Denon DH-710F high-performance professional open-reel (reel-to-reel) tape deck 1981 - Excellent

SALE! 
Downsizing our private collection.

Denon DH-710F – Professional Broadcast Reel-to-Reel Recorder (Fully Functional, Fully Overhauled)
The Denon DH-710F is a professional broadcast-grade open-reel recorder, designed for continuous use in radio, television, and studio environments where reliability and accuracy were essential. Built with Denon’s renowned precision engineering, the DH-710F combines robust transport mechanics with high-quality audio electronics, making it a trusted machine in professional applications worldwide.
This unit is fully functional and has been completely overhauled, ensuring restored reliability, peak performance, and long-term serviceability.
Key Features:
Format: 2-track, 1/4" professional recorder, ideal for broadcast, mastering, and archival use.
Tape Speeds: Typically 7.5 and 15 ips, delivering professional flexibility for different recording and playback requirements.
Transport: Heavy-duty, logic-controlled transport with direct-drive capstan motor and precision reel motors, ensuring stable tape handling and low wow & flutter.
Electronics: High-quality recording and playback amplifiers, offering wide frequency response, excellent signal-to-noise ratio, and low distortion.
Controls & Monitoring: Large illuminated VU meters, bias/EQ adjustments, and professional monitoring options for accurate alignment and control.
Build Quality: Rugged broadcast-standard construction, designed to operate reliably in 24/7 on-air environments.
Performance:
The Denon DH-710F is recognized for its neutral, transparent sound quality, robust transport stability, and broadcast-grade reliability. Its professional 2-track configuration makes it well-suited for mastering, archival transfer, and high-quality playback.
This unit has been fully overhauled, calibrated, and aligned, making it not only fully functional but restored to its original professional standards. It is ready for immediate use in studios, broadcast facilities, archival institutions, or high-end private collections.

Slightly negotiable. 

The Denon DH-710F is a legendary, high-performance professional open-reel (reel-to-reel) tape deckproduced in Japan between 1976 and 1981. Known as the studio version of the DH-710S, it features a distinct two-box configuration separating the mechanical transport from the preamplifier electronics. It is highly regarded by audiophiles and was famously known as the favorite tape deck of legendary audio designer Tim de Paravicini.

Core Technical Specifications

The deck operates primarily on a 2-track master recording format but includes flexible configurations for playback: 

• Track System: 2-track, 2-channel stereo record/play, plus an additional 4-track (quarter-track) playback head.
• Head Configuration: 4-head system (1 erase, 1 record, 1 two-track playback, 1 quarter-track playback) featuring high-durability Sendust alloy compositions.
• Motor Drive: 3-motor mechanism, using an AC-servo direct-drive capstan alongside two 6-pole AC-servo reel motors.
• Tape Speeds: Professional high-speed operation at 7.5 ips (19 cm/s) and 15 ips (38 cm/s).
• Maximum Reel Size: Up to 10.5-inch (26.5 cm) reels

Specification at 15 ips (38 cm/s)

Frequency Response20 Hz – 20 kHz (±2 dB)30 Hz – 30 kHz (±2 dB)

Wow and Flutter0.025% WRMS0.02% WRMS

Signal-to-Noise Ratio66 dB66 dBKey Features & Design

• Two-Box Separation: Keeps noisy mechanical elements isolated from sensitive audio electronics. The transport chassis weighs roughly 27 kg, while the preamplifier electronics weigh 8.5 kg. 
• Studio Connectivity: consumer RCA connections
• Electronic Tension Servo: Uses an integrated tension-sensing system to dynamically minimise tape stress and dropouts without stretching delicate tapes. 
• High-Voltage Amplification: The preamplifier circuitry utilizes a 35V rail system, offering massive headroom that mirrors professional broadcast equipment.