Turning Back the Hands of Time

[Masterlu]

Today, I was able to find and purchase a BNIB Technics RS-1520 R2R

This is a very rare find not only since it has never been out of the box, but this particular model is the only Technics R2R that found it's way into many recording studios.

Here are some pics:



(internet photo)



Actual unit, never out of factory packaging

[audio bill]

Congratulations, that's a very nice find. I can't help but notice that factory packaging has certainly come a long way compared to that for such a fragile piece of gear.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by audio bill

Congratulations, that's a very nice find. I can't help but notice that factory packaging has certainly come a long way compared to that for such a fragile piece of gear.

Thanks! indeed, this is almost from the dark ages.

[jdandy]

Technics RS-1520 Specifications

Manufactured 1976 through 1981


Track system : 2TR / 2CH rec/play/erase, 4TR / 2CH playback

Capstan motor : 1x Quartz controlled phase-locked DC brushless servo DD

Reel motor : 2x tape tension-controlled DC brushless DD

Reel size : 13...26cm

Tape tension control : Automatic for standard reel sizes

Tape speeds : 38cm/s (15 ips), 19cm/s (7.5 ips), 9,5cm/s (3.75 ips)

Speed deviation : ± 0,1% (38cm/s ; 1 or 1,5mil tape)

Speed fluctuation : 0,05% (38cm/s ; 1 or 1,5mil tape)

Pitch control : ± 6% (rec & play)

Wow & flutter : 0,018% (WRMS, 38cm/s)

0,03% (WRMS, 19cm/s)

Start-up time : < 1,5s to attain w&f figure

Stop time : < 0,1s (from 19cm/s)

Counter accuracy : 1% at 38cm/s

FF/REW speed : 150s with 2500ft/762m, 1,5mil tape

Auto-stop sensing : tension roller switches (end of tape) = 3s after accidental stop of tape

Frequency response :
30Hz...30Khz (15 ips ; ± 3dB ; -10dB rec level)
20Hz...25Khz (7.5 ips; ± 3dB ; -20dB rec level)
20Hz...15Khz (3.75 ips ; ± 3dB ; -20dB rec level)

S/N ratio : 60dB (38cm/s ; NAB ; 185 nWb/m + 6dB)
60dB (19cm/s ; NAB ; 185 nWb/m + 6dB)
58dB (9,5cm/s ; NAB ; 185 nWb/m + 6dB)

Peak THD : 2% (400Hz ; all speeds, 185 nWb/m + 6dB)

Operating 0VU THD : 0,8% (400Hz ; all speeds, 185 nWb/m + 6dB)

Channel separation : > 50dB

Erasing ratio : > 65dB (rec at 1Khz, +10dB)

Recording bias : 120Khz

Bias level switch : 90% (position "1"),100% (position "2"), 110% (position "3")

Equalization : NAB standard

Position "2" of EQ and BIAS are set for Technics RT-10B218 (= Scotch 207)

Rec. level calibration : referenced to 185 nWb/m

MIC. inputs : 0,25mV (-72dB) / 4,7kOhm (0VU at vol. max)
2,5mV (-52dB) / 4,7kOhm with 20dB att.
overload margin 55dB (75dB with 20dB att.)
200Ohm...10kOhm microphones

Line inputs : 60mV (-24dB) / 150kOhm
overload margin = infinity (line in connected to Line In vol. before ampl.)

Through out : same as Line In (parallel connected)

Line outputs : 1,42V at 0VU (output level at "8"), 0,6V (output level at max.)

Headphones output : output impedance < 3kOhm ; load impedance > 22kOhm

80mV for 0,55V input ; output load 8 Ohm

PR : AC 110/125/220/240V ; 50/60 Hz

DC 24V / 4.5A (with optional battery adaptor)

PC : 120W

Dimensions : 45,6 x 44,6 x 25,8cm (18.2 x 17.5 x 10.6 inches)

Weight : 25kg. (55.1 lbs.)

[Masterlu]

Dan... Thanks for posting all the specs.

[jdandy]

Ivan.......Thought you might be interested to see the specs.

[Masterlu]

I have quite a few R2R machines, but I'm pretty excited to add this one to my collection. I think it's one of the best looking R2R's out there. I already know the performance that it's capable of.

[chessman]

Gorgeous!!

[miner]

Ivan - How did you find this beautiful piece?

[Yamaki]

That is an impressive R2R and beautiful besides.

Congrats on the find, Ivan!