The Panasonic RQ-S44 is a portable stereo cassette player produced by Panasonic between 1996 and 1997 in Japan. It features a compact design, measuring 106.6 x 22 x 74.4 mm and weighing approximately 196 grams including the battery. The device operates using either a 1.2 V lead acid battery (RP-BP62EY) or a standard AA (R6/LR6) battery, along with a 3V lithium button cell (CR2016) for its display. Key technical specifications include a single sound head and a DC servo motor, with a belt speed of 4.8 cm/sec. It supports various tape types, including Type I (normal), Type II (CrO2), and Type IV (metal), each with a frequency response of 50 - 20,000 Hz. The signal-to-noise ratio is rated at over 43 dB with Dolby off for Type I and exceeding 45 dB for Type IV. It includes features such as auto-reverse functionality and an automatic tape selector. Additionally, it offers a total power output of 5 mW per channel and employs Dolby B noise reduction. The unit is equipped with an LCD display and comes with Panasonic earphones, providing a protective plastic case as well. The RQ-S44 also integrates the Super Extra Bass System (S-XBS) for enhanced sound quality.
