AIWA HS-P8 / P08 / P500

HS-P8 / HS-P08

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Style and Sophistication Made Simple- with feather touch remote control

In 1985 AIWA introduced the HS-P8 The sleek and styling HS-P8 is winning admirers for its simple sophistication and the sheer luxury of a feather touch remote control. But there's more, like 3-way auto-reverse playback, Music Sensor operation in either direction, and Dolby B noise reduction for clear, low-noise playback. Plus, high-fidelity headphones are included to bring you all the sound potential of this remarkable stereo player.

HS-G08 Original Headphone Stereo Catalog
(available for purchase)

Auto Reverse Convenience

This feature makes sure the music doesn't stop when the tape does. When one tape side finishes, the playback direction is reversed and the other side is played auto­matically. The reverse mode selector allows you to choose continuous or one-cycle auto-reverse operation. Plus, manual reverse at any time requires just a single touch. It's a convenient way to enjoy extended tape playback for maximum music enjoyment.

Feather - Touch Control with Music Sensor

The FF, Rew, Play/Direction, and Stop modes are all operated with IC full-logic feather-touch controls. In playback, the Music Sensor function automatically finds and plays the next song, or restarts the song in the play, with a single touch.

Remote Control Convenience

The IC full logic design makes possible the sheer convenience of remote control. The tiny remote control module has feather touch buttons for Stop, FF, Rew, and Play/Direction, modes. Both the remote control module and the main unit have Remote Hold switches that deactivate their respective controls to prevent operation errors.

Dolby B for Clear Playback

Just like component cassette decks, the HS-P8 can play tapes recorded with Dolby B, the world's most popular noise reduction system. Dolby B reduces annoying tape hiss for clear sound reproduction with greater fidelity.

Two Headphone Jacks

When not using the remote control module, the second set of headphones (optional) can be connected so you can share your favorite music with a friend.

Anti-rolling Mechanism

For stable tape playback, even when the player is in motion, the HS-P8 features an anti-rolling tape drive mechanism. Annoying tape "wow" and distortion are cut to the bare minimum for superior music reproduction.

Plus:

• Full auto-stop operation

• Rewind Auto Play in the forward direction

• Metal (Cr02)/Normal tape type selector

• High-fidelity stereo headphones, protective carrying case, and belt hanger supplied

1985 MSRP:

JAPAN HS-P8: ￥26,900

US HS-P500: $130.

UK HS-P08: £158

2016 Est. value
For boxed units:

HS-P8: $250

HS-P08: $200

HS-P500: $200

Only unit: $60~$70

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~~ Photos ~~

AIWA HS-P8 - VERY RARE JAPANESE UNIT

The HS-P8 is very similar to the HS-G8 but it is without the Graphic Equalizer.  (for more Specs please see the HS-G8 post)

Color availability*:

*Availability color list is from common to very rare colors as follows:

The HS-P08 Silver is the most common. Black units are less common and the red ones are very scarce.

The HS-P8 Silver is the most common. All other colors are quite rare in this order: 

1. Red 2. Black 3. Pink 4. Blue 5. Tourqize. The last two are very scarce.

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~~~ Technical ~~~



POWER SOURCE:

DC: 3V, battery size UM-3, R-6 or "AA"x2

AC: through optional AC-620 AC adapter

DIMENSIONS:

(W x H x D) 80.5 x 108.4 x 24mm

3-1/4" x 4-5/16" x 1"

WEIGHT:

245g (8.7oz) without batteries

260g including batteries

FREQUENCY RESPONSE:

40 ~ 12,500Hz (Normal)
40 ~ 14,000Hz (CrO2)
40 ~ 16,000Hz (Metal)

PRACTICAL MAXIMUM OUTPUT:

20 mW + 20 mW (total 40 mW) 17Ω

PROS: Sophisticated, Stylish, Excellent Sound, High Output

level, Built to last: External - Metal body. Internal
Hi-Quality Parts.

CONS: No Dolby C, Cheap plastic panel.

RATING:
Overall:       

Some Facts:

A. The HS-P8 model title stands for HS=Headphone Stereo and "P" for Player - series 8. It was a huge success worldwide and was manufactured for 2 years. It sold globally approx, more than 1 million units between the years 1985 to 1987.  

B. Aiwa improved and revised the HS-P8 with 2 Revisions. (Besides the model differences due to countries' regulations) there are two color versions. The first version had plain matte colors - C Series. While the second version had a glossy finish - the Z Series.  

C. Although the HS-G8 and the HS-P8 are quite Similar, the P8 has a better mechanical design and has no flaws that are common with the G8. 

~~~ Service Manual ~~~

Troubleshoot and Diagnostics:

These are a few tips in general, other issues need an expert repairman. 

Belt issues:

1. When you press any button, the indicator light turns on, and there is no movement but you hear the motor running in the background then the light turns off – the belt is loose or torn and needs to be replaced.

2. If the audio is wobbly or too fast - The belt is too small and needs to be replaced.

3. FF or Rewind seems to work but when you press play, the mechanism will enter very slowly or get stuck in the process – the belt is a bit large or loose and needs to be replaced.

Sound issues:

1. If you hear static from the volume knob or any of the switches - the contacts are rusty and need lubrication (WD40)

2. If the sound is unclear or distorted – the head needs to be cleaned with 95% alcohol.

3. If the sound is dull or not crisp - the head needs to 

be aligned.

Others issues: 

1. When you press Play, the mechanism will enter but will not remain in the play position and returns back – check the cassette door switch if it's not stuck or disconnected from the board.

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