This Sony TC-730 is like something from a time capsule, and still has the factory power settings sticker on the reel table. It also appears to include all of the original accessories (mic, demo tape, box and manual). Still, we went through it top to bottom, and it runs like a top. What a rare find.

* Aluminum reels sold separately

RESTORATIONS

• Comprehensive bench test
• Cleaned tape path
• Verified speed
• Calibrated head azimuth
• Exterior detailed
  

SPECS

Type   4-track, 2-channel, stereo/monaural open reel tape deck

Reel size   up to 7 inch reel

Tape speeds   1⅞, 3¾, 7½ IPS

Wow and flutter   0.06% (7½ IPS)

Frequency response   20Hz to 30kHz (7½ IPS)

Signal to Noise Ratio   56dB

Total harmonic distortion   1.2%

Input   62mV (line), 0.2mV (mic)

Output   0.775V (line)

Output power   15 watts

Speakers   2 x 100x150mm

Semiconductors   51 x transistors, 25 x diodes, 1 x IC

Dimensions   21"H x 19.75"W x 9"D

Weight   52 lbs.

LINER NOTES

Described in the 1973 as “the ultimate in auto-reverse”, this six-head, three-motor recorder featured logic control transport and a direct drive capstan motor. Continuous play was activated by metal foil on the leader tape. Features included normal/special (high output) tape selector, full auto stop, separate mic and line input level controls for mixing, mic attenuation switch, illuminated VU meters, red record indicators built in to the VU meters, SOS (sound on sound recording), Echo with variable control, stereo headphone jack and a 5-pin Din socket. The 15-watt per channel power amplifiers could drive most speaker systems and two inbuilt 6 x 4 inch elliptical speakers were provided for monitoring purposes.