Sony TC-280 Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder TC 280 Japan 1975

The Sony TC-280 is a two-head, four-track stereo tape deck for quality-conscious stereo enthusiasts. The Sony TC-280 is a classic reel-to-reel tape recorder, a high-quality, high-end audio standard in the 1970s. It features 3 speed options (1 7/8, 3¾ and 7½ inches per second), playback/recording amplifiers, and a tape sensor. The 1974 Hi-Fi catalog described the TC 280 as “King of the economy stereo tape decks”. This deck featured Sony’s famous ‘Retractomatic’ pinch roller system for easy threading, single motor deck design, mechanical function selector, tape equalization switch and ferrite record/playback head. Other features were record interlock, built-in reel locks for vertical operation, automatic shut-off and three tape speeds.

The TC-280 features:

- F & F (Ferrite & Ferrite) head for exceptionally smooth tape- to-head contact and extended durability.

- Tape select switch for use with standard or low-noise high- output tape.

- Automatic shut-off switch for stopping the tape transport in any operating mode when the tape runs out or breaks. Scrape filter for greatly reducing tape modulation noise. Vertical or horizontal operation.

- In addition to these features, the TC-280 is also designed to record and play back encoded SQ (Stereo/Quadraphonic) signals with true fidelity.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Sony Corporation, Tokyo, Japan

Model: TC-280

Type: Ree-to-reel tape recorder

Serial number: 15570

Years of manufacture: 1973 - 1975

Made in: Japan

Color: Silver / Black, Housing wood walnut

Power type and voltage: Alternating Current supply (AC) / 220 Volt

Power consumption: 30 W

Material: Wooden case with metallic front panel.

Dimensions (WxHxD) 390 x 340 x 190 mm

Weight: 8 kg

Connections

Number of inputs:

Microphone: 0.2 mV, 600 kOhm

Line-in: 60 mV, 100 kOhm

Number of outputs:

Line-out: 775 mV / 100 kOhm

Headphone: 8 Ohm

Technical data

Max coil diameter: 18 cm

Drive: 1 motor

Heads: 2

Tracks : 4

Tape speed: 4.75 cm/s, 9.5 cm/s, 19 cm/c

Speed variations:

- 4.75 cm/s 0.2%

- 9.5 cm/s 0.15%

- 19 cm/c 0.12%

Overall frequency response with Sony SLH tape:

- 4.75 cm/s: 30-20.000 Hz

- 9.5 cm/s: 30-25.000 Hz

- 19 cm/c: 25-28.000 Hz

Signal-to-noise ratio? 55 dB (SLH band)

Distortion factor: 1.5 % THD

Equalzation: NAB

Premagnetization and cancellation frequency: 160 kHz

Rewind speed: 150 seconds for 370 m band

Special features

Horizontal and vertical adjustable