head design: record/playback head and erase head
- Motor: DC motor
- Tape speed: 4.8cm/s
- Tape counter: Digital tape counter
- Tape search: CPS / Computomatic Program Search
Tape / Recording
- Tape types: Type I Normal, Type II CrO₂ and Type IV Metal
- Tape selection: Automatic
- Noise reduction: Dolby B and Dolby C
- Headroom extension: HX Pro
- CD synchro recording: Yes, with compatible TEAC system components
- Timer-controlled recording/playback: Listed in the owner’s manual contents
Performance
- Frequency response: 40Hz–16kHz, Metal tape
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 75dB with Dolby C
- Wow and flutter: 0.15%
Physical
- Dimensions: 285 × 101 × 304mm
- Weight: 4kg
Why Buy From Us
With over 40 years of experience in the hi-fi trade, we understand the importance of properly checking and describing used cassette decks.
Unlike buying through eBay or other unverified platforms, we provide clear descriptions, careful packing, a 3-month guarantee unless otherwise stated, and after-sales support by phone or email.
Summary
The TEAC R-H500 is a compact cassette deck from the Reference 500 / H500 range, offering auto reverse, Dolby B/C, HX Pro, automatic tape selection and useful system features in a matching half-width chassis. This example is in good used condition, with marks on the top of the unit from previous use.
It is a good choice for completing a TEAC compact separates system or adding cassette playback and recording to a smaller hi-fi setup.
This listing is for a single TEAC R-H500 stereo cassette deck.
Please feel free to get in touch with any questions prior to purchase.
