From: utzoo!decvax!sa Newsgroups: net.audio Title: Re: Please Help Me Buy A Walkman Article-I.D.: decvax.277 Posted: Wed Aug 4 09:37:00 1982 Received: Thu Aug 5 01:05:43 1982 References: eagle.438 I had many of the same thoughts when I bought my portable cassette deck. I decided on an Aiwa HF-1. It is small and thin and has stereo record/playback capability. Here is how it relates to the seven points you mention: 1. Sorry, it doesn't have FM. I believe Aiwa does make such models, though. 2. For recording, the HF-1 has a built-in stereo condenser mic. For external signals, such as from remote mics or 'tape out' there are two mini-plug jacks for L and R. There is a switch on the HF-1 to select the recording source. 2a. There is an AC adapter available, but it is not included with the HF-1. 4. Frequency response is good. 40-16000 for metal tape and 40-13000 for normal tape. There is a bias select switch on the unit. The HF-1 has very good sound quality, especially for such a small paskage. 5. About tape hiss: sorry about this. The small portables, it seems, have more hiss than their larger counterparts. I believe this is because the portables use many more IC's. 6. The HF-1 seems pretty stable in the Wow & Flutter area. I only notice it when the unit is being jarred around. W&F increases, as you might expect, when the batteries get weak. 7. Price is about $150 - $170. Tech HiFi here in Massachusetts recently had them on sale for $135. Guess when I bought mine. Hope this info helps you in your search. Scot Aurenz decvax!sa