Technical Details
Brand: Ampex
Model:601
Category:Vintage
Application:Consumer
Electronics:Tube
Equalization:NAB
Country of Manufacture:USA
Release dates:1956 - 1959
Original Price: $600
Tracks:1/2 Rec/PB
Speeds: 7 1/2
Max Reel Size("): 10.5"
Number of heads: 3
Head Composition: Permalloy
Head Configuration: Mono - Full Track
Auto Reverse?:No
Voltage(s): 110-120v
Outputs: RCA
Frequency Response:(all 3 dB): 7½ ips: 40Hz - 15.000Hz
Wow and Flutter:less than 0.17%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:55dB
Sound quality rating:6 / 10
Long-term reliability rating: 6/ 10
Additional Details
Description
Produced through to the early sixties, the 601 was announced by Ampex as “at last, true Ampex
performance in a 26lb miniaturised professional package”.
Available in single and later double channel (the 601-2, pictured ), it utilized three heads and a single motor.
Price in 1960 was about $US600.00 for the single channel model and $995.00 for the half-track. To get an idea of just how much that was, you could buy the top of the range Sony CS-300 stereo recorder for $390.00,
a Tandberg model 6 for $490.00 or a Knight KN4310 for $240.00 And while you were at it, why not add a couple of 620P’s – a matching portable amplifier and speaker unit with a 10 watt output and a 65 – 10kHz acoustic response – a mere $190.00 each!
Additional Info
Total harmonic distortion: / Bias frequency: / Valve complement: 3 x 12AU7, 1 x 12AY7, 2 x 5879, 1 x 6F5 & 1 x 5Y3 / Rewind speed: / Audio output power: / Inputs: High impedance microphone input and line input / Outputs: 600 ohm balanced or unbalanced line / Speaker(s): / Dimensions: (single channel) 8 x 14 x 16½” (203 x 355.5 x 419 mm) / Weight: (single channel) 26 lbs (11.8 kg) / half or full track mono or stereo