Technical Details
Brand: Technics
Model:RS-1520
Category:Super High Fidelity
Application:Semi-Pro
Electronic:Solid State
Country of Manufacture:Japan
Tracks:Half Track Rec/Play + Quarter Track PB
Speeds: 3 3/4, 7 1/2, 15
Max Reel Size("): 10.5"
Number of heads: 4
Dimension: 502 x 456 x 257mm
Head Composition: Sendust
Head Configuration: Stereo
# Motors: 3
Auto Reverse?:No
Voltage(s): 110-120v, 220-240v
Frequency Response:30Hz to 30kHz (15 ips)
Wow and Flutter:0.035% (15 ips)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:68dB
Sound quality rating:7 / 10
Long-term reliability rating: 8 / 10
Weight: 28 kg
Additional Details
Description
The Technics RS-1520 is a semi-professional machine that has great similarities to the 1500 but with a separate dual mono preamplifier section that features more adjustability.
The RS-1520 is a half track track record, quarter track playback deck with a switch on the headlock to change the playback head to quarter track. It has the Isolated Loop tape path developed by Technics which improves wow and flutter (.018%) as well as modulation noise.
A large 34mm capstan with 2 pinch rollers makes for a very smooth and stable tape path with an electronic tension control system. The tape tension on the 1506 is low compared to many other machines, so for those using older tapes with rippled edges, this may not be the ideal.
A Quartz-Locked Direct-Drive Capstan Motor completed the well-designed assembly.
Logic controlled electronic braking, which applies reverse torque to the motor prior to deploying a mechanical brake, results in very smooth transition between function selections and virtually no tape stretch.
Tape speeds 3 3⁄4, 7 1⁄2, 15 ips
Wow and flutter 0.035% (15 ips)
Frequency response 30Hz to 30kHz (15 ips)
Signal to Noise Ratio 68dB
Total harmonic distortion 0.8%
Additional Info
Optional remote control RP-9690
Technics isolated loop system
The Technics single capstan system offered advantages over double capstan as variations in the speed of two capstans and the pressure of the two pinch rollers to maintain the desired temp tape tension makes speed and tension adjustment complex and difficult often increasing the tape tension which is not desirable. The relatively long distance between the two capstans over which the which the tape must stretch contributes to higher modulation noise and scrape flutter. In contrast the Technics single capstan system maintains exactly the same speed and pinch roller pressure on both sides of the capstan. The wide contact area between the pinch rollers and the single extra-large capstan allows for lower tape tension, about 80 g and very steady because the tape path between the capstan and the reversing roller is relatively short. So modulation noise, wow & flutter and level fluctuations are dramatically reduced. Add to this the quartz locked slow speed direct capstan drive system, aided by tension controlled direct drive reel motors and air dampened tension rollers the Technics isolated loop system achieves excellent overall performance.