Aristona AR-9106 (1967)

The Aristona AR-9106 reel-to-reel tape recorder from 1967 was actually a rebadged version of the Philips N4302. Philips frequently marketed its consumer audio gear under alternative brand names to target different price points and European markets. The exact same machine was sold across three distinct brand labels with identical internal hardware: Philips N4302 (The original design), Aristona AR-9106, Erres RS6603. This is a 2-Track, Automatic Mono Tape Recorder. A family tape recorder, a high performance machine built to quality standards without frills or complications. Ease of operation. Good strong sound, and a sensible price. Simple as it is, though, you can still record with it from the radio, record player or another recorder. Whatever it records, your family or ... Discover More

PHIILIPS High-Fidelity (1981)

 

Top Hi-Fi audio components from the 1981 range of Philips products. More details of individual components seen in this brochure photo can be found: here , here and here.

Dokorder 8010 (1970) | Dub-A-Tape

Advertised as the World's most versatile stereo tape deck and first Three-in-One stereo tape recorder featuring Dokorder's exclusive Dub-A-Tape system. This is the Dokorder 8010, an original, totally professional 4-track 2-speed stereo tape recorder featuring Dokorder's exclusive Automatic Continuous Reverse and Dub-A-Tape systems which enable it to do the work of three conventional recorders, and to do it better. The work of two recorders - automatic recording and play-back - is handled by the Automatic Continuous Reverse system, while the work of a third-dubbing-is performed by the special Dub-A-Tape system without the need of any additional component. The Dub-A-Tape system consists of a tape transport mechanism that drives the copy tape, a wow and flutter-free single-drive system that drives both the copy and original (pre-recorded) tapes simultaneously, and a special head designed exclusively for dubbing during playback. This unique system not only eliminates the need for an additional recorder, but also establishes new standards of tape dubbing professionalism. You'll find scores of other professional features in the 8010 too. Automatic programming for Reverse, Shut-off and Repeat operations, four precision motors, five tape heads, convenient one-hand tape threading and a versatile Pause control. But most of all, you'll find the world's highest standards of stereo reproduction are yours from the 8010's built-in stereo power amplifier and twin 4"x6" monitor speakers. They're yours whether you use the 8010 as an independent component or as a part of Dokorder's new Dub-A-Tape stereo system.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Recording system: AC bias 4-track stereophonic and monophonic

Tape speeds: 19 and 9,5 cm/s

Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz @ 19cm/s

Signal to noise ratio: Better than 50 dB

Wow and flutter: Less than 0.12% WRMS @ 19cm/s

Tone control: Two separate treble control

Power output: 12 watts music power

Monitor speaker: 2 speakers, 4×6 inches

Heads: Five, 2 rec/play, 2 erase, 1 dubbing

Motors: Four, 1 synchronous capstan, 2 capacitor reel and 1 capacitor dubbing

Max. reel size: 18 cm

Weight: 21,7 kg

Dimensions: 368x539x190mm (W/H/D)

Original sale price in Germany 1830 DM

Looking for more? Head to 1001hifi.com for everything vintage audio.

 

AKAI GX-266II (1979)

 

PHILIPS N7300 (1980)

