A high-end auto-reverse stereo cassette deck with dbx noise reduction and programmable playback
Overview
The Technics RS-B78R is a stereo cassette deck made by Technics, featuring advanced automation and high-fidelity recording and playback capabilities. Built as a top-tier auto-reverse model, it supports Dolby B and C, as well as dbx noise reduction for improved dynamic range. It includes a direct music selector that allows users to program up to 12 songs per side and automatically play them in sequence. The deck has a reverse mechanism with infrared-based inversion detection and offers three reverse modes: single-sided, double-sided, and double-sided loop. Available in silver and black, it combines user-friendly features with precision engineering for both casual and critical listening.
Specifications
| Type | Stereo cassette deck |
| Heads | Recording / Playback : AX Amorphous; Erase : 2 x Double Gap Ferrite |
| Motor | Electronically controlled DC motor for capstan; Reel motor |
| Wow flutter | 0.045%(W.R.M.S.) ± 0.095% (W. Peak, EIAJ) |
| Frequency characteristic | Normal (ED) : 20 Hz to 18 kHz, 40 Hz to 16 kHz ± 3 dB (EIAJ); CrO 2 (EX) : 20 Hz to 19 kHz, 40 Hz to 17 kHz ± 3 dB (EIAJ); Metal (EM) : 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 40 Hz to 18 kHz ± 3 dB (EIAJ) |
| Dynamic range | 110 dB (dbx in, 1 kHz, EX Tape) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | NR off : 58 dB (EX Tape, WTD, 1 kHz, 3% third order distortion); 55 dB (EX tape, EIAJ); Dolby B NR in : 66 dB; Dolby C NR in : 72 dB; Dbx in : 92 dB |
| Input Sensitivity / Impedance | Mic : 0.25mV/400 Ω ~ 10k Ω; Line : 60mV/47k Ω |
| Output Level / Impedance | Line : 400mV/1.5k Ω; Headset : 2mW/8 Ω (compatible impedance 8 Ω ~ 600 Ω) |
| Power | 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | Approx. 20W |
| Maximum external dimensions | Width 430x Height 98x Depth 273 mm (Including Knob and Rubber Foot) |
| Weight | Approx. 5.3 kg |
Design
The RS-B78R uses a newly developed thrust hold AX rotary head made from amorphous alloy, designed to eliminate azimuth misalignment during forward and reverse playback, ensuring consistent performance on both tape sides. It features an auto tape selector that detects tape type and adjusts settings accordingly, along with an auto input selector and cue & review function. The dbx system compresses the signal during recording and expands it during playback to achieve a dynamic range of 110 dB. The deck includes a 2-way digital counter that displays remaining tape time for both A and B sides, and supports functions like blank skip, auto REC mute, and repeat playback of selected tracks up to 16 times.
Market
The Technics RS-B78R was originally priced at ¥79,800 around 1983 and was positioned as a high-end auto-reverse cassette deck in Technics' lineup, which included the RS-B68R, RS-B58R, RS-B48R, and RS-B28R. It is described as rare in current collector markets, with replacement belts listed separately, indicating common wear over time. A service manual is available, supporting long-term maintenance.
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