NEW LISTING 8/20/2021
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warranty
RESTORED / REFURBISHED / FULLY SERVICED / WARRANTED
TECHNICS OPEN REEL TO REEL TAPE RECORDER
10.5" / 1/4" STEREO TAPE DECK
TECHNICS RS-1700 REEL TAPE DECK
#...564B
4-TRACK / 2-CHANNEL
DIRECT DRIVE
3-SPEED / 3 HEAD
*AUTO-REVERSE
5" / 7" / 10.5" (THE BIG ONES) REEL CAPACITY
"WORLD AC POWER" ™
  Circa 1977-80
MIJ
SOLD 9/7/2021
SHIPPING TO GORDON IN ILLINOIS

ü Our technician has EXTENSIVELY gone through and 'Certified' this unit.

Original issues were typical of most 40 year old reel to reel decks such as; Nicotine, sluggish start, iffy brakes, tape spillage, noisy / dirty switches and controls, tape bias out of whack, playback dropped off significantly on one side below 1kHz, recording 20db down or more on one or both sides, intermittent playback signal / levels. speed not accurate, tape path full of residue from tapes with 'sticky shed', pinch rollers 'out of round', bent / tweaked reel spindle tips, reel flange rub and more.

ü We have completely and extensively gone through the mechanicals and electronics of this unit.

ü We have invested more time into this deck than any other deck we have ever restored. Not because it was in bad shape, quite the contrary, but because there's so much to address on one of these Technics "RS" decks, and it's quite 'un-orthodox' relative to most other decks in function, design and electro-mechanical systems.

ü Unique to Technics, all the Air Bellows were disassembled, and had their valves reversed as after 40 years, gravity causes them to sag the wrong way, thus making them ineffective for reducing tension arm movement. 

ü ‘Tape Lifters’ completely disassembled, cleaned and re-lubed

ü Head block removed, burnished and de-mag'd

ü Pinch-roller ‘Lift Mechanism’ completely disassembled, cleaned and re-lubed

ü ‘E.O.T.’ arm completely disassembled, cleaned and re-lubed

ü PR mechanism solenoid mounts adjusted and Pinch Roller tension increased

ü Supply reel 'back tension' increased for both sides to reduce chance of 'tape walk off' (still may happen near very beginning of side B occasionally).

ü Huge, capstan motor removed to facilitate a number of operations (Technics capstan motors are by far, larger than we have come across an any other reel to reel machines)

ü Capstan / flywheel removed, bushings and axels cleaned and re-lubed

ü Capstan cleaned

ü Rubber pinch rollers both reconditioned on drill press, then cleaned with Rubber Re'nue 

ü Capstan is Direct-drive so no belt required

ü Brand new Counter belts installed; #42-310 & #42-175

ü Typical 'Tape counter squeal' addressed by removing counter, disassembling and lubing main shaft

ü Heads have been cleaned and de-magnetized as well as the entire transport.

ü Power supply CB checked, adjusted and verified to correct VDC which enables proper and certainly best performance from Cap motor, Playback and Record amp circuits

ü *Back tension adjusted on both reel motors w/ vertical gram scale.

ü HUGE Capstan motor removed, disassembled, cleaned

ü All three motors test perfectly. Following above adjustments, Reel Start and Stop tested at beginning, middle and end of 7" and 10.5" tapes

ü 20-30 hours; Brakes were determined to have 'tired' springs and less than adequate brake shoe surface area. Original springs changed from 380 grams to 550 grams (about the max they could handle) and we replaced and added a third brake pad to each brake shoe to improve original braking tension to reduce 'tape spillage'. Anymore would cause another 'over-ride' spring to engage. Also all three Air Bellows had to be removed, disassembled, have their valves reversed, re-assembled and re-installed. Getting the brakes and tape tension arms to function close to properly was incredibly time consuming. Besides the actual work, there testing and re-testing with different sized reels, with different amounts of tape on each side. They are now performing at ~98% of original design.

