Sony 262 (circa 1962–1964)

Little is documented about the Sony 262 beyond its period advertising. The 262-D was a stereo tape deck - a transport meant to be added to an existing hi-fi system, not a self-contained recorder. Sony's own advertising in Audio (February 1963, p.31) described it as offering 4- and 2-track stereo recording and playback, priced at $89.50. A companion SRA-2 stereo recording amplifier was available for another $89.50 when record capability was wanted.

The 262 appeared in Sony's full-line ads from at least 1962 into 1964, alongside the Sterecorder 300 and the professional 777. A technical look at the machine in Studio Sound (August 1964, p.29) noted that the 262 shared its mechanics with the Model 101 and its electronics with the Model 103. It was more austere in appearance, with a different control-knob layout. The familiar Sony touches were there: the capstan and pinch wheel left out in the open, and the overlapping spools.

Beyond those facts the record is thin. No full specification sheet, production dates, or service documentation have surfaced. If you have a 262 or its manual, the Archive would welcome the details.