Denon DH-710F

Description

Only available in Japan, the Denon DH-710F is the studio version of the DH-710S, a 1/2 track record/play deck featuring four heads (quarter track playback) and XLR input outputs.

The chosen machine of Tim de Paravicini, who worked in Japan designing for Luxman starting in 1972, when he moved back to England, this is the machine that he took with him. Much like the Ampex 351, which was widely consumed in the USA in the 50s and 60s, the DH-610s, 710s and 710f were the Japanese equivalent for half track. Japan produced a relatively small amount of half track tape recorders in the in the 70s and 80s, as quarter track was in greater demand, but for professionals in broadcast stations and studios in Japan, this was the go to machine.

Direct-drive, two-capstan, 3 motor transport with electronic tension AC servo.
With very smooth transition between functions, this proprietary transport was designed to eliminate tape tension or large load fluctuations at start-up and guarantees very low wow-and-flutter of less than .02% at 15 ips. Denons unique approach utilizes a magnetic recording/reproducing system for speed alignment with a sub-capstan coupled to the capstan motor with a belt.

Sendust alloy record and play heads made by Denon, with a 2.1mm track width offers great S/N during playback, specified as 66dB for maximum recording level (514 pwb/mm) and 58dB, for lower grade tapes (200 pwb/mm).
Maximum output level of the recording amplifier is set at 30dB @ 1kHz higher than the usual levels of consumer machines allowing recordings to be run at higher levels without distortion, as long as you’re using the right tape.