HiFi technology continually offered surprising innovations that significantly improved the quality level of a device. This is the case with the tape recorder N7300 from Philips. The core of this newly developed design is a rigid injection-molded chassis for the absolutely precise alignment of the drive elements, the tape guide, and the tape head carrier plate. This ensures maximum stability, accurate tape guidance, and optimal tape-head contact. The result: precise functions, consistent HiFi quality. Servo Control: a new functional technology with decisive advantages. A servo motor controls the pinch roller and tape feed functions. In the "Stop" position, the pinch roller is retracted, allowing the tape to be inserted quickly and easily. In the "Pause" position, the pinch roller has a short travel from "Pause" to "Play" or "Record". This results in gentle Tape Tension and fast movement. The tape lift pins remain retracted in the "Pause" position, and the tape lies firmly and smoothly in front of the tape heads: recording or playback can begin immediately. The tape is stopped using the "Pause" button; the "Stop" button is only used when changing tapes or turning off the unit. The tape tension is controlled inductively, as with professional devices. The respective position of the tape tension sensing lever influences the motor current of the winding motors. This ensures that the tape is always taut in front of the tape heads. Both motors react evenly, smoothly, and precisely when starting and stopping. Tape stretching and looping are eliminated. Long-Life-Heads - Extremely smooth metal surfaces characterize the newly developed long-life tape heads. They become dirty less quickly and thus offer improved sound performance. The frequency response and crosstalk attenuation are positively influenced. Adjustable cueing volume - It is easy to monitor the forward or rewind winding of the reels, whether turned by hand or by motor power. The cueing volume can be individually adjusted. Main features: 3 hi-fi long-life tape heads, 4-track technology, 3-motor drive with electronic control, retractable pinch roller, adjustable cueing level, inductive tape tension control, 2 illuminated level meters. LED overload indicator, separate channel level control via rotary controls, microphone and headphone connection on the front panel, built-in headphone amplifier with volume control, push-button control with smooth-action short-stroke keys, start-stop remote control connection for LFD 3414 remote control (accessory), intermix operation, safety circuit with electronic locking. Switch at tape end and tape break 4-digit counter, Button for automatic zero stop, memory (N 7300) Suitable for 26.5 cm reels (N 7300) Fine adjustment of the tape speed (pitch control) with LED display (N 7300) Transparent cover available as an accessory. Specifications: 4-motors, Direct Drive | Speeds: 4,75/9,5/19 cm/s | Frequency response 35-25.000Hz | Dimensions 442x430x206mm (W/H/D) | Weight: 9 kg | Original sale price in Germany 1998 DM

Looking for more? Head to 1001hifi.com for everything vintage audio.

 

 

GRUNDIG TS 945 (1979) | Super Hi-Fi

 

The important technical features of the TS 945 are: HiFi according to DIN 45 500, 4-motor tape deck with IC control logic, 4-track stereo with track selection display via LED, Maximum reel size 22 cm Tape, speeds 9.5 and 19 cm/s, variable rewind speed. Special features: State-of-the-art, service-friendly circuit concept through modular technology, tape travel similar to studio technology. Retractable pinch roller and servo-driven head shield allow for slit-free tape insertion. Durable "Recovac" heads and long-life tape guides made of non-magnetic, stainless steel. Optimum belt protection and precise start/stop operation thanks to only one pressure roller. Capstan motor with PLL control for precise maintenance of the tape speed through mains synchronization. 4 motors: 2 DC winding motors for fast rewinding, 1 mains-synchronized DC motor with PLL circuit and synchronous display in the control panel. This is the new clever tape recorder for studio perfectionists, the TS 945 HiFi-Stereo, The Super-HiFi Tape Deck. The ease of use is hard to beat in this price range: The power amplifiers for hi-fi headphones are individually adjustable. The TS 945 features electronic short-stroke keys and electronic memories for tape transport control. Preprogramming any tape position is possible with the preset counter. Level control can be set: either manually, with a limiter, or completely automatically. Both channels are separately adjustable. Thanks to the variable rewind speed, every type of tape can be optimally wound. In cueing mode, "listening in" to the tape is possible, allowing precise location of specific passages...and what more could a passionate amateur musician ask for? A stereo mixer, echo in stereo, duoplay, synchroplay, and multiplay? High-quality power amplifiers with 2 x 50 mW output power at 400 Ω for HiFi headphones.

Technical data:

Track: 4-track Stereo

Tape Speed: 9,5/19 cm/s

Max. reel size: 22cm

Frequency response:

20-16.000Hz 9,5 cm/s

20-20.000Hz 19 cm/s

Dimensions: 47 x 18 x 41 cm

Weight approx.: 13 kg

Powered by www.1001hifi.com

Victor TD-550 (1972) | 3 motor auto reverse tape deck

 

3 motor auto reverse. A real tape deck! Although it is not as convenient as a cassette tape, the joy of operating the machine and the psychology of tape fans are what make the open reel type so appealing. The mechanism must also be able to fully respond to that. The TD-550 model released in 1972 is a three-motor auto-reverse tape deck for advanced tape enthusiasts. The 3 motors include an optimal 6-pole eddy current motor for winding, and a 4-8-pole hysteresis synchronous motor for the capstan, ensuring accurate and stable rotation. Operation is via full-scale all-electronic piano push buttons, and all operations can be performed with the lightest touch of your fingertips, giving the feeling of a professional machine. The drive system is center capstan type. The four heads are arranged symmetrically on the left and right, so the auto reverse function ensures that recording and playback are performed under the same conditions both ways. Other features include a convenient pause button for recording, an electromagnetic brake mechanism that does not put strain on the tape, sound-on-sound, and a well-equipped amplifier section, so you can enjoy authentic tape play with high-quality sound.

