20 March 2019

TEAC A-860 (1976) - World First dbx Recorder

cassette deck

Advertised as having an expanded dynamic range of over 80dB the TEAC A-860 from 1976 was the first cassette deck in the world with built-in dbx II noise reduction system. Because background noise is reduced as much as 30dB, you can record at lower levels and still maintain the best possible signal-to-noise ratio. You get more headroom with less chance of tape saturation. The decks features and performance amply justify the company placing it in their "Esoteric Series" of components. The transport system in the 860, designed by computer technologists and engineers, was the most sophisticated cassette transport. Three motors and dual capstan drive provides the most precise, most accurate movement of tape possible. At its eart is a Phase Locked Loop DC servo capstan motor. Virtually imprevious to voltage fluctuations, temperature or load changes, it joins with two DC reel motors to provide an incredible 0.04% WRMS wow and flutter. 

A newly designed dual gap record and reproduce head for three-head function completes this sophisticated tape transport. The front panel of the 860 also includes inputs for four mc or line lvele signals that can be mixed down to stereo or mono with the built in 4x2 mixer with pans. The 860 will provide best possible frequency response characteristics no matter what brand of tape you use. Three position bias and equalization switches and front panel calibration controls give you total flexibility and control over the record and reproduce electronics. Positions 2 and 3 on the bias and EQ selectors are fixed for ferrichrome and high energy tapes, respectively. Position 1 is factory calibrated for CrO2 tape. But it allows you to adjust the 860's record and reproduce electronics to get exact compatibility with any type tape you are using. To optimize performance up to laboratory standards for any specific cassette you choose there's a test jack where you can connect an external generator such as the TEAC TO-122.


cassette deck

cassette deck

cassette deck

cassette deck