A high-end stereo cassette deck featuring a 3-head configuration and Hot Press Ferrite heads for improved fidelity and durability.
Overview
The Technics RS-279US is a stereo cassette deck made by Technics / Panasonic, . It was the first cassette deck to feature a 3-head configuration for recording monitoring, allowing real-time playback of recorded audio with high accuracy. Built with professional-grade components, it uses HPF (Hot Press Ferrite) heads manufactured under high temperature and pressure for superior magnetic permeability and wear resistance. The head gap is precision-finished to within 1/1000 mm, minimizing high-frequency loss from eddy currents. It includes a full-scale Dolby B noise reduction system with level adjustment, a lock-type pause button, operation indicator lamp, and memory rewind mechanism.
Specifications
| Original Price | ¥99,800 |
| Head configuration | 3-head |
| Head type | HPF (Hot Press Ferrite) |
| Motor system | 2-motor direct drive |
| Capstan motor | Non-contact electronic commutator motor |
| Reel motor | DC motor |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (Dolby OFF) | 50 dB or more |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (Dolby ON) | 58 dB or more |
| Frequency response (Normal tape) | 20 Hz to 15 kHz |
| Wow & flutter | 0.10% or less (WRMS) |
| External dimensions | 440 mm (W) x 115 mm (H) x 325 mm (D) |
| Weight | 9.5 kg (approx.) |
Design
The RS-279US features Technics' first 3-head configuration for recording monitoring on a cassette deck. The HPF (Hot Press Ferrite) head is made by molding fine manganese-zinc ferrite powder under high temperature and pressure, delivering high magnetic permeability and wear resistance while minimizing high-frequency loss due to eddy currents. The head gap is finished with ultra-precision processing on the order of 1/1000 mm. The capstan motor is a non-contact electronic commutator type, electronically controlled for an ultra-low rotation speed of approximately 5 revolutions per second. Signal-to-noise ratio can be improved by switching between microphone and line inputs.
Context
Market
One unit was listed for sale in Sacramento, CA, described as being in "good condition" at the time of documentation.
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