Track system: 4-track stereo

Reel used: Maximum No. 7

Tape speed = 19cm/sec 9.5cm/sec

Motor = for capstan (1), for reel (2) 

Head = for recording/playback (2), for erasing (2) 

Frequency response = 30-22,000Hz (SH tape)

Signal to noise ratio: 59 dB or more (JIS) 

Wow and flutter: 0.07% WRMS (19 cm/sec)

Powered by www.1001hifi.com

AKAI GX-635D (1979)

 

This top-of-the-line open-reel features 6 heads (including 4 low noise, crystal ferrite GX heads) that are located symmetrical to the center capstan for top quality sound in both directions. A 3-motor Direct Drive system and new transport mechanism with tension arms ensure steady tape travel. With this 6-head transport system the GX-635D is capable of making two-way recording and playback. Each direction operates in 3-head system allowing real time monitoring. While the tape counter is only a simple mechanical counter it still displays min. and sec. while using 19cm/s tape speed. There were two versions of this model, the "D" and "DB". The GX-635DB version featured Dolby noise reduction. They were available with silver and black front. While the silver models are quite common the black versions are quite rare. The GX-635D is remote control capable with one of the additional remote controller, RC17, RC18, RC-70. The DC-635 dust cover could be purchased separately. Technical data: Tape speed 9,5 and 19cm/s | Frequency Response: 30-27.000Hz (19cm/s using Wide Range tape) | Signal to noise: better than 62dB | Dimensions (WxHxD) 440x483x256mm | Weight 21kg | Original sale price: 1898 DM in Germany.

Discover More

Classic Reel to Reel

Technics RS-1060U (1974) | Hot Pressed Ferrite

 

The RS-1060U is a 2-track, 38cm/s  a high quality reel to reel recorder with direct drive capstan in a luxurious configuration. For the capstan motor (a brushless low-speed motor) a capstan with a diameter of 12 mm is used to further enhance the high performance of D. D. Electronic control system is adopted for all 3 motors. A 6-pole eddy current type inner rotor motor is used for the reel motor, and the tension can be switched according to reel size. Since the operation of the mechanism is performed by an electromagnetic plunger and relay, all operations can be performed by the touch of a micro switch. Speed adjustment of ± 2% is possible at each of 2 speeds of 19cm/s and 38cm/s. The electrical circuit section is designed with an emphasis on linearity with the aim of recording live sound with a wide dynamic range. Carefully selected low-noise type transistors are used. The microphone input and line input are equipped with independent level controllers to enable mixing recording. In addition, the impedance switch for the microphone is provided so that the best matching can be obtained for all types from low impedance type to high impedance type. The head has a structure in which four heads are mounted on a die-cast head mount. These are for 2-track erasing, 2-track recording, 2-track playback, and 4-track playback. Except for the erasing head, all are HPF heads. Features of this head include high gap accuracy, long life, and excellent high-frequency characteristics due to low overcurrent loss.

Specifications:

Type: 38cm/s 2-track Direct Drive 3-Motor

Track system: 2-track 2-ch recording / playback, 4-track 2-ch playback

Tape speed: 38cm/s, 19cm/s, ± 2% variable

Heads: 

Recording : HPFx1

       Playback : HPF (1 each for 4-track and 2-track)

       Erase : 1 ferrite

Motors: 

For Capstan : DC Direct Drive Motor x1

For Reel : 2 x 6 Pole Eddy Current Motors

Frequency response: 

38cm/s : 30 Hz to 27000 Hz, ± 3 dB

19cm/s : 25 Hz to 24000 Hz, ± 3 dB

Wow flutter

38cm/s:0.04%

19cm/s:0.07%

External dimensions

Width 425x Height 568x Depth 270 mm

Weight

Approx. 33 kg

Discover More

Reel to Reel Classics

AKAI 4000D PRO (1975) | Compact Pro

 

