Technics RS-1506 NOS (New Old Stock) Reel To Reel - Tested and Spectacular

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WE DID IT AGAIN!

We found a new RS-1506 which is one of our favorite machines and the most versatile of the consumer models. 

While the other machine is NOS (New Old Stock) and never even plugged in, this one was thoroughly tested and calibrated so it's ready to go. 

In essence the other machine is perfect for the investor/collector that wants to stash it away in a closet; while this one is perfect for the discerning audiophile that wants a brand new immaculate machine ready to use.

This RS-1506 comes complete with every originally included bit and piece including the hub adapters, spacers, manuals, cords, etc. 

The 1506 is built on the same platform as the 1500 but allows 1/4 track recording on both sides, giving you max time out of each tape. It is capable of 1/2 track playback with a flick of a switch on the head block.

One thing to note cosmetically is that if you look at a specific angle you can see on the faceplate where the styrofoam rubbed the surface leaving a slight mark. See picture with my finger pointing. Won't bother most but it's worth noting.

And yes we'll certainly double-box this machine to make sure the original Technics box and packaging stays intact. 

Here's a link to the video of the other NOS machine. While it's not the same item it will give you an idea of how it's packaged and what's included:

Recommended Cables:

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Good

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

The SkyFi Testing Process for Tape Decks and Reel to Reel Machines:

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.