Technical Details
Brand: Saba
Model:600 SH
Category:Mid High Fidelity
Application:Consumer
Electronics:Solid State
Equalization:NAB
Country of Manufacture:Germany
Release dates:1969 - 1972
Tracks:1/2 Rec/PB
Speeds: 3 3/4, 7 1/2
Max Reel Size("): 8"
Number of heads: 4
Head Composition: Permalloy
Head Configuration: Stereo
# Motors: 3
Auto Reverse?:No
Voltage(s): 110-120v, 220-240v, Multi
Outputs: RCA
Sound quality rating:7 / 10
Long-term reliability rating: 7/ 10
Additional Details
Description
Very futuristic and ambitiously-designed, from the late 1960’s, it seems that the Saba 600 SH was never exported to either the UK or USA. Selling for almost 2,000 DM in 1969, the 600 was not that well known by consumers, even in Germany, where retailers that stocked higher end decks like the Philips Pro 12, did not dare to market the super expensive 600. It featured 5 heads, based on a 2 track system with an option for a wired remote control. Not surprisingly it used two Papst motors for the supply and take up with a relay-controlled drive. Precision-made in cast aluminum and wood, the 600SH was twice as expensive as its Revox equivalent, the G36. Logic controls were provided for transport with the entire drive-assembly noise extremely low. The machine featured auto-reverse record and playback (half-track stereo) but thanks to an additional playback head, quarter-track replay was also possible.
Braking (Three versions)
The first iteration has 2 small brake shoes that are about 6-8 cm away from the plates. The second version has brake shoes that sit almost directly on the plate and are slightly curved, with 3x as much braking surface. The final production used brake bands like certain Tandberg models like the 20a. Some other variations on the 600 were 600 SH-1, 600 SH-1S and the MS 2-38, a studio recorder
Additional Info
Year 1969
Price when new (in Germany) 2,000 DM
Track system Half-track stereo, auto reverse (quarter-track playback)
Heads Five – 2 x erase, 2 x record/playback. 1 x quarter-track playback
Motors Three
Maximum reel size 8½ ”
Tape speeds 3¾ and 7½ ips