    

ü Brakes adjusted on fast wind modes on both 7.5” and fully loaded 10.5” reels from top speed, with tape at 95% either side

ü Both spindles now in perfect alignment.

ü We also adjusted the reel table heights.

ü Internal pots, switches and controls cleaned and tested for noise-free function. (Requires extensive disassembly to access some switches). As this is not only an 'Auto-Reverse' deck, it also has 'Bi-Directional' recording, as well as three speeds, and dual, triple-position tape EQ / Type selectors. THERE'S A LOT of internal, PC mounted trim pots inside that have to be addressed with various test / alignment tapes.  Source / Tape switches were cleaned multiple times over a few days, but still had static when manipulated, so they were further removed, disassembled, had their internal contacts individually burnished, the re-assembled / re-installed.   Now operate normally. All of the 'switch / control cleaning operation' adds MANY HOURS to the restore of this unit.
 EXTENSIVE spent time on calibrating internal levels for Line Input, Playback Levels, Meter Levels (both mechanically and electronically), Record Levels, Record Bias and EQ for using Ampex GM456 and Maxell 35-90 UD tape to proper dBV levels. 

ü Heads have little appreciable wear.

ü 15-20 Hours: BOTH direction Playback and Record Head alignment / azimuth was adjusted for peak performance with factory test tone tape and oscilloscope.  

ü Following the above work and calibration, Recording tests performed with Ampex GM456 (again, same formulation as new ATR tape) and Maxell UD (Gold / Black) Tapes on both A & B sides.
Here’s the results;
SIDE A:
GM 456 @ 7.5ips. 1kHz @ 0dB = -3dB L & -2dB R
GM 456 @ 15ips. 1kHz @ 0dB = -3.5dB L & -1.5dB R
SIDE B:
GM 456 @ 7.5ips. 1kHz @ 0dB = -2dB L & -2dB R
GM 456 @ 15ips. 1kHz @ 0dB = -4dB L & -1.5dB R
SIDE A:
MAXELL UDXL @ 7.5ips. 1kHz @ 0dB = -3dB L & -3.5dB R
MAXELL UDXL @ 15ips. 1kHz @ 0dB = -2.5dB L & -1.0dB R
SIDE B:
MAXELL UDXL @ 7.5ips. 1kHz @ 0dB = -7dB L & -5dB R
MAXELL UDXL @ 15ips. 1kHz @ 0dB = -3.5dB L & -1.5dB R

We then tested Ampex GM456 with Recorded program from "ddd" source extensively and deck performed well.

ü Floor noise measured at -56 dBV

ü Unit detailed cosmetically

ü This Technics RS-1700 functions, plays, and records VERY WELL (and we really put them through the paces, testing both with well mixed, recently recorded CD material and CD recorded / factory test tones looking for correct head Azimuth and speed accuracy). Total time investment in refurb / testing ~ 64 hours!!!
____________________________

Looks GREAT & is "Ready-to-go"! This is the first Technics RS-1700 Stereo Reel to Reel tape deck we ever had in over two and a half decades. Will play / record stereo 1/4" tapes on reels 5, 7 & 10.5" at speeds from 3.75, 7.5 and 15ips. This is one of the few reel to reel decks we get in that make it to our finished page. Great performer. This one made it through and all* functions test great! If you're looking for a reel to reel deck to "actually use" here you go. Only about 30-50% of the used Reel decks out there can be "practically" restored to working order. Heads have no appreciable wear. They’re in great shape! Following extensive service and alignment, both mechanically and electronically, recordings sound FANTASTIC on this unit now. Looks and sounds great too!
Again, we have completely gone through it and it's ready to go!

TECHNICS RS-1700 Features include:...

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- Multi-Pin port for optional (not available from us) Wired Remote Control, RP-9170
- DC power option for portable use as well with optional RP-086 24-volt power pack (not included) (would require additional parts / accessories / effort and not sure why someone would want to use it portably anyway)
-True "WORLD AC POWER"™ allows unit to be operated on 50 or 60 Hz AC and will select voltages from 110v, 120v, 220v and 240 volts AC input.

