Technics RS-1500 Reel To Reel - McIntosh Tribute - Fully Restored - Configure Yours

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No, this is not a vintage McIntosh prototype that someone smuggled out of Binghamton - but rather a highly performing semi-professional Technics RS-1500 that has been restored and modified.  

Cosmetically it's finished in a unique black and green color theme to resemble and blend right into your beloved McIntosh system. The Reel to Reel that McIntosh never made!

First each Technics RS-1500 receives a careful and complete restoration to make it perform like the day it left the factory. It's completely taken apart and reassembled,  pice by piece, while replacing or restoring any components that do not meet specifications. Then it gains a plethora of functional, performance, and cosmetic upgrades which you can choose using our configurator.

Included in the base package (before selecting options):

Stock Technics RS-1500 restored to factory condition, plus the McIntosh Tribute extended cosmetic package which includes:
• Gloss black faceplate with green silk-screening.
• Blue VU meters.
• Gloss black side panels with chrome panel inserts.
• Custom hub adapters (Generation III carbon 3D printed with tension-locking wrench).
• Single take-up reel in black (Design may vary depending on available stock)

Available upgrade options include:

• Tape guide ball bearings upgrades: Addition of precision ball bearings on surfaces that come in contact with the tape including the tape guides and/or the tape lifters. 

• Record/playback performance upgrade: This electronic hotrod modification allows you to record a modern tape at a higher level, thus greatly reducing tape noise and improving sound quality.  Tape compounds evolved over the many years of production and this mod allows its full potential.  

• Direct tape head output with gold RCA jacks upgrade: Allows you to supply your own tape preamp rather than using the internal preamp which is a tweakers dream. We remove the 1/4 track heads and install new 1/2 track heads in its place directly wired to a new set of gold plated RCA jacks on the back. This is for the most hard-core tape fans. 

• Upgraded transport button and control knobs in aluminum with paint color-coding. We replace the six plastic transport buttons (play, pause, etc.) with metal buttons which are color-coded. We also replace the four knobs just bellow the VU meters with aluminum knobs to match the rest of the deck.  

• Upgraded main control knobs with onyx inserts: These are the large knobs for MIC, Inout, and Output. The onyx black inserts give the machine a super high-end feel. 

• Upgraded chrome-plated metal legs. These replace the original plastic feet.

• Upgraded machined aluminum back panel fully labeled. The stock back panel is a flimsy pressed-board affair that discolors and warps easily.

• IEC power socket to replace the captive ungrounded power cord. This allows you to choose your own power cables or select the one we suggest. 

• Your choice of 1 meter or 2 meter length Kimber Kable power cords (be sure to choose the IEC power upgraded with this choice).

• Your choice of 1 meter or 2 meter Kimber Audio cables in RCA or XLR.  You will need one set for playback, and one set for record. The RCA's use the amazing German-made WBT locking connectors.  

• Universal Voltage Power Supply for International use (+$800).  Call or email us to order this option, and to also receive an international shipping quote. 

Plus our famous "bomb-proof" custom packaging to ensure safe worldwide delivery. 

UPS Ground Shipping with Insurance within the Lower 48 US states is currently included at no additional charge under our active free shipping on all electronics promotion. If you're outside of this area please just contact us for a quote.

Please call if you need help selecting options

Technics RS-1500 Technical Details:
• Quartz-Locked "Isolated Loop" Open-Faced Reel
• 3-Motor Direct Drive
• 2 Track, 2-Channel Record and Playback
• 2 Track, 2-Channel Playback with three Speeds: 3-1/4 IPS, 7-1/2 IPS, and 15 IPS.
• Accepts 5" to 10.5" Reels
• 4 Heads, Auto Stop, NAB
• Bias, EQ, and Pitch Controls

Click Here for a PDF copy of the Operating Instructions

Click Here for a copy of the original and very retro-cool Sales Brochure