XD-S1100

About the XD-S1100

The Aiwa XD-S1100 is a Digital Audio Tape recorder manufactured by Aiwa in Japan around 1991-1993. It features a 2-channel stereo track system with tape speeds of 8.15 and 12.225 mm/s, supporting recording times up to 120 minutes. The unit uses 16-bit linear A/D and D/A converters with sampling frequencies of 48, 44.1, and 32 kHz, delivering a frequency response from 2 Hz to 22 kHz. It offers a dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio of 90 dB, and a total harmonic distortion of 0.005%. The XD-S1100 includes analog Cinch inputs and outputs, digital coaxial and optical inputs and outputs, and a headphone output. It has a solid build with a three-motor transport on a sturdy chassis with anti-vibration insulation, and comes with a wireless remote control. The machine supports DAT sub-code management functions such as start, skip, and end IDs. The cassette drawer is motorized but has a tendency for the cassette to slip before loading. The unit cannot record at 32 kHz but can play back tapes recorded at this rate. SCMS copy protection is included, limiting digital copying. Dimensions are approximately 466 x 116 x 367.5 mm, weighing about 7.5 kg. It was originally priced around 2,600 DM in the 1980s and remains a respected machine for DAT tape playback and archival use.