TECHNICS RS-1700 Specifications:

Heads:...

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...5" reel: ~ 150 sec.

Again, due to the complexity of the Technics RS-1700 reel to reel tape deck, it required far more restoration / refurb / repair work than any deck we've had come through at 60+ hours!!! They're VERY complex machines, labor intensive machines to bring back to a useable level after 40 years.
Cosmetically the deck looks great overall. The only issues worth mentioning are; some light 'reel flange rub' on the left side, a small finish tic near one meter, some scuffs to the head cover and a few tiny, edge tics to the finish (see photos above).
Includes our normal accessory kit that includes a 'PlayBack Demo' made on the deck, a 7" plastic take-up reel, and a couple of other assorted 7" tapes to play with.
Includes a pdf / 'e-copy' download of the TECHNICS RS-1700  Owners manual, and if desired, a copy of the TECHNICS RS-1700 (& RS-1520) Service manuals. Measures 18" wide x 17.5" deep x 10.25" high and weighs 57 lbs unpacked. Includes our standard 30 day limited warranty excluding any exceptions / issues previously mentioned.
Technics RS-1700, #564B Reel to Reel Tape Deck
Cond. 8.5++
$3999.
SOLD 9/7/2021
SHIPPING TO GORDON IN ILLINOIS

(Reels shown in photos are not included, but we sometimes / occasionally have them for sale. Inquire at time of order.
However, all of our decks will come with 2x tapes for testing 'Playback' and 'Recording' as well as a 7" 'take-up' reel, and RCA patch cables for connection to your system)

  (Above text property of www.oaktreevintage.com / Oak Tree Enterprises, LLC. See 'Copyright Information' page for details)

 

    

NEW LISTING 10/24/17
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  warranty
RESTORED / REFURBISHED / FULLY SERVICED
VINTAGE TECHNICS CASSETTE TAPE DECK
TECHNICS  RS-M234X
 #...5467
With DOLBY B, C & dbx NR
Circa 1983
Made in Japan

SOLD 10/30/17
SHIPPED TO OREGON

ü Our technician has completely and EXTENSIVELY gone through and 'Certified' this unit which involves complete disassembly of the transport (not an easy task on this deck), cleaning inside and out, COMPLETELY DISASSEMBLING, cleaning and re-lubricating all internal mechanisms and the balance of efforts listed below.

ü Heads inspected for excessive wear (obviously we do this 'early on' as 'excessive' wear will usually negate any further restoration work).

ü ALL GEAR DRIVE (meaning NO reel belts / tires) for trouble-free service.



ü Rubber pinch roller reconditioned

ü Capstan burnished

ü Heads have been cleaned and de-magnetized as well as the entire transport.

ü Head alignments and azimuth checked and adjusted as necessary for 'peak performance' with O-Scope

ü All internal pots, switches and controls cleaned and tested for noise-free function.

ü All internal fluorescent displays and LED's working fine.

ü Both hub spindles in perfect alignment.

ü FF, REW, & Play transport functions all test perfectly and controls tested for 'positive / accurate' responsive.

ü Heads in great shape as well, with many years of performance left in them and head alignment / azimuth has been checked for peak performance.

ü Playback meters zero with factory test tone tape.

ü Tape Counter Function tested

ü Pinch roller and heads all in GREAT condition!!! -

ü Both level meters playback even.

ü Speed adjusted to 100% accuracy with 1kHz factory test tape (meaning 1kHz calibration tape plays back at 1000Hz +/- 1Hz)

ü Deck has had just over 6 hours of restoration work done, mostly to the transport.


ü Plays perfectly and records well @ ~0dB (between TDK and Maxell tapes) ( we really put them through the paces, testing both with well mixed, recently recorded CD material and CD recorded / factory test tones looking for correct head Azimuth and speed accuracy).

