Is This a Marantz? - Mystery Solved

 

I see this tape recorder show up regularly on social media and people are getting excited about this "New Tape recorder" or this "Rare Marantz" tape recorder. Some go as far as comparing this to the genuinely rare marantz model 7700-2 (a completely different machine). Well, it's none of those. This reel-to-reel tape recorder is actually based on an old Soviet tape recorder, the Electronika 004 (Электроника-004 | see below) from 1983 which has its origins in the Electronika 003 (Электроника-003) from 1980. As one can see, the modifications are quite substantial and include both the external looks - wood side panels and custom-made front panel - but also technical modification. This deck was originally capable of 19cm/s speed and auto reverse function. Now it has added Quartz control, 38cm/s speed, Bias control, Remote control, Arduinio microcontroller, Time-Meter-Speed with separate red and green digital display, noise reduction and more.

All this is the work (and photos) of "VJstyle" who also builds his own tube amplifiers and horn loudspeakers all with this striking visual presentation. One can find on the internet two versions of this modified tape recorder, one is labelled Electronika 004 (just like the original is based upon) and one made to custom order, a one off marantz labelled version with marantz engraved side-panels and marantz logo on the front. One more important thing. This is not a Quadro recorder as many thinks judging by the 4 VU meters. Actually, if you zoom in, they are clearly labelled as PLAY VU METER on the top row and REC VU METER the lower two.  

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