The RS-B100 cassette recorder from 1983 is a deck that brings together every feature even the most demanding audiophile could desire. The Quartz DD Closed-Loop Double Capstan is an advanced tape transport system designed to maximize speed accuracy and protect tape from outside influences when it is in contact with the heads. There are two capstans, one on either side of the head block. The take-up capstan is an extension of the Technics planar opposed direct drive motor spindle. Employed for the first time in the RS-B100, the innovative Phase Compensation circuitry rectifies high range phase linearity. So you enjoy a dramatic improvement in sound quality. Playback amplifier performance is supplemented by direct coupled construction using dual FETs. Since there are no coupling capacitors in the signal path, you obtain the full benefits of Phase Compensation circuitry. The RS-B100 has all three of the world's finest noise reduction systems. Equally important, they are all in double circuits so you can enjoy 3-head real-time monitoring with correct NR decoding. dbx provides up to 110dB dynamic range while virtually eliminating noise. An added benefit is the built-in dbx disc decoder for playback of dbx encoded records (vinyl). Dolby C and B noise reduction assure complete compatibility with other decks and prerecorded cassettes. The MPX filter can be switched on to avoid NR mistracking when recording FM broadcasts.
The RS-B100 features AX (amorphous) combination 3-head system. The noble metal ruthenium (Ru), combined with carefully balanced admixtures, provides higher saturation flux density in the recording head and grater permeability in the playback head. Of course, the wider 2.5 micron recording gap width also contributes to higher MOL while the narrower 0.8 micron playback head gap extends high frequency response. The Technics combination head avoids azimuth adjustment problems since the recording and plyback head gap angles are precisely aligned in a computer controlled manufacturing process. Besides the DD capstan motor, the RS-B100 uses a second, high torque, DC motor for reel drive and one additional motor to move the head block.The RS-B100's advanced metering system uses 18 fluorescent display segments to show the signal level from -40dB to +18dB. This wide range more accurately reflects the higher recording levels possible with dbx. The RS-B100 lets you take advantage of the strong points of particular tapes for specific applications. Left and right channel recording calibration is independent and bias can be adjusted for normal and chrome tapes. As shown in the photo, the meters automatically switch to 1dB-step indication when the test signal (400Hz/12.5kHz) oscillators are used. The 3-way Digital Tape Counter can be switched to show remaining tape time, elapsed rec mute time and a highly accurate 3-digit tape counter. Other features include: music search, output level control, timer capability, black and silver input level knobs included and optional remote control (RP-9645) available. Technical data: Frequency response: Metal 15-25000Hz (20-23000Hz +/-3db), Chrome 15-23000Hz (20-21000Hz +/-3dB), Normal 15-21000Hz (20-19000Hz +/-3dB) | Dynamic range 110dB with dbx | Dimensions: 430x98x273 mm | Weight 5.6kg
