Technics RS-1500 Custom Build Reel to Reel - To Match Modern Technics

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General:
This is a one-of-a-kind SkyFi exclusive RS-1500 deck.

We were in search of a reel to reel deck that would match our current Technics offerings, including the SL-1200G turntable and associated amps and streamers.

So we had one commissioned and boy did they deliver! The match is absolutely spot on and looks like it was produced today.

While the RS-1500 is an amazing deck, it always fell short in the looks department as it was originally finished in a strange gray plastic. As a result it clashed with just about any other piece in a system containing black or silver components.

This deck was re-skinned to perfection and upgraded with new aluminum buttons, toggles switches, and feet. The ugly wood side panels were replaced with high-gloss black pieces and a custom set of NAB hub adapters were produced. The unique take-up reels in all-aluminum silver finish off the deck just perfectly. 

This machine was completely overhauled and restored to the original factory specifications, so it operates and sounds just like the day it was produced. 

The RS-1500 is a half-track deck, perfect for audiophiles as it can record and playback in 1/2 track and play back at 1/4 track at the flip of switch. Best of all it does 15 IPS (inches per second) which is the speed most new high-quality recording are made. 



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:
Unknown

Connections:
RCA inputs and output. Captive power cord.

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:
Exactly as pictured and described above.

Packing:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.Specs:
• Quartz-Locked "Isolated Loop" Open-Faced Reel  
• 3 Motor Direct Drive 
• 2 Track 2-Channel Record/Playback 
• 2 Track 2-Channel Playback w/3 Speeds 
• 3 1/4, 7 1/2, and 15 ips
• 5" to 10.5" Reels 
• 4 Heads, Auto Stop, NAB 
• Bias, EQ and Pitch Controls

Weight:
100 lbs.

Approximate Age:
1980

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects 

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.