Technics RS-1700 Reel to Reel - Lightly Serviced

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General:
The Technics RS-1500 and RS-1700 are among our favorite reel to reel recorders we get in the shop. They are reliable and sound amazing. Capable of running at 15 IPS!

This unit was lightly serviced and calibrated in-house and is functioning perfectly. It will arrive with its original owners manual and two metal reels - one factory and the other generic - with super high quality aluminum hub adapters that are much better than the original. 

If your goal is to have a long play machine, this is the one to get.

From Technics:
Features of the Technics RS-1700 tape recorder include automatic reverse operation, a 6-head system, 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.

It is capable of playback and record on both sides of the tape without having to flit it, much like and auto reverse cassette deck. 

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Some light scratches on the side wood panels but overall very good shape.

Brand Background:
At Technics we understand that the listening experience is not purely about technology but the magical and emotional relationship between people and music. We want people to experience music as it was originally intended and enable them to feel the emotional impact that enthuses and delights them. With a combination of our love of music and the vast high-end audio experience of the Technics team, we stand committed to building a brand that provides the ultimate emotive musical experience by music lovers, for music lovers.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
RCA input, RCA output,

General Sound:
Neutral sound with little to no coloration

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab.

Included:
Unit and Manual

Packing:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.Specs:
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, (17.9 x 17.6 x 10.1")

Weight:
56.7 lbs.

Approximate Age:
1978

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.