1001 Hi-Fi Info

08 October 2018

Technics RS-777 (1978) - Compact & Autoreverse

The Technics RS-777 was introduced in 1978 and it was only available in Japan and silver only. In order to offer a more compact reel to reel recorder that can also be used with the mini format Technics Concise components the RS-777 no longer accepts large 26 cm reels. Technics however kept the tried and tested Isolated Loop Quartz Direct Drive tape path in a autoreverse configuration.

Technical data: 4 Track / 2 channel, 3 speed Direct Drive (38-19-9.5 cm/s), Frequency response: 30-30,000 Hz +/-3dB (38 cm/s), Signal to noise: 57dB(JIS), Wow and flutter 0.018% (W.R.M.S), Size: 430(W)x373(H)x259(D) mm, 22 kg.

01 October 2018

marantz Model 7700-2 - The Invisible Tape Recorder

The marantz Model 7700-2 is a unique tape recorder that was never mass produced for the general public. It only made a few appreances at audio fairs like the Japan Audio Fair from 1978 or the Consumer Electronics Show from Las Vegas. A few audio magazines (USA, Germany) gave more details about this special model that came much too late from a company that has never manufactured a reel to reel recorder. Only 10 machines were built in the Japan development laboratory. The marantz Model 7700-2 was a 3 head 3 motor dual capstan construction tape recorder. Recording was only possible in 2 track mode but the HBA-2 head assembly had also a 4 track head but for playback only. For optimal recording settings there was a built in test oscillator with 400Hz and 10,000 Hz signals while the needle type meter has VU, Peak and Peak Hold settings. The tape recorder has 3 speeds: 38, 19 and 9.5 cm/s and pitch control with a +/-6 % range. The azimuth of the recording head can be adjusted with the help of the built in test tone. Frequency response is (+/-3dB) 20 - 37,000 Hz (38 cm/s) 20 - 29,000 Hz (19 cm/s) and 20 - 17,000 Hz (9.5 cm/s). The initial price in 1979 of the marantz Model 7700-2 was 3200 DM in Germany and $2500 in the USA.