Technical Details
Brand: Ampex
Model:PR-10
Category:Super High Fidelity
Application:Consumer
Electronics:Tube
Equalization:NAB
Country of Manufacture:USA
Release dates:1964 - 1967
Original Price: $995
Tracks:1/4 Rec/PB+1/2PB
Speeds: 7 1/2, 15
Max Reel Size("): 7"
Number of heads: 3
Head Composition: Permalloy
Head Configuration: Stereo
# Motors: 1
Auto Reverse?:No
Voltage(s): 110-120v
Outputs: RCA
Frequency Response:(all 2 dB): 15 ips: 30 to 15kHz
Wow and Flutter:less than 0.15% at 15 ips, 0.18% at 7½ ips
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:55dB
Sound quality rating:7 / 10
Long-term reliability rating: 5/ 10
Additional Details
Description
PR-10 mono
PR 10-2 stereo
A two-speed (3 3/4 – 71/2) or (71/2- 15) compact design tape deck with a four-position head assembly featuring separate erase, record and playback head with an optional head for quarter-track stereo playback.
1 Hysteresis synchronous drive motor
relay, solenoid controls
Separate track erase head
Large 3″ VU meters were fitted and a frequency response of 30 to 15kHz at 15 ips was advertised.
Pictured is the model PR-10-2 two channel which sold for $U.S. 1245.00
in 1966. Other models (mono) began at $1045.
Replaced in 1967 by the AG-500, essentially the same recorder but with solid-state electronics.
Additional Info
Inputs: high impedance mixable microphone & line / Outputs: 4 dBM into 600 ohm / Dimensions: transport: 8¾ x 19 x 6″, electronics: 5¼ x 19 x 5¾” / stereo or mono full or half track. 44 pounds 53 pounds in portable case
Many years later, here in 2021, most people report that this machine was a poor design for Ampex and had a tendency to get very hot if it was in the portable enclosure and the belt which is hard to access and service suffered as a result. Single motor design was not very advanced and overall not a great tape deck to get involved with for refurbishing.