Technics RS-B18 (1984–1985)
A compact cassette deck from the mid-1980s Technics lineup, built for stereo home audio systems. It handles Type I, CrO2, and metal tapes.
Overview
The Technics RS-B18 is a single compact cassette deck made in 1984-1985. It was marketed as a high-quality, first-generation recorder for home audio systems. It plays and records Type I, CrO2, and metal tapes at the standard tape speed of 4.8 cm/s. There's no automatic tape reverse and no automatic adjustment for different tape types, so it sticks to the basics. It came in silver and black finishes, and it was positioned as an affordable but capable component for its era.
Specifications
| Type | 2-head, single compact cassette deck |
| Track System | 4-track, 2-channel stereo |
| Tape Speed | 4.8 cm/s |
| Tape Type | type I, CrO2, Metal |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 92dB (DBX) |
| Input | 70mV (line), 0.25mV (mic) |
| Output | 0.4V (line) |
| Dimensions | 430 x 108 x 220mm |
| Weight | 3.2kg |
| Finish | black, silver |
| Power consumption | 11 W @ 120/240 V |
Market
The Technics RS-B18 originally sold for $190 in 1984. Current listings show examples priced around $99-$145. Some units are noted to have problems such as no sound output or only one working channel. Repair attempts have been documented, which points to ongoing interest from enthusiasts despite the reliability concerns.
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