Sony TC-854-4 - Professional Quality 4-Track Reel to Reel - Quadraphonic - WOW!

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One can quickly tell this is a special machine because of its weight (I can barely move it around the shop), and the pro-style XLR inputs.

While it can do 2 and 4 channel playback, many esoteric audiophiles like to use it for its quadraphonic sound and high speed capabilities.

It also happens to be one of the best looking reel to reel players from this era. And we all know people like these machines for their looks as much as their stellar analog sound!

Made in the 1970 by Sony in Japan. Tested and working. Rare 120V model too.

We'll also include two aluminum take-up tape reels.

Sony TC-854-4 Owner's Manual

The Sony model 854-4 is one of the most professional tape recorders in the world.

The three motor and four head model 854-4 accommodates up to 10-1/2" reels and operates at speeds of 15, 7-1/2 and 3-3/4 ips. The model is designed for recording and playback of ordinary 4-track 2-channel stereo as well as 4-channel Quadradial stereo.

Special features of the model 854-4 are:
• An AC servo controlled capstan drive motor prevents speed variation regardless of voltage or load changes.
• Dual capstan closed-loop tape drive assures positive tape-to-head contact while isolating external vibration.
• Logic controlled transport function permits switching the tape transport from fast forward to rewind or from either of these modes to the play mode without going into the stop mode.
• Automatic Program Scanner and Automatic Tape Stop provide program cueing by simply depressing the respective button after a tape is loaded.
• Syncro-Trak to allow synchronous recording of new tracks with previously-recorded tracks
• Microphone and line input mixing
• Tape lift switch for tape cueing and editing
• Tape equalization selector switch for Sony Low-noise High-output tape and standard tape.

SONY QUADRADIAL STEREO

SONY's new Quadradial stereo reproduces dramatic 4-channel surround sound. In conventional 2-channel stereo recording and playback, it is impossible to present the ambience and radiation of sound as the listener actually hears it in an acoustically live concert hall or auditorium.

SONY Quadradial stereo makes it possible to create the true third dimension.

In this 4-channel reproduction, two additional rear channels are added to the existing two front channels providing reflected sound which creates the special characteristics of a fine auditorium and concert hall. This gives a feeling of being immersed and surrounded by sound in the best seat of a concert hall.

For Quadradial stereo recording and playback, the full width of a tape is used; tracks 1 and 3 are for the front channels and tracks 2 and 4 are for the rear channels.

Specifications
Track system: 4-track, 4-channel, stereo/multi channel system
Heads: 1 x playback, 1 x record, 2 x erase
Motor: 2 x reel, 1 x capstan
Reel size: up to 10.5 inch reel
Tape speeds: 3-3⁄4  7-1⁄2  15 ips
Wow and flutter: 0.03% (15 ips)
Frequency response: 20Hz to 30kHz (15 ips)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 59dB
Input: 60mV (line), 0.2mV (mic)
Output: 0.775V (line)
Semiconductors: 101 x transistors, 101 diodes
Dimensions: 17.32" x 22" x 10" (440 x 558.5 x 253mm)
Weight: 80lbs (28kg) 

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