Technics RS-1700 Reel To Reel Tape Recorder 4-Track 2-Channel Reel to Reel Tape Recorder (1978-1984)

Many tape recorder enthusiasts would suggest that the Technics RS-1700 is the best Auto-reverse reel to reel tape recorder ever created.

Features of the Technics RS-1700 tape recorder include automatic reverse operation, a 6-head system, a 2-tape tension-controlled DC brushless direct drive motor, photo-electronic auto-stop sensing, tension roller switches and take-up reel table servo control system.

What makes 1700 unique is the Isolated Loop tape path, which improved wow and flutter (.018%) as well as modulation noise. Technics had perfected it with an earlier model, the RS-1500US and the 1700 was the third Isolated Loop model out of the production gate.

These models utilized a massive capstan, 34 mm in diameter with 2 pinch rollers which made for a very smooth and stable tape path with an electronic tension control system. Logic-controlled electronic braking, which applies reverse torque to the motor prior to deploying a mechanical brake, results in a very smooth transition between function selections and virtually no tape stretch. A Quartz-Locked Direct-Drive Capstan Motor completed the well-designed assembly. The tape tension on the 1700 is low compared to many other machines, so for those using older tapes with rippled edges, this may not be ideal.

The RS-1700 has six heads that allow for recording and playback in both directions. Super Alloy laminated heads for Rec/Pb and double-gap ferrite heads for erase.
There are three selections available to the user, continuous, reverse and off (cont, rev and non-rev). The auto reverse is activated by a photoelectric detector seeing a transparent leader tape which can be spliced onto your existing tapes.

The Original Technics literature suggested that “the 24-pin plug-in type head assembly may be removed quite easily for simple replacement with other Technics head assemblies which will become available in the future” – No such futuristic head assemblies ever showed up.

Technics tape recorder isolated loop system

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 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 is 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-1700 Specifications:

• Track system: auto reverse, 4-track, 2-channel, stereo system
• Heads: 2 x erase/record, 2 x playback
• Motor: 2 x reel, 1 x capstan
• Reel size: up to 10.5 inch reel
• Equalization: NAB
• Tape speeds: 3 3⁄4 7 1⁄2 15 ips
• Wow and flutter: 0.018% (15 ips)
• Frequency response: 30Hz to 30kHz (15 ips)
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 66dB
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.8%
• Input: 60mV (line), 0.25mV (mic)
• Output: 0.775V (line)
• Dimensions: 456 x 446 x 258mm
• Weight: 25.7kg
• Made in Japan

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