CONDITION

This unit is in excellent condition and works properly, and has been overhauled and serviced by a specialist open-reel shop. The tape transport mechanism has been fully serviced and now operates close to its original performance. The logic and servo circuits have also had their deteriorated parts replaced and operate smoothly. The heads have been lapped, so there is no step wear or rust. Calibration was performed using brand-new Maxell XL1 tape, with the recording bias and equalizer set at the neutral position of the selector switch, and using a non-degraded reference tape. The magnetic flux density is 250 nWb/m = 435 mV = 0 VU. The response is flat up to 25 kHz at 38 cm/sec, and wow and flutter is 0.015% (WTD). A set of two clampers and two reel sheets is included. (The reel tape shown was used only for the video and is not included.)

ABOUT THIS ITEM

The Technics RS-1500U is a legendary open-reel tape deck made in Japan by Technics (Matsushita), produced from 1976, and regarded as one of the finest reel-to-reel machines ever made for both professional and audiophile use. Its defining feature is the distinctive U-shaped Isolated Loop tape path, in which the tape forms a closed loop isolated from the reels, maintaining a low, constant tape tension of around 80 grams for superb tape stability, extremely low wow and flutter, and minimal tape wear. The transport uses a quartz-locked direct-drive capstan and three direct-drive motors, with electronically controlled reel tension for consistent performance from start to finish. It records and plays back in 2-track format and also plays 4-track tapes, using a four-head configuration arranged along the tape path for off-tape monitoring. Three tape speeds (3-3/4, 7-1/2, and 15 ips) are available, and it accommodates reels up to 10.5 inches in diameter. Large precision VU meters, bias and EQ adjustment, and logic-controlled transport complete the package. Built to studio standards, the RS-1500U remains a highly sought-after open-reel deck among serious analog enthusiasts.

・Power Supply Voltage: AC 100, 50/60 Hz

— Grape Japan