Tandberg TD-20A

Description

This was the second last recorder Tandberg produced before their demise in December 1978.

The TD 20 A was Tandberg’s first open-reel recorder to incorporate a new Actilinear recording process. This replaced their previous approach of using a crossfield 4th head. ACTILINEAR recording brought a significant 20 dB increase in the ability of the electronics to handle a much stronger signal, resulting in lower distortion and better transient response while improving intermodulation distortion. Tandberg were also many years ahead of their competition having chosen to use higher grade Elna electrolytic capacitors that still perform well to this day. It should be noted however that the power supply capacitors were of a different type, Frako, that didn’t have as long lifespan so these should be replaced without exception. The musicality of this deck is quite significant relative to any top-end Japanese recorders. When used on a higher end sound system, the 20a offers a much richer, detailed sound.
In recent years, owners of these machines have discovered some relatively small problems that can be overcome to keep them running (read service suggestions below)
The Tandberg 20A was available in four configurations, half track, quarter track, high-speed (15 – 7.5ips) or low speed (71/2 – 3 3/4ips)

Features

• Full-logic functionality with smooth transitions through all the functions.
  Four Motors – Capstan brushless synchronous motor with belt drive and a heavy flywheel to isolate vibrations from the motor to the capstan. Direct coupled reel motors controlled by a program read only memory with a trial output to provide constant tape tension.
  – Four record-level controls with a master record control for mic/line and line/line mixing
  – Front-panel bias adjustment controls
  – Switchable 25 dB microphone attenuator
  – Peak-reading equalized meters
  – Optional infra-red remote control