Technics RS-B605 (1987–1990)
A Japanese-built stereo cassette deck with high-end noise reduction and precision tape handling, sold for ¥54,800 in 1987.
Overview
The Technics RS-B605 is a stereo cassette deck manufactured in Japan from 1987 to 1990. It features a Technics Brown finish and was designed for high-fidelity audio recording and playback. Built with professional-grade features, it supports multiple noise reduction systems and includes a precise electronic counter and FL peak level meter for accurate monitoring.
Specifications
| Heads | Recording and Playback : High Hardness Permalloy; Erasing : double-gap ferrite |
| Wow flutter | 0.06% (W. R. M.S.) ± 0.12% (W. Peak, EIAJ) |
| Frequency characteristic | Normal (ED) : 20 Hz to 17 kHz, 30 Hz to 16 kHz ± 3 dB (EIAJ); CrO 2 (EX) : 20 Hz to 18 kHz, 30 Hz to 17 kHz ± 3 dB (EIAJ); Metal (EM) : 20 Hz to 19 kHz, 30 Hz to 18 kHz ± 3 dB (EIAJ) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | NR off : 56 dB (EX Tape, WTD, 1 kHz, 3% third order distortion); Dolby B NR IN : 66 dB (EX Tape, CCIR); Dolby C NR IN : 74 dB (EX Tape, CCIR); Dbx IN : 92 dB (EX Tape, WTD, 1 kHz, 3% third order distortion) |
| Input terminal | Line : 60 mv (Input IMP47k Ω); Microphone : 0.25 mv (Compatible IMP400 Ω ~ 10k Ω) |
| Output terminal | Line : 400 mV (output IMP3k Ω); Headphone : 80mV/8 Ω (Compatible IMP8 Ω ~ 600 Ω) |
| Power | 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | 17W |
| External dimensions | Width 430x Height 114.5x Depth 287 mm |
| Weight | 4.3kg |
Design
The RS-B605 uses a quiet 2-motor full logic mechanism and includes Dolby HX-PRO along with three noise reduction options: Dolby B, Dolby C, and dbx. It features a ClassAA recording equalizer amplifier unique to Technics and a single-chip custom IC for the regenerative equalizer amplifier. The deck has a wide-range 3-color FL peak level meter, LED indicators, auto tape selection, L/R independent microphone inputs, Auto Rec Mute, a music selector for track navigation, timer recording and playback functions, and an electronic counter.
Market
Original price was ¥54,800 around 1987. Known service manuals are available, and common issues include problems with the pinch roller and drive belt. Some units may stop during playback due to degraded rubber components.
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