A 3-head cassette deck with Dolby B, C, and dbx noise reduction, built for high-fidelity analog recording and playback.
Overview
The Technics RS-B905 is a 3-head cassette deck, designed for precision audio recording and playback. It features independent record and playback heads, a closed-loop dual capstan transport system, and a robust mechanical base made from Technics's original die-casting structure. The deck supports multiple tape types—Normal, CrO₂, and Metal—with optimized frequency response for each. It includes advanced features like Dolby HX Pro, a 10 kHz ±4 dB bias adjustment, and a REC calibration function for accurate recording levels.
Specifications
| Heads | Recording / Playback : R/P Combination MX Head; Erasing : double-gap ferrite |
| Wow flutter | 0.04%(W.R.M.S.) |
| Frequency characteristic Normal (ED) | 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 30 Hz to 18 kHz ± 3 dB (EIAJ) |
| Frequency characteristic CrO 2 (EX) | 20 Hz to 21 kHz, 30 Hz to 19 kHz ± 3 dB (EIAJ) |
| Frequency characteristic Metal (EM) | 20 Hz to 22 kHz, 30 Hz to 20 kHz ± 3 dB (EIAJ) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio NR off | 60 dB (Chrome Tape, W. T. D., 1 kHz, 3% Third Order Distortion) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio Dolby B NR in | 66 dB (EX Tape, W. T. D., 1 kHz, 3% third order distortion) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio Dolby C NR in | 72 dB (EX Tape, W. T. D., 1 kHz, 3% third order distortion) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio Dbx in | 92 dB (Chrome Tape, W. T. D., 1 kHz, 3% Third Order Distortion) |
| Input terminal Line | 60mV/47k Ω |
| Output terminal Line | 400mV/2.2k Ω |
| Output terminal Headphone | 125mV/8 Ω (Compatible Impedance 8 Ω ~ 600 Ω) |
| Power | 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | 25W |
| External dimensions | Width 430x Height 109.5x Depth 285 mm |
| Weight | 5kg |
Design
The RS-B905 uses a three-head system with a wide-gap (4 μ) recording head and a high-frequency (1 μ) reproducing head for improved fidelity. It features a closed-loop dual capstan system and a high-precision pivot-balanced head block. The deck includes Technics's classAA circuit in the recording amplifier, a phase correction circuit, and a die-cast integrated mechanical base for rigidity. It has a wide-range 3-color FL peak meter (-40dB to +18dB), an electronic counter, and a 16-repeat performance function. Additional features include auto REC mute (creates ~4-second unrecorded gap), music selector, timer record and play, auto tape selector, and independent headphone volume control.
Market
The Technics RS-B905 was originally priced at ¥89,800 in Japan around 1987. A pre-owned unit was listed at C $763.99 in recent market data. It was tested and confirmed operational in at least one listing.
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