The 4000D-PRO is a unique and rare model among the highly popular 4000 series from Akai. A compact 38-2 track deck for active people, ideal for live recording. It is a common belief in the tape recorder world that a 38cm/s 2-track deck must be a three-motor machine to maintain its performance, but the 4000D PRO single-motor 38cm/s 2-track deck has challenged and broken this convention. With a newly developed mechanical quick tension mechanism that uses a motor to maintain a stable tape speed of 38cm/sec, a micron gap head that guarantees high quality sound, and a robust two-lever system that is easy to operate, this deck is equipped with features that only a specialist manufacturer like Akai can provide, and because it is a one motor unit, it is small and lightweight. It is the perfect deck for active people who travel from east to west in search of the best sources. As shown in the diagram below, two pulleys with different torques (A - strong torque, B - weak torque) are used, and the idler is instantly moved from A to B to switch the torque between two levels. That is, the moment the play mode is entered, the idler connects to pulley A and begins winding the tape with a large torque. After a few seconds, it moves to pulley B and returns to the appropriate torque for normal play. The vertical movement of this idler can be performed accurately and smoothly by the action of the oil damper, resulting in a stable running speed of 38cm/sec with one the motor. A 3-head system has been adopted for the head section, and dedicated heads are used for erasing, recording, and playback, enabling simultaneous monitoring during recording. The VU meter is also linked with the monitor switch and automatically changes to the input level and playback level of the program source. A 1 micron gap head is used for the head. Equipped with a 2-position tape selector, it provides optimum frequency compensation for both general low-noise tapes and wide-range tapes. The equalizer curve is set by selecting Scotch #211 as the reference tape in the low-noise position and selecting a low-noise tape sold by Akai in the wide-range. The deck comes packed in a easy-to-carry leather finished case with front lid and handle.

Specifications:

2-track 2-channel stereo system

Tape speed: 38cm/s, 19cm/s

Flutter 0,07% WRMS

Frequency range: 30-27.000Hz @ 38cm/s

Size (WxHxD) 420x325x212mm

Weight 13kg

Discover More Reel to Reel Classics

AKAI GX-77 (1981) | Lambda Loading

 

The Akai GX-77 introduced in 1981 is the definition of Innovation, Compact Sophistication, and EE Performance. The Akai GX-77 doesn't look like an ordinary high-performance open reel tape deck for a very good reason. It isn't. Behind the unusually smart exterior styling lies a vast amount of technology and engineering know-how. It's one of Akai's very best machines. EE tape formulation was the latest breakthrough in open reel tape technology. It offers unsurpassed dynamic range, higher frequency response, and substantially higher output level. The Lambda Loading system is another Akai first and was developed to meet customer needs for ease of tape loading. A more compact deck was also made possible by this unique tape transfer mechanism. GX-77's Lambda Loading is the answer to the user's dream for an easier to load mechanism. Once secured onto the take-up reel, a push of a button is all that's needed to automatically guide the tape into and out of the transfer mechanism. Correct loading is assured every time as the Lambda Loading mechanism glides the tape into place precisely. And there's quite a bit more. Notably, the Auto Reverse mechanism with continuous playback capability, an elapsed-time digital counter, feather-touch logic controls and remote control capability. You'd think the startling performance of EE tape alone would make the GX-77 an exceptional machine. Akal's original quick reverse system is the first of its kind to be used on an open reel deck and although automatic reverse systems have been developed in the past, none have such great advantages in being quick, quiet and positive. This system will appeal to every open reel deck user because it eliminates the bothersome loss of time and missed recordings. The change is so quick and quiet mat recording or playback in essentially continuous. The there is the 6-HEAD SYSTEM including 4 GX HEADS. The both way 3-head system provides identical recording and playback characteristics in either forward or reverse. The 6-head system of the GX-77 consists of one each forward GX record, forward GX playback, reverse GX record, reverse GX playback and two erase heads. Perfect symmetry is assured for stable tape travel and no chance for error or misalignment. The heart of the GX-77 is this 6-head system and a brings you an incredibly durable system with overall wider response and greater sensitivity than previously possible. The GX-77 has actually been awarded Japan's coveted "G" mark for technical excellence. Also available in black. You can see the GX-77 from The 1001 Hi-Fi Collection here.

