Technical Details
Brand: Sony
Model:TC-558
Category:Mid High Fidelity
Application:Consumer
Electronics:Solid State
Equalization:NAB
Country of Manufacture:Japan
Release dates:1974 - 1978
Original Price: $770
Tracks:1/4 Rec/PB
Speeds: 3 3/4, 7 1/2
Max Reel Size("): 7"
Number of heads: 6
Dimension: 17½ x 13 x 6½ " (400 x 394 x 197 mm)
Head Composition: Permalloy
Head Configuration: Stereo
# Motors: 3
Auto Reverse?:No
Voltage(s): 110-120v
Outputs: RCA
Frequency Response:7½ ips ( 3dB) SLH 180 tape: 30Hz - 25kHz Standard tape: 30Hz - 20kHz
Wow and Flutter:7½ ips: 0.12% 3¾ ips: 0.15%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:53 dB (standard tape) 55 dB (SLH tape)
Sound quality rating:6 / 10
Long-term reliability rating: 7/ 10
Additional Details
Description
Sony’s highest price 7″reel machine for 1974, the TC-558 featured three motors, six ferrite heads and auto reverse (for both record and playback modes). A ‘Symphase’ recording’ feature allowed taping 4-channel from any SQ
or FM matrix source. The recorder had two tape speeds, 7½ and 3¾ ips with a frequency response of 30 – 25kHz at the higher speed (±3dB) and signal to noise ratio of 53dB with standard tape, 56dB with SLH-280 tape.
Price when new (according to Stereo Review’s Stereo Directory & Buying Guide of 1975) was US$769.95.
Additional Info
Year 1974
Price when new (in the USA) $769.95 (Stereo Review’s Stereo Directory & Buying Guide, 1975)
Track system Quarter track stereo
Heads Six: erase, record and playback for each direction (all Ferrite)
Motors Three
Maximum reel size 7″
Tape speeds 7½ and 3¾ ips
Frequency response at 7½ ips ( 3dB)
SLH 180 tape: 30Hz – 25kHz
Standard tape: 30Hz – 20kHz
Wow & flutter 7½ ips: 0.12%; 3¾ ips: 0.15%
Signal to noise ratio 53 dB (standard tape) 55 dB (SLH tape)
Bias frequency 120kHz
Rewind speed 150 seconds for 1200 ft
Inputs 2 microphone, 2 line (sensitivity 0.06V)
Outputs 2 line: impedance 100 K ; headphones: 8 ohms
Dimensions 17½ x 13 x 6½ ” (400 x 394 x 197 mm)