Cassette Player Comparison

Aug 24, 2025

Overview

A detailed comparison was made between two new Walkman-style cassette players (Aurex Walky AX-W10 by Toshiba and Maxell MXCP-P100) and two vintage models (Sony Walkman WM-FX195 and Aiwa HS-TX776), focusing on features, design, battery life, sound performance, and usability.

Contenders and Pricing

  • Aurex Walky AX-W10: Toshiba's premium audio brand, ~$59 on eBay, Japan-only, AA batteries, can record.
  • Maxell MXCP-P100: ~$128 on eBay, Japan-only, internal rechargeable battery, no recording.
  • Sony Walkman WM-FX195: Vintage model from 2001/2002, ~$19.99 new, AA batteries, Mega Bass.
  • Aiwa HS-TX776: Vintage, auto-reverse, Dolby B, chrome and metal tape EQ, price unknown (similar rebadged sold for $89.99 in 1998).

Physical Features and Accessories

  • Aurex: USB-C cable (power only), Japanese pamphlet, standard tape controls, aux input, Bluetooth, virtual surround.
  • Maxell: USB-C cable (power/charge), Japanese pamphlet, removable belt clip, Bluetooth, rechargeable battery.
  • Sony: Mechanical pushbuttons, FM/AM radio, Mega Bass, AVLS, missing belt clip, visible cassette window.
  • Aiwa: Radio tuner and display, equalizer, auto-reverse, multiple playback modes, heaviest of all tested.

Battery Life and Weight Comparison

  • Aiwa: 22 hours (alkaline), 252g.
  • Maxell: 9 hours (rechargeable, 2h charge), 240g.
  • Sony: 25 hours (alkaline), 216g.
  • Toshiba: 16 hours (alkaline), 279g.

Sound Quality and Performance Testing

  • Aiwa: 0.5% fast, 0.10% WRMS wow/flutter, slow volume ramp, azimuth not easily adjustable.
  • Maxell: 0.6% fast, 0.15% WRMS, easy azimuth access, good sound.
  • Sony: 0.2% fast, 0.35% WRMS (poor), loudest output, AVLS reduces output sharply, azimuth inaccessible but sound is crisp.
  • Toshiba: 1.2% fast, 0.25–0.27% WRMS, low output (-3dB), easy azimuth adjustment, good design but poor speed and flutter.

Additional Findings

  • New models larger than vintage but not significantly so.
  • Maxell and Toshiba provide easy access for azimuth adjustment; Aiwa and Sony do not.
  • All additional sound enhancement features were disabled for a fair comparison.
  • Maxell's battery is replaceable despite being internal.

Recommendations / Advice

  • Maxell MXCP-P100 is recommended as the best new Walkman-style portable cassette player due to its sound quality, output power, accuracy, and maintainability.
  • Toshiba Aurex is let down by speed inaccuracy and wow/flutter despite good design.
  • Vintage models, particularly Aiwa and Sony, still compete well in sound quality and features.

Decisions

  • Maxell MXCP-P100 is recommended as the best new Walkman-style cassette player.

Questions / Follow-Ups

  • Future interest in the upcoming FiiO CP-15 model was expressed.