A radio tape recorder is a type of household appliance that combines a tape recorder and a radio. The radio tape recorders differ from bulky music centers in their compact size, and from modern players - in the presence of built-in speakers.
Most radio tape recorders look very similar to each other, but one parameter is easy to notice: the number of speakers. The type of playback depends on it - mono or stereo. The first type is inferior to the second in sound quality. Most often, there are two speakers, but on the simplest and most inexpensive models, there may be only one.
Radio
The ability to receive and reproduce the signal of radio stations is the main feature that distinguishes the radio tape recorder from a conventional tape recorder. Extended range models allow you to pick up all possible frequencies such as VHF or FM, switching to the desired frequency on the fly. To search for the desired radio station, the radio tape recorder is equipped with a tuner, which can be digital or manual. The tuner of the first type has a number of advantages over the obsolete second one. It searches for radio stations automatically, choosing the clearest signals without interference. In addition, the digital tuner allows you to store the desired frequencies in memory, which can later be turned on without re-searching. The amount of such memory differs depending on the model. Pay attention to it when choosing a radio, if the function of memorizing radio stations is important to you.
The radio's support for the RDS system allows you to receive not only radio broadcasts, but also additional information - the display can show the name of the station or a typical music genre for it.
Power
The compactness of portable radio tape recorders is one of its important features, therefore, such equipment cannot boast of high power. However, even with an indicator of 10-20 W for each of the two speakers, the sound can be of sufficient quality, without significant interference, even at high volumes. Nevertheless, radio tape recorders with such a power are at a high price, therefore, with a limited budget, you can opt for 5-6 watts.
Most radio tape recorders do not cope well with low frequencies - it's all to blame for the small size of the speakers. Therefore, for music lovers with an abundance of bass, it is important to pay attention to the presence of a special system for amplifying low frequencies.
Audio carriers
Modern radio tape recorders can play sound not only from audio cassettes, but also from laser discs. Nevertheless, not all models have the ability to read MP3 files - cheap ones are often limited by the ability to read standard music discs with a small number of tracks recorded on them. The more formats the radio will be able to recognize, the less audio carriers you will have to carry with you.