Specifications:

Track system: 4-track, 2-channel Stereo System

Reel capacity: up to 18cm

Motors: 1 FG Servo DC Capstan, 2 DC Reel Motors

Heads: 2 GX recording, 2 GX playback, 2 erase

Tape speed: 19cm/s 9,5cm/s

Wow & Flutter: 0,03% WRMS 19cm/s

Frequency response: 25-33.000Hz (-20 VU 19cm/s)

Dimensions (WxHxD): 440x244x227mm

Weight: 17 kg

Original sale price: 1.600 DM in Germany

Powered by www.1001hifi.com

Powered by www.1001hifi.com

SONY TC-880-2/TC-8750-2 (1974)

 

SONY 880-2 THE WORLD'S BEST...said the advert of the time.

DIRECT DRIVE SERVOCONTROL SYSTEM. The name may be long-Close-Loop Dual Capstan Tape Drive but the concept is simple: one capstan is just an extension of the motor shaft itself (the other connects through a belt-drive inertia fly-wheel), Gone are the Intervening gears that can often impair optimum operating reliability as well as speed accuracy. The result-almost nonexistent wow and flutter-a mere 0.02% @ 15 ips.

PEAK READING VU METERS. They're versatile. Accurate. And incredibly informative. 1. You can set for standard VU operation to determine recording level. 2. Set to display transient peaks only (up to +15 dB), 3. A third display, Peak Hold, retains transient reading, letting you accurately measure audio input and adjusts accordingly with 2dB Stepped Record Level Attenuators.

SYMPHASE RECORDING. Thanks to the durability of Sony's Ferrite and Ferrite Heads and incredible precision fabrication and alignment of the head gap, you can record any matrix 4-channel signal (like SQ or FM), play it back through a 4 channel decoder/amplifier, and retain the exact positioning of signal throughout the 360° 4-channel field. What started out in right front channel stays there. What began in left rear doesn't wander over to right rear. There's no phase shift whatsoever.

SYNCRO-TRAK. This means you can lay down two individually recorded tracks in perfect synchronization with each other. Record head has playback-monitor function in record mode. This eliminates time lag that occurs when monitoring through playback head. Thus both tracks can be first generation, keeping noise levels at minimum. Flashing Standby Signal alerts you that the unrecorded channel is record-ready And Punch-In Record puts you into record mode instantly, without stopping tape.

Technical specification:

Bias frequency: 160kHz

Recording format: 2-track 2-channel Recording and Playback

                  4-track 2-channel Playback only

Tape speeds: 38 and 19 cm/s

Wow & Flutter: 0.02% WRMS 38cm/s

Frequency response: 25-35.000Hz SLH tape 38cm/s

                    20-40.000Hz FeCr tape 38cm/s

                    25-25.000Hz SLH tape 19cm/s

                    25-30.000Hz FeCr tape 19cm/s

Motors: 3 Motors, Direct Drive Dual Capstan

Heads: F&F-PB(2T), F&F-rec(2T), Erase head + F&F PB(4T) 

Dimensions (WxHxD) 465x515x265mm

Weight 36,5kg

Powered by www.1001hifi.com

Powered by www.1001hifi.com

ILET 110C (1985) | Stereo 4 All

 

ILET

The "Ilet-110-stereo" reel-to-reel recorder has been produced by the Volzhsky Electromechanical Plant since 1985. The model uses a three-motor solenoid logic controlled tape transport with electronic control and automatic tracking of tape tension and Glass Ferrite heads in a 3-head configuration. So far everything seems normal but there are a couple of unusual features for a model introduced in 1985. On a closer inspection one would notice that this model has also a built-in amplifier (2x15W) and would accept reels up to 22cm (a fairly unusual German DIN standard size). The built-in amplifier was actually a characteristic of Soviet made hi-fi components that allowed a radio or turntable to be connected using the 110C as an amplifier for those external sources. Another unusual thing is that as a consequence of the "centralized economical production" the same model was manufactured in various factories across the country with minor aesthetic differences as: Rostov 105 stereo, Soyuz 110 stereo, Snezhet 110 stereo. Apparently the "original" model was the Rostov 105 Stereo and this was exported with both Cyrillic and English front panel inscription. You can see such an export model Rostov 105 in the 1001 Hi-Fi collection here. Frequency response is 31-22.000Hz at 19cm/s with a wow and flutter figure of 0,09%. Size of the unit is 510x417x225mm with a weight of 24kg. Usually a pair of 3-way loudspeakers were offered as standard. 

Powered by www.1001hifi.com

SOYUZ

ROSTOV

ROSTOV @ www.1001hifi.com

Powered by www.1001hifi.com