Technical Details
Brand: Technics
Model:RS-1700
Category:Super High Fidelity
Application:Consumer
Electronics:Solid State
Country of Manufacture:Japan
Tracks:1/4 Rec/PB
Speeds: 3 3/4, 7 1/2, 15
Max Reel Size("): 10.5"
Number of heads: 6
Dimension: 446 x 492 x x 257 mm (17-1/2" x 19-3/8" x 10-1/8")
Head Composition: Sendust
Head Configuration: Stereo
# Motors: 3
Auto Reverse?:Yes
Voltage(s): 100v Japan, 110-120v, 220-240v
Outputs: RCA
Frequency Response:15 ips 30 -30,000 Hz ±3 dB 7 ½ ips 20 - 25,000 Hz ±3 dB
Wow and Flutter:.018% at 15 ips
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:60 dB
Sound quality rating:8 / 10
Long-term reliability rating: 8/ 10
Weight: 55.6 lbs 25.2 kg
Additional Details
Description
Many tape recorder enthusiasts would suggest that the Technics RS-1700 is the best Auto-reverse reel to reel tape recorder ever created. Although others might suggest that Pioneer RT-909 with its warm rich bass is more to their liking.
What makes the 1700 unique is the Isolated Loop tape path, which improved wow and flutter (.018%) as well as modulation noise. Technics had perfected it with an earlier model, the RS-1500US and the 1700 was the third Isolated Loop model out of the production gate.
These models utilized a massive capstan, 34 mm in diameter with 2 pinch rollers which made for a very smooth and stable tape path with an electronic tension control system. 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. A Quartz-Locked Direct-Drive Capstan Motor completed the well-designed assembly. The tape tension on the 1700 is low compared to many other machines, so for those using older tapes with rippled edges, this may not be the ideal.
The RS-1700 has six heads that allows for recording and playback in both directions. Super Alloy laminated heads for Rec/Pb and double-gap ferrite heads for erase.
There are three selections available to the user, continuous, reverse and off (cont, rev and non rev). Auto reverse is activated by a photoelectric detector seeing a transparent leader tape which can be spliced onto your existing tapes.
The Original Technics literature suggested that “the 24-pin plug-in type head assembly may be removed quite easily for simple replacement with other Technics head assemblies which will become available in the future” – No such futuristic head assemblies ever showed up.
Rosewood veneer side panels were included in most markets.
A silver version was available but we don’t believe it was ever sold in North America.
Additional Info
Fast Forward and rewind Time: 150 sec with 2500 feet (762 m)
Frequency Responses
15 ips (38 cm/s) 30 -30,000 Hz ±3 dB
7 ½ ips (19.5 cm/s) 20 – 25,000 Hz ±3 dB
3 ¾ ips (9,5 cm/s) 20 -15,000 Hz ±3 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratios (NAB weighted 185 nWb/m =6 dB):
15 ips (38 cm/s) : 60 dB
7 ½ ips (19 cm/s) : 60 dB
3 ¾ ips (9,5 cm/s) : 58 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion ( 400 Hz/ 0 VU)
15 ips (38 cm/s) : 0,8%
7 ½ ips (19 cm/s) : 0,8%
3 ¾ ips (9,5 cm/s) : 0,8%
Channel Separation: greater than 50 dB
Erasing Ratio: greater than 65 dB (rec. at 1 kHz +10 dB)
Recording Bias: 120 kHz
Equalization (NAB) Position 2 on EQ and Bias for Scotch No.207 tape
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.