Technical Details
Brand: Sony
Model:TC-377
Category:Mid High Fidelity
Application:Consumer
Electronics:Solid State
Equalization:NAB
Country of Manufacture:Japan
Release dates:1973 - 1979
Original Price: $290
Tracks:1/4 Rec/PB
Speeds: 1 7/8, 3 3/4, 7 1/2
Max Reel Size("): 7"
Number of heads: 3
Dimension: 16½ x 8½ x 15½ " (418 x 210 x 392mm)
Head Composition: Ferrite
Head Configuration: Stereo
# Motors: 1
Auto Reverse?:No
Voltage(s): 110-120v
Outputs: RCA
Frequency Response:20Hz -30kHz at 7 1/2 ips - 30Hz -17kHz at 3¾ ips
Wow and Flutter:0.09% at 7½ ips, 0.12% at 3¾ ips and 0.17% at 1 ips
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:55 db with SLH tapes, 52 db with standard
Sound quality rating:6 / 10
Long-term reliability rating: 8/ 10
Weight: 22 lbs (10 kg)
Additional Details
Description
The TC-377 was the second version of the popular 1971 TC-366, with a very similar set of specifications and features. Like the TC-366 it could be used in a vertical or horizontal position thanks to the reversible slanted base.
The main improvements however (other than a slightly snappier styling) was the utilization of hard wearing ferrite & ferrite heads and servo controlled tape tension. A unique electronic detail of the 377, features the preamp signal going directly to the transistors without running through capacitors (superior design)
Another unique feature (which you may or may not like) ‘TMS’ – or ‘Total Mechanism Shut-Off’ – which turns off the machine completely at the end of the tape.
This deck had a fairly long production life and was still selling in the USA in 1979 ($450 – Stereo/HiFi Buyer’s Guide).
Apparently this machine was designed to record and play back encoded SQ (Stereo Quadraphonic) signals. We are not aware of any SQ encoded prerecorded tapes so perhaps this refers to taping quad SQ LPs, which were available at the time.
– The 377 can be operated in vertical or horizontal positions, just switch it around inside the case to your preference.
The 377 was sold in Japan as the TC-6360-A and a rare Quadraphonic version – TC-6364
Additional Info
Heads 3
Erase, Record and Playback (both ferrite & ferrite)
Frequency response (3dB)
Normal tape:
7½ ips: 30Hz -25kHz
3¾ ips: 30Hz -17kHz
1 7/8 ips: 30Hz -9kHz
SLH tape:
7½ ips: 30Hz -30kHz
3¾ ips: 30Hz -20kHz
1 7/8 ips: 30Hz -9kHz
Wow & flutter
less than 0.09% at 7½ ips, 0.12% at 3¾ ips and 0.17% at 1 7/8 ips
Signal to noise ratio
55 db with SLH tapes, 52 db with standard
Service considerations
– Clean and re-lube the mechanicals
– Replace motor run capacitor
– Reverse the fan on the bottom of the motor so it blows it into the motor for cooler operation (some people report this is better)
– The spark killer on the voltage selector could use a replacement
Harmonic distortion: less than 1.2% / Bias frequency: 160kHz / Semi-conductors: 27 transistors & 4 diodes / Rewind speed: 100 seconds for 1200ft / Inputs: microphone: 600ohm / .19mV. auxiliary: 100kohm 0.06V / Outputs: line (100k or more) – output (0dB) .775V – headphone 8 ohm (30mV) /Total harmonic distortion 1.2% / Semiconductors 23 x transistors, 5 x diodes