Technics RS B555 (1988–1990)
A direct-drive cassette deck from Technics' late-era lineup, built in Japan for high-fidelity tape playback and digitization.
Overview
The Technics RS-B555 is a 2-head, single compact cassette deck manufactured by Technics (a brand of Panasonic/Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.) in Japan from 1988 to 1990. Finished in black, it was designed for stereo audio recording and playback with an emphasis on mechanical reliability and low noise performance. This model supports Type I, II, and IV tapes and includes Dolby B, C, and HX Pro noise reduction systems. It lacks auto reverse and pitch control but features title search, an electronic tape counter, and microphone input. The RS-B555 is noted for its use in playing and digitizing cassette collections.
Specifications
| Power consumption | 21 W |
| Dimensions | 430 x 125 x 290 mm (W x H x D) |
| Weight | 4.4 kg |
| Number of inputs | 2 (line/mic) |
| Number of outputs | 2 (line) |
| Tape Heads | Hard permalloy double-gap ferrite head |
| Motors | 2 motors (logic-controlled transport, direct-drive capstan) |
| Wow & Flutter | 0.05% (WRMS) |
| Tape Type Compatibility | Type I (Fe), Type II (CrO₂), Type IV (Metal) |
| Frequency response (DIN) | Type I (Fe): 20 Hz - 16 kHz; Type II (CrO₂): 20 Hz - 17 kHz; Type IV (Metal): 20 Hz - 18 kHz |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (CrO₂ tape, 3% THD) | with Dolby C: 74 dB (CCIR); with Dolby B: 66 dB (CCIR); without NR: 56 dB (A-weighted) |
| Auto Reverse | No |
| Title search | Yes |
| Noise Reduction | Dolby B, Dolby C, Dolby HX Pro |
| MPX Filter | Yes |
| Pitch control | No |
| CD Synchro Recording | Not specified |
Design
The RS-B555 uses a direct-drive capstan system with a beltless, logic-controlled transport mechanism. It features Digital Servo Direct Drive (DD) motors and Technics' Linear Magna-Field Class AA recording/playback circuitry. Key features include bias adjustment, electronic tape counter, microphone input, and an MPX filter. The head type is a hard permalloy double-gap ferrite head.
Market
The original price was approximately 600 DM. A 2026 listing shows a refurbished unit priced at CAD $250.00.
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