Technical Details
Brand: Spectone
Model:161
Category:Mid High Fidelity
Application:Consumer
Electronics:Tube
Equalization:IEC
Country of Manufacture:United Kingdom
Release dates:1959 - 1962
Tracks:1/2 Rec/PB
Speeds: 3 3/4, 7 1/2, 15
Max Reel Size("): 7"
Number of heads: 4
Head Composition: Permalloy
Head Configuration: Stereo - Stacked
Auto Reverse?:No
Frequency Response:(to CCIR spec): 15 ips: 50Hz - 16kHz
Wow and Flutter:better than 0.15% at 7½ ips
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:-45 dB below full peak output
Sound quality rating:5 / 10
Long-term reliability rating: 5/ 10
Additional Details
Description
Following on from Spectone’s 151, the 161 utilized the latest deck from Collaro, the Transcriptor Mk.IV. It featured two-way recording and playback and three speeds. 15, 7½ & 3¾ ips.
Improvements included super-imposing (sound-on-sound), basic input mixing facilities and a side-hinged lid which could accommodate three 7″ spools of tape behind a removal cover (see picture, left). A magic eye level indicator replaced the 151’s VU meter. Significantly smaller, lighter and cheaper (£51 9s as compared to £79 16s) than the 151, the 161 nevertheless retained similar specifications to its more expensive predecessor.
Additional Info
Inputs: high and low impedance microphone, line / Outputs: 15 ohm, external speaker, cathode follower line output / Audio output power: 4 watts / Speaker(s): 6″ internal / Dimensions: 15½ x 15¾ x 8¼” (394 x 400 x 210 mm) / Weight: 36 lbs (16.4 kg) / half-track mono