AIWA HS-G8 / G08 / G500 Part II

HS-G8 / HS-G08 / HS-G500
CassetteBoy Stereo Cassette Player
Part II

What more could you ask for in a headphone stereo player? The HS-G8 has it all. Feather-touch operation and remote control convenience, just like a sophisticated component deck. Sound flexibility from the built-in 5-band graphic equalizer. Auto-reverse playback. Dolby B NR. High-performance headphones. The list goes on and on - so go for the headphone stereo player with it all, AIWA's stylish new HS-G8.

1985 Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices:
JAPAN HS-G8: ￥33,000
US HS-G500: $110
UK HS-G08: £140

Prices Update:
In the last 3 years of these estimations, prices have climbed up by more than 200% because of unit scarcity and demand, and also the collectors' community has grown up, so I had to revise these price estimations to reflect that change.

 

2021 Estimated values*

Please, do not pay over these prices!! (maybe more, but no more than 15%) there are many sellers out there who try inflating the real prices. You should know that when you pay unreasonable prices it affects all collectors and gives legitimization to these greedy sellers. 

**For unit only: $260~$290±

***For the boxed unit:
HS-G8: $550±
HS-G08: $450±
HS-G500: $430±

*Prices depend on various factors like; model, color, and condition.  

**This is a rough estimation: For very good condition and just for the unit, The Japanese models are in common colors. 

***For box units, it is a whole different ball game but these are rough estimations ±. 

Color Availability: 

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

> The HS-G08/500 Silver is the most common. Black units are less common and the red ones are very scarce.
> The HS-G8 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.

"Although Sony had the Walkman trademark breakthrough, Aiwa left them far behind while they were leading the path..."

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~~~ Technical stuff ~~~

POWER SOURCE:
DC: 3V, battery size UM-3, R-6 or AAA x 2
AC: through optional AC-620 AC adaptor

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, Excellent Sound, Stylish, EQ, High Output level, Built to last: External - Metal body. Internal Hi-Quality Parts.

CONS: No Dolby C, Cheap plastic panel.

Our RATING: Overall: 

 

Some Facts:

A. The HS-G8 model title stands for HS=Headphone Stereo and G for Graphic EQ series 8. It was a huge success worldwide and was manufactured for 2 years. It sold globally approx, more than 2 million units between the years 1985 to 1987.

B. Aiwa improved and revised the HS-G8 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. First units had an issue with the Equalizer Flexible Wire that caused the EQ to stop working. the flaw was caused by a sharp edge of the decorative cassette compartment plate where the Flexi-wire is passing through from the board to the cover. A few months after the initial launch Aiwa issued an updated Service manual (on microfiche film) with the addition of Service Bulletins with the remedy, it is required to break the right tab plate in order to prevent the damage (see below pictures). Later Aiwa redesigned the compartment plate with a shorter Tab.

Left - first edition players: both tabs are the same height and size. 

Right - second edition players: left tab is shorter than the right tab.

A snippet from the AIWA's HS-G08 revisited Service Manual with the service bulletins

D. First Edition Japanese units with the faulty EQ were manufactured with the model number underneath the Equalizer on the cassette metal cover. The Second Edition units with the revisited EQ flaw removed the model number from the metal cover and instead were placed on top of the plastic window above the Equalizer. So if you're looking to buy a Japanese working unit look for a metal cover that looks just the same as the world cover. (see bottom pictures)

Left: Black HS-G08 Next to HS-G8 Blue; Metal Cover printing letters are Identical.

Right: Red HS-G8, note the model number printed on the Metal Cover under the Equalizer. 

Click here for AIWA HS-G8 and Sanyo JJ Touch Comparison 

~~~ Service Manuals ~~~ 

HS-G08/HS-G500 Paper Edition Service Manual (lacks important information)

HS-G08/HS-G500 Updated Service Manual on a Microfisch film 

Troubleshoot and Diagnostics:

These are a few tips in general, other issues need an expert repairman, you can drop us a line with your issue, and will try to help you, please make a small donation before doing so. 

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, and 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 switch off - check the cassette door switch if it's not stuck or disconnected from the mainboard.

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