Technical Details
Brand: Sony
Model:TC-500A
Category:Mid High Fidelity
Application:Portable
Electronics:Solid State
Equalization:NAB
Country of Manufacture:Japan
Release dates:1964 - 1967
Tracks:1/4 Rec/PB
Speeds: 3 3/4, 7 1/2
Max Reel Size("): 7"
Number of heads: 2
Head Composition: Permalloy
Head Configuration: Stereo
Auto Reverse?:No
Voltage(s): 110-120v
Outputs: RCA, 1/4" Headphone
Frequency Response:(all 3 dB): 7½ ips: 30Hz - 18kHz
Wow and Flutter:less than 0.15% at7½ ips, less than 0.2% at 3¾ ips
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:48db
Sound quality rating:5 / 10
Long-term reliability rating: 5/ 10
Additional Details
Description
A quality product from the Sony Corporation of Japan, the TC 500 was a quarter-track stereo machine playing at 7½ and 3¾ ips. The recorder was supplied with two high quality speakers which together formed the lid of the equipment when packed for transportation. (At 55lbs this was not to be taken lightly!)
Tape motion was controlled by a single large rotary selector on the right
hand side of the machine giving play, stop, rewind and fast forward whilst
record was selected by two red interlocked safety buttons on the left.
This was to become a standard layout for Sony up until feather-touch solenoid
switches become feasible in the mid 1970’s.
Additional Info
Total harmonic distortion: less than 2% at 3dB below rated output / Valve complement: 2 x 6AQ5, 2 x 6AU6, 2 x 12AD7 (12AX7), 1 x 12AB7A & 1 x 6CA4 / Audio output power: 3 watts per channel / Inputs: microphone and aux, both high impedance / Outputs: speakers and line (600 ohm), record / playback DIN connector / Speaker(s): two full-range satellite speakers / Dimensions: 18½ x 16¼ x 12¼” (470 x 412 x 312 mm) / Weight: 55 lbs (25 kg) / quarter-track stereo