Tandberg TD-20A-SE Reel to Reel Tape Deck - 1/2 Track 15IPS Variant - Rare

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General:
Great selling and performing reel to reel machine and one of our favorite models to work on. 

Note: This is the desirable 1/2-track (half-track) variant, capable of playing back new ultra-high-fidelity 15 IPS recordings from for instance from Acoustic Sounds. Unlike 1/4-track machines which split the tape into four narrower channels, a half-track machine divides the tape width evenly into two tracks. This wider track format yields higher audio quality with greater channel separation, and frequency response.  RARE VERSION

The TD-20A is one of the best looking reel to reel machines out there and the last model that Tandberg made that's full of all the improvements and upgrades they achieved over time. 

Easy to use and perfect for a high-end residential stereo system.

Check out this video featuring the TD 20A-SE on our YouTube for more:

This Reel to Reel operates as it should throughout with strong drive motor speed and responsiveness, along with quick and persistent engagement of the heads and capstans. 

The meters are responsive and well lit, and all of the potentiometers are free from any noise or scratchiness.  

This particular unit has just had its transport mechanism cleaned and lubricated in house and is now functioning as it should. We also adjusted tape break tension, cleaned the heads, and performed a calibration. The power supply has also been recapped for long term reliability.

Included is an original Tandberg accessory kit complete with hub adapters and a case, along with a pair of Tandberg take-up reels and the operating instructions

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Some signs of wear on the wooden case and faceplate. Wear/scratches shown on the take up reels. Otherwise very good.

Brand Background:
Tandberg was an electronics manufacturer located in Norway. The company began in the radio field, but became more widely known for their reel to reel recorders as well as cassette decks.

Ownership:
Second Owner

Connections:
RCA input/output, Tandberg Power input,

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
6/10 = Fair. Three to four minor scratches, or one major scratch. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab.

Included:
Unit, Power Cord, Two take up Reels, Two Hub Adapters, owners manual.

Packing:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.Specs:
• 1/4-inch tape 2 Channel
• 2-track / half-track stereo
• 7.5 ips and 15 ips
• 10.5-inch reels
• 3-head design
• IEC/CCIR playback where

Dimensions:
435 x 450 x 200 mm (17.13 x 17.72 x 7.68 in)

Weight:
37.5 lbs.

Approximate Age:
1977

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best


Testing Process:
First steps are performed to determine if the unit is a candidate for our full restoration process, or if it's just in need of a light service.

We perform a basic functionality test to ensure proper playback, fast forward, and rewind. We look for smooth operation of the motors, transport engagement, and associated rolling parts.

We then do an internal physical inspection to ensure the belts and rubber consumable parts are up to spec.

Internal components are checked to make sure there are no signs of heat stress or damage, particularly in the power supply section. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

A light service will involve replacement of belts and rollers, external cleaning of heads, mechanism and boards, and basic record and playback tests.

A full restoration will often include disassembly of the drive system and replacement of all consumable and wearable parts including pinch rollers, belts, brakes, and bearings. We then clean, lubricate, and re-assemble the drive and perform basic mechanical alignment to ensure proper tape path and head alignment.

Final calibration will involve adjustment of the playback, erase, and record heads, along with optimization of the bias for a specific tape type. We do this with the aid of a Sound Technology 1510A tape deck analyzer plus a Nakamichi T-100 Audio Analyzer with reference calibration tapes.

Final listening tests are performed while monitoring with our reference Grado HP-1 headphones and a variety of factory and custom reference recordings We find that there is no better system for critical listening on tapes than with headphones, especially when comparing a live feed to a recorded feed.