Face is made of beautiful brushed aluminum, and overall the deck is in NEW cosmetic condition. Following the extensive restoration, we did 'test recordings' of a 'ddd' CD on 6 tapes; Sony Normal Bias, Fuji Normal Bias, TDK Normal Bias, Maxell Normal Bias, TDK 'SA' High Bias, and Maxell 'XL-II' High Bias. We found that for Normal and High Bias, of those tapes tested, both the "Maxells" performed VERY well on this particular deck.
 Total technician time to restore and do final testing ~7+ hrs.
 
The Technics RS-M234X. Great deck for "all around use" home or project studio. And since it utilizes dbx NR, it can squeeze up to 110 dB of dynamic range onto a cassette tape (normally the best recorders might do up to 72 dB). 

Technics RS-M234X Features include:

- Motor assist...

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Technics RS-M234X Specifications:

Track format: 4 track / 2 channel
Motors: 1
Heads: 1x 'xx' R/P and 1x 'xx' erase head
Dynamic Range: 1xB with DBX engaged
Freq Response; xx,000Hz w/ Metal Tape @xdB
xx,000Hz w/ CrO2 Tape @ -xdB
xx,000Hz w/ Std Tape @ -xdB
Wow & Flutter (WRMS): 0.045% wtd
Tape Speed: 1-7/8 ips +/-x% (but as stated above, we have adjusted to 0.1% accuracy!)
S/N ratio w/ CrO2 tape: >xxdb (w/ dbx engaged)

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>xxdb (w/ Dolby C engaged)
>xxdb (w/ Dolby B engaged)
>xxdb (w/ no NR)
Bias Frequency: xxKHz
Line Input: xxmV & 47K Ohms
Line Output: x0mV & 1.5K Ohms
Headphones Output: xmV @ 8-600 Ohms
Fast Wind time: x Sec w/ C60 tapes

Very clean deck. All functions work well. Again, deck has been completely gone through. I sold this deck when new with never any disappointments. Great for...

HEY, WHY ALL THE 'X'd' OUT / OMITTED SPECS AND TEXT?

... transferring your tape collection to CD, Hard-drive or MP3. Deck looks NEW! Measures 17" wide x 9.5" deep x 4.25" tall and weighs 10 lbs unpacked. Will include an 'e-copy' / pdf of the Pioneer CT-F650 owners manual. Comes with our 30 day limited warranty.
TECHNICS RS-M234X CASSETTE DECK W/ dbx
Cond. 8.5
SOLD 10/30/17
SHIPPED TO OREGON

(tape shown in photos not included. We do ship our decks with a  a 'pre-recorded' tape for playback, made on this 'specific' deck, and a tape to 'practice record' on.) 

(Above text, in it's entirety, property of www.oaktreevintage.com / Oak Tree Enterprises, LLC. See 'Copyright Information' page for details)

