Teac A-2340R (1970s)
Semi-professional 4-track reel-to-reel tape recorder made in Japan for consumer use
Overview
The Teac A-2340R is a 4-track, 4-channel reel-to-reel tape recorder produced in Japan during the 1970s. Designed for consumer and home recording applications, it offers stereo/mono recording and playback capability with auto reverse functionality. The unit features a 3-head configuration using permalloy heads and supports 1/4-inch tape on reels up to 7 inches in diameter. Its design is highly similar to the Teac A-2340, and it belongs to a family of TEAC reel-to-reel models that helped pioneer home multi-track recording.
Specifications
| Model | Teac A-2340R |
| Manufacturer | Teac |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan |
| Production Years | 1970s |
| Format | 1/4" tape, 4-track, 4-channel |
| Tape Speeds | 3 3/4, 7 1/2 ips |
| Max Reel Size | 7" |
| Number of Heads | 3 |
| Head Composition | Permalloy |
| Head Configuration | Quad |
| Number of Motors | 3 |
| Auto Reverse | Yes (on playback) |
| Electronics | Solid State |
| Equalization | NAB |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz – 18kHz @ 7 1/2 ips |
| Wow and Flutter | 0.12% (7 1/2 ips) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 48 dB |
| Crosstalk | 35 dB |
| Outputs | RCA |
| Voltage | 110–120V AC |
| Dimensions | 522 × 170 × 440 mm |
| Weight | 20 kg |
| Separate Transport/Preamp | Yes |
Design
The A-2340R uses a solid-state electronics design with three permalloy heads in a quad configuration and three motors to drive the transport. It supports auto reverse on playback and is built for 4-track, 4-channel operation, allowing flexible recording and playback options in stereo or mono. The unit accepts 1/4-inch tape on 7-inch reels and includes NAB equalization. Its construction is consistent with TEAC’s approach to home multi-track recording during the 1970s, emphasizing usability and functional versatility.
Context
TEAC played a key role in the 1970s home multi-track recording revolution, and the A-2340R was part of a broader lineup of reel-to-reel models aimed at consumers and home musicians. It was designed to enable users to make high-quality recordings at home, particularly appealing to musicians such as guitarists who wanted to experiment with multi-track ideas. The A-2340R is listed alongside other classic TEAC reel-to-reel models, reflecting its place in the brand’s mid-high fidelity product range.
Market
One user purchased a Teac A-2340R for $80 from a thrift store, while another considered buying one for about $240 with a noise reduction unit. A non-functioning unit was listed for $300 plus $120 shipping approximately three years prior to research. Common issues include sticky high/low speed switches, inconsistent tape speed, weak motor power, worn belts, dirty capstans, aging motor components, worn motor brushes, and forward/reverse malfunctions. Maintenance typically involves replacing rubber belts, cleaning the capstan and pinch roller with isopropyl alcohol, inspecting motor brushes, and lubricating moving parts.
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