No one can deny that the best medium in audio is back and back big. With eight different companies making a brand new tape deck the most demanding of listeners want the best.
The Technics RS-1520 is a semi-professional machine that has great similarities to the 1500 but with a separate dual mono preamplifier section that features more adjustability. The RS-1520 is a half track record, quarter track playback deck with a switch on the headlock to change the playback head to quarter track. It has the Isolated Loop tape path developed by Technics which improves wow and flutter (.018%) as well as modulation noise. A large 34mm capstan with 2 pinch rollers makes for a very smooth and stable tape path with an electronic tension control system. The tape tension on the 1506 is low compared to many other machines, so for those using older tapes with rippled edges, this may not be the ideal. A Quartz-Locked Direct-Drive Capstan Motor completed the well-designed assembly. Logic controlled electronic braking, which applies reverse torque to the motor prior to deploying a mechanical brake, results in very smooth transition between function selections and virtually no tape stretch.
The Technics single capstan system offered advantages over double capstan as variations in the speed of two capstans and the pressure of the two pinch rollers to maintain the desired temp tape tension makes speed and tension adjustment complex and difficult often increasing the tape tension which is not desirable. The relatively long distance between the two capstans over which the which the tape must stretch contributes to higher modulation noise and scrape flutter. In contrast the Technics single capstan system maintains exactly the same speed and pinch roller pressure on both sides of the capstan. The wide contact area between the pinch rollers and the single extra-large capstan allows for lower tape tension, about 80 g and very steady because the tape path between the capstan and the reversing roller is relatively short. So modulation noise, wow & flutter and level fluctuations are dramatically reduced. Add to this the quartz locked slow speed direct capstan drive system, aided by tension controlled direct drive reel motors and air dampened tension rollers the Technics isolated loop system achieves excellent overall performance.
Technics RS-1520 - A Rebuild Like No Other
The best can only be hand-crafted, one at a time and is never replicated.
The chase for the top is over. Alex Dorin’s Alter Ego Appearance takes the top 1, 2 & 3 spots. Almost every single piece of this Technics 1520 has been custom made from blocks of solid metals & alloys. Each knob, lever, pinch roller cap, face plate, head block and more was made brand new and it is breath-taking.
This restoration provides endless features. Multiple VU meter backgrounds, Improved counter, exquisite knobs, buttons and levers, bespoke NAB adapters and reels, Jewellery grade raised metal lettering, aerospace grade titanium, textured coated front panel and so much more.
The Technics RS-1500 series machine is built to order and on demand according to buyer's preferences and wishes, but each deck will never be identical.
Technics RS-1520 received a careful and complete restoration, and then on top of it gained many functional and cosmetic upgrades. Each new deck is a complete rebuild inside & out. No two machines will ever be identical. Every single part of the tape decks is rebuilt; brand new front panels (from scratch), switches, head blocks, caps, motors, EVERYTHING is rebuilt!
Enrich For Life - Audio Precision Engineering: Alter Ego Appearance in response to “the rapidly decreasing availability of Technicians who perform this level of rebuild.” Alter Ego Appearance combines design with technical skills. The word custom would be an understatement as each machine is its new creation, none of the open reel tape decks will ever be identical.
Technics RS-1520 By Alter Ego Appearance
Alter Ego Appearance brings tape deck restoration to the next level with jewellery-grade metal lettering, powder coating, 3D printing, and more. It is a brand new Technics RS-1520 machine. Equally as precise as this rebuild, only the best for the best!
Technics RS-1520 Features:
- Completely rebuilt open reel tape recorder
- Heads had very low usage, incredible find!
- Boards checked, re-soldered
- Brand new front panel, switches, knobs, controls
- Completely recapped
- Heads Relapped
- Custom-made hubs and reels
- 18k gold lettering, knobs, switches
- Gorgeous African rosewood side panels
- Brand new laser printed VU Meter with HOT PINK needles
- Flat/perfect frequency response. No losses
Technics RS-1520 Specifications:
- Track system: 4-track, 2-channel, stereo/monaural system
- Reel size: up to 10.5 inch reel
- Tape speeds: 3 3⁄4 7 1⁄2 15 ips
- Wow and flutter: 0.035% (15 ips)
- Frequency response: 30Hz to 20kHz (15 ips)
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 68dB
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.8%
- Input: 60mV (line), 0.25mV (mic)
- Output: 2.19V (line)
- Dimensions: 502 x 456 x 257mm
- Weight: 28kg
The Bespoke restoration: Each offered open reel deck complete rebuild inside & out - each machine will always be unique. Every part of the tape deck is rebuilt with top quality materials, brand new front and back panels (from scratch), switches, head blocks, caps, motors, EVERYTHING is new and improved functionality of the tape deck to another level to play master tape copy.
Alter Ego Appearance brings tape deck restoration to the next level. Creating brand new front panels, jewellery grade metal lettering, powder coating, 3D printing, coding for custom modifications and much more. Each custom restoration is completed with your input. The Technics RS-1500 series machine is built to order according to your preferences and wishes.
International clients are welcome. All products come with FULL WARRANTY!
Technics RS-1520 Open Reel Tape Stereo Deck (1978-1985) - Each custom restoration is completed with your input. Only for the most meticulous of listeners. Those who want the absolute best!
For more information, specification, images and videos please contact our team
