Technics R&B RS-10A02 Custom Built Reel to Reel - The Rarest Model!

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General:
This Reel to Reel is ready to ship!

We are proud to offer one of the most unique, rarest, and beautiful reel to reel machines we've seen to date.

We started with the rarest of the RS-1500 variant Technics machines, the R&B edition RS-10A02.

R&B means Recording and Broadcast or Radio and Broadcast depending on what you've read from Technics documentation available from that time.

We then applied a series of striking cosmetic and performace upgrades including:
• Gloss Black Front Panel Overlays
• Gold Plated Knobs
• Gold Plated Tape Guides, Strobe Indicator, Pinch Roller Covers
• Machined Aluiminum Toggle Switch Knobs
• Machined and Gold Palted Aluminum Feet
• Custom High Gloss Side Panels with Brass Inserts
• Aluminum Backing Plate
• J-Corder Hub Adapters
• Custom R&B Edition Takeup Reels
• Roller Bearing Upgrades to the Tape Path

In addition to all the features of the RS-1500, the RS-10A02 has front panel adjustments for playback/record EQ, level and bias, PB EQ selectable between NAB and IEC, test tones for 1 khz and 10 khz, and adjustments for mic and meter sensitivity. 

It also has upgraded metal push buttons, likely to resist the rigors of studio work. 

The head block is labeled RP-2220SX.

On the back you'll find both RCA and balanced XLR connections - also a studio feature. 

This piece is fully working as it should in both playback and record modes from thorough testing in our shop.

This listing includes the main unit, two hub adapters, printed manual, and two custom Technics branded take up reels.

If you'd like to purchase additional take up reels, pre-recorded reel to reel music albums, or related items for this deck, please contact us for options as we have many to choose from.

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:
Second Owner

Connections:
XLR and RCA outputs/inputs

General Sound:
Accurate to the recording

Cosmetic Condition:
9/10 = Excellent. Perfect physical condition, gently used. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab.

Included:
See item description

Packing:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.Weight:
70 lbs.

Approximate Age:
1985

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Click here for a PDF of the original Technics RS-10A02 R&B Sales Brochure

Recommended Cables:

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Best

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

We first do 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 that 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, bearings.  We then clean lubricate and re-assembly the drive and perform basic mechanical alignment to ensure proper tape path and head alignment. 

Final calibration will involved adjustment of playback erase and record heads and optimization of the bias for a specific tape type.  We do this with the aid of a  Soundtech 1510A tape deck analyzer and a Nakamichi T100 unit and reference calibration tapes.  

Final listening tests are done while monitoring with our reference Grado HP1 headphones and a variety of factory and custom reference recordings.  We find that there is no better system for critical listening on tapes than the headphones specially when comparing a live feed to a recorded feed.