Technics RS-B48R (1984–1985)

A high-end auto-reverse cassette deck made in Japan. It supports Dolby B, C, and DBX noise reduction, has MX heads, and handles full metal tape.

Overview

The Technics RS-B48R is a stereo cassette deck made in 1984-1985 for high-fidelity recording and playback. It has a 2-head, auto-reverse system and takes Type I, CrO2, and Metal tapes. A fluorescent meter handles level monitoring. The MX heads are good ones, and they help it perform well across tape types. It was built in Japan and sold as a premium deck with advanced noise reduction.

Specifications

Type	auto reverse, 2-head, single compact cassette deck
Track System	4-track, 2-channel stereo
Tape Speed	4.8 cm/s
Motor	Two motor: 1 x reel, 1 x capstan, 1 x mechanism
Heads	MX heads
Tape Type	type I, CrO2, Metal
Noise Reduction	Dolby B, C, DBX
Frequency Response	20Hz to 17kHz (Metal tape)
Output Sensitivity Line Out	400 mV
Output Impedance Line Out	1.5 kΩ
Dimensions (inches)	16.93 x 3.86 x 10.83 (w x h x d)

Design

The RS-B48R was made in Japan and uses MX heads for accurate tape reproduction. A two-motor system handles tape transport. A fluorescent meter shows levels during recording and playback.

Market

The Technics RS-B48R has been described as a "rare find for collectors," and some examples turn up unused in the original packaging. Replacement belts are available. Recertification using frequency response test tapes has been documented. Some units are dead when found, which points to possible long-term reliability concerns. Tested examples confirm full playback and recording.

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