Technics RS BX747 (1993–96)
A 3-head direct drive cassette deck with quartz-controlled motor and advanced tape calibration features.
Overview
The Technics RS-BX747 is a stereo cassette deck manufactured from 1993 to 1996. It was positioned as the top-of-the-range model in Technics' cassette deck lineup at the time of its release. This deck features a 3-head mechanism with separate record and playback heads, allowing for source monitoring during recording—a rare feature among cassette decks. The transport includes a closed-loop dual capstan system, with two sets of capstan and pinch rollers centered on the head, and a cassette half stabilizer that presses the cassette from above to reduce vibration and modulation noise. The deck also includes an automatic lead-in function and an auto-closing door when a cassette is inserted.
Specifications
| Type | 3-head direct drive cassette deck |
| Heads | Recording / Playback: Permalloy Combination; Erasing: double-gap ferrite |
| Frequency Response | Normal: 30 Hz to 17 kHz (± 3 dB); CrO2: 30 Hz to 18 kHz (± 3 dB); Metal: 30 Hz to 19 kHz (± 3 dB) |
| Wow and Flutter | ± 0.05% (W peak, EIAJ) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | NR off: 57 dB; Dolby B: 66 dB; Dolby C: 74 dB (Chrome Tape, WTD, 1 kHz, 3% third order distortion) |
| Input | 100mV (line) |
| Output | 0.5V |
| Power | 100 VAC, 50/60Hz |
| Power Consumption | 19W |
| Dimensions | 430 mm (W) × 125 mm (H) × 293 mm (D) |
| Weight | 4.6 kg |
| Motor Type | Digital servo quartz direct drive motor |
| Capstan System | Closed-loop dual capstan system |
| Recording Bias | Selectable: Low, Standard, High |
| Features | Dolby B/C NR, Dolby HX-PRO, A.T.C. (auto keep calibration), Built-in Memory Stop/Repeat, MPX filter ON/OFF, auto lead-in function |
| Vibration Damping | T.H.C.B. with hard rubber base between steel plates |
| Recording Amplifier | Voltage control amplifier and current supply amplifier |
| Head Construction | High hardness permalloy head with PC-OCC winding |
Design
The RS-BX747 uses a 3-head system with separate record and playback heads, and a double-gap ferrite erase head. The tape transport features a closed-loop dual capstan system with two sets of capstan and pinch rollers centered on the head. A cassette half stabilizer presses the cassette from above to minimize vibration and reduce modulation noise. The deck is built with a T.H.C.B. vibration damping base—hard rubber sandwiched between steel plates—to isolate the mechanism from external vibrations. The quartz-controlled digital servo direct drive motor ensures stable tape speed, and the mechanism includes a high-rigidity cassette holder reinforced with glass fiber.
Context
The RS-BX747 was Technics' flagship cassette deck when released, representing the culmination of their high-end analog tape technology. It was part of a series that included the RS-BX701, RS-BX707, RS-BX727, RS-BX808, and RS-BX828, with the 747 occupying a premium position in the lineup.
Market
The Technics RS-BX747 is available on the used market through platforms like eBay and Reverb. One user reported head wear after four years of use, suggesting potential longevity concerns with the heads under regular operation.
eBay Listings
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