             NEW LISTING 5/16/12
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warranty
 'VINTAGE' TECHNICS CASSETTE TAPE DECK
           RS-M255X / RSM255X
  AUTO-REVERSE
  With DOLBY B, C & dbx NR
#...8456
  Circa 1982-84
  Made in Japan
 "WORLD AC POWER" ™
SOLD 8/13/12
SHIPPED TO PENNSYLVANIA
We have completely and EXTENSIVELY gone through this unit. Entire front end removed and disassembled along with the complete transport assembly. Most mechanics, disassembled, cleaned and re-lubed. Both capstan flywheels removed. Capstan's burnished, cleaned and re-lubed prior to re-install. Both rubber pinch rollers removed have been reconditioned while transport was removed. Heads have been cleaned and de-magnetized as well as the entire transport. Main flywheel belt reconditioned. New counter belt installed. All internal pots, switches and controls cleaned and tested for noise-free function. The only thing we did not address was the 'well window lamp' as it was not 'monetarily practical' to replace (means it would have added an hour / $75 to the final price). All fluorescent displays and LED's working fine. Both spindles in perfect alignment. FF, REW, & Play transport functions all test perfectly and controls positively responsive. Eject door mechanism operates smoothly. Heads in good shape as well, with many years of performance left in them and head alignment / azimuth has been adjusted with factory 10kHz, Sony alignment tape and O-scope for peak performance. Azimuth verified for BOTH directions and remained consistent. Playback meters zero with factory test tone tape. Plays perfectly and records well on normal bias, Maxell UR tape @ 0dB with no NR, Dolby B or C and at -2dB with dbx. With CrO2 tape we were able to adjust within -2dB with no NR (we really put them through the paces, testing both with well mixed, recently recorded CD material and CD recorded / factory test tones looking for correct head Azimuth and speed accuracy). Pinch roller and heads all in GREAT condition!!! Both level meters playback even. Speed adjusted to 100% accuracy with 1kHz factory test tape. Balance of deck cleaned inside and out with a full cosmetic detailing. Deck looks, works and sounds great! 
   ____________________________
   
   The Technics RS-M255X with Auto-Reverse, Dolby B / C & dbx NR. Great deck for...

HEY, WHY ALL THE 'X'd' OUT / OMITTED SPECS AND TEXT?

 (normally the best recorders might do up to 72 dB with Dolby engaged).  
   Features include:
   


HEY, WHY ALL THE 'X'd' OUT / OMITTED SPECS AND TEXT?


 - True "WORLD AC POWER"™ allows unit to be operated on 50 or 60 Hz AC and will select voltages from 110v, 120v, 220v and 240 volts AC input.
  
  Specs:
  
  Track format: 4 track / 2 channel
  Motors: 2
  Freq Response;
XXX Hz +/- 3db w/ Metal Tape
XXX Hz +/- 3db w/ CrO2 Tape
XXX Hz +/- 3db w/ Normal Tape
  Wow & Flutter (WRMS): XX%

HEY, WHY ALL THE 'X'd' OUT / OMITTED SPECS AND TEXT?

Dynamic Range: XXdb DBX on (A weighted)
  S/N ratio w/ CrO2 tape: XXdb DBX on (A weighted)
  XXdB Dolby C NR (CCIR)
 XXdB Dolby B NR (CCIR)
XXdB No NR (A weighted)
Bias Frequency: X5KHz
  Fast Wind Time: C-60 tape ~XX secs
Line Input: XXmV & 47K Ohms
Mic Input: XXmV & 400-10k Ohms
Line Output: X0mV & 22K Ohms
Headphones Output: XXXXmV & 8 Ohms
  
   Again, we have completely cleaned, EXTENSIVELY prepped and tested this deck with an investment of approx 8 hours of tech time. Great for...

HEY, WHY ALL THE 'X'd' OUT / OMITTED SPECS AND TEXT?

Following it's restoration work, it looks, works and sounds great! Performs probably better than when new (I know the speed is adjusted more accurately).
From the original Brochure, "The new Technics cassette decks with dbx. They don't just reduce tape hiss. They Eliminate it!"
Includes an 'e-copy' of the service manual, that features and abbreviated 'user manual' section. Measures 17" wide x 13.5" deep x 4.5" tall and weighs 13 lbs unpacked. Comes with our 30 day limited warranty.
   TECHNICS RS-M255X Cassette Tape Deck / Recorder / Player
   Cond. 8.5+
SOLD 8/13/12
SHIPPED TO PENNSYLVANIA

           NEW ADDITION 1/30/08
 (Click on above thumbnails to enlarge photos)
  warranty
 PRE-OWNED / REFURBISHED
TECHNICS
 RS-TR555
#...A145
  DUAL-WELL
  STEREO
  CASSETTE TAPE DECK
 With dbx, DOLBY B & C
 W/ DUAL-WELL RECORDING
 & DUAL AUTO-REVERSE
SOLD 4/8/08