Category:Nakamichi 500-series cassette decks

English: The 500 series (not related to the earlier model 500) was the middle-of-the-road part of Nakamichi's second-generation lineup. It was introduced in 1978-1979, simultaneously with junior 400 and senior 600 series. All models shared the same enclosure with a wide slanted niche at the front and multiple adjustment holes in the cassette door. The original 1978-1979 series contained four models:

• 580 - 2-head, bias/level calibration, two tone generators, Dolby B, only type I and II tapes
• 580M - 2-head, rec level calibration, 400 Hz tone generator, Dolby B, metal
• 581 - 3-head (no tape monitor), bias/level calibration, two tone generators, Dolby B, metal
• 582 - 3-head (with tape monitor), bias/level calibration, two tone generators, Dolby B, metal

In 1981, with the introduction of Dolby C, Nakamichi quickly upgraded 581 and 582 to the new standard. The third generation (Dragon, ZX series et al.) was already in the works, but the company needed to offer at least something with Dolby C as soon as possible. This resulted in two new interim models that remained in production for only one year:

• 581Z - same as 581 + Dolby C + LED meters
• 582Z - same as 582 + Dolby C + LED meters