Description
This is a great example of a very highly regarded deck from Technics. Coming towards the end of the cassette era, this machine is based on decades of incremental improvements, and represents the pinnacle of analogue tape technology. This machine is presented in superb, fully working and serviced condition, and includes a high quality mains lead, original shipping carton and packaging, and the owner’s manual from Technics alongside other documentation including the guarantee card. The specification is phenomenal, including: Dolby B/C and HX ProHighly accurate fluorescent metering with peak hold2-motor, full logic-controlled direct drive transportAuto tape type selectAdjustable recording bias currentHeadphone output on the front panel, with adjustable levelDigital tape counter This machine was one of two almost identical decks made at the same time – the RS-B555 (this one) and the RS-B565 (which had upgraded capacitors, but was otherwise identical in every way). We have heard both, and they are both excellent sounding machines. A scan of the online forums suggests that, contrary to what you would expect, the RS-B555 sounds the better of the two, and is widely recognised as an outstanding deck that needs no modification to deliver audiophile quality sound. The technology in this tape transport of this deck is just remarkable. Online reviews are universally positive with comments like “the RS-B565 is difficult to beat.. especially in the wow and flutter department it is unsurpassed, not even my Nakamichi/Sankyo two headers can beat it in that respect, neither can my Nakamichi Sankyo closed loop decks..”. It is highly stable and performs well on all the tapes in our test set, which includes a range of formulations and brands. There are no belts at all in this design, so it should give many years of service without intervention. This RS-B555 has been professionally serviced and fully tested. The servicing work includes lubricating the mechanism, cleaning the switches and testing and cleaning the internal electrical contacts. The electrical alignment has been checked, using a test cassette, oscilloscope, signal generator and external level meters. This process includes setting the recording levels, playback levels, meter calibration, bias and tape speed. The tape transport has been tested, cleaned and demagnetised. It has been inspected for electrical safety and put through a full PAT test, in line with current guidance. A good quality mains lead is included. Cosmetically, this deck is in excellent condition for its age. The display is clear, bright and looks great, the front and back panels are both excellent, with only the most minor signs of use. There are some light surface marks on the lid, but these are subtle, and unlikely to be noticeable once installed. Please take a look at the pictures. It all works as it should and sounds great on both record and playback. The mechanism is perfect shape and looks to have seen only very light use – the tape heads, pinch roller and other key components all perform brilliantly and were in very clean condition when this deck arrived in our workshop. Overall, it is a testament to the care taken by its previous owner. Shipping will be by next day courier or Royal Mail first class parcels. It will be very carefully packed, and we usually ship out same or next day. Please check our feedback, and if you have any questions - just ask.
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