Revox B795 (1979–mid-1980s)
At 9.1 kg and just 142 mm deep, it sits like a precision instrument—no wasted motion, no excess weight.
Overview
The Revox B795 is a high-end turntable manufactured by Studer ReVox of Switzerland, built from 1979 through the mid-1980s as a more affordable alternative to the flagship B790. At 449 mm wide, 395 mm high, and 142 mm deep, it occupies minimal space while housing a quartz-locked direct-drive motor system in a heavy plinth designed to resist resonance and ensure rotational stability. Weighing 9.1 kg, the unit feels inert and grounded—engineered for low mechanical noise and exceptional speed stability, rated at ±0.01%. Wow and flutter are better than 0.05% (weighted), and figures that reflect its studio-grade lineage. The B795 supports 33 and 45 rpm playback with semi-automatic operation, enabled by solid-state logic that allows one-finger control—no manual fumbling with delicate adjustments once the record is cued. Signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 65 dB, and the recommended load impedance is 47 kΩ, standard for passive phono stages of the era.
4 cm Servo-Controlled Linear Tracking Tonearm
The defining feature of the B795 is its ultra-short, 4 cm linear tracking tonearm, weighing just 40 grams. This "linetrack" system is a servo-controlled, tangential tracking mechanism—marketed as a "CLASSIC PARALLEL TRACKER"—that eliminates the angular tracking error inherent in pivoted arms. Because the stylus moves in a straight line across the groove, distortion is minimized, especially in the inner grooves where conventional arms struggle. High Fidelity (November 1982, p.12) described it as “the world’s shortest” tonearm, noting that “with a flick of your fingers, the entire Linatrack module pivots aside,” allowing quick access to the record. The arm’s minimal mass and servo-driven precision demand a high-compliance cartridge, as owners report the system performs poorly with rigid or low-compliance models.
Quartz-Locked Direct Drive with CMOS Logic
Unlike belt-drive turntables of the era, the B795 uses a quartz-controlled direct-drive motor that locks speed with extreme accuracy. There are no rubber belts to degrade or slip— The motor control circuitry avoids specialized ICs, relying instead on standard CMOS, TTL, and industry-standard linear ICs, a design choice that simplifies long-term repairability. This modularity means failed boards can be traced and replaced with off-the-shelf components, a rarity in high-end analog gear of the early 1980s. The result is a turntable that, when maintained, runs with near-atomic timekeeping precision—ideal for critical listening or broadcast environments where speed consistency is non-negotiable.
Historical Context
Introduced in 1979, the B795 arrived during a period when Swiss and German engineering dominated high-fidelity audio, and Revox—sister brand to Studer—leveraged its professional studio heritage to build consumer components of exceptional build quality. Positioned below the B790, the B795 brought linear tracking and quartz-locked drive to a slightly broader market, though its $2,299 original retail price kept it firmly in the luxury tier. It was part of a larger Revox ecosystem that included the 8780 receiver and 8710 cassette deck, all designed for seamless integration. The B795 reflected a philosophy of functional minimalism: no chrome, no flashy meters, just a reserved front panel and a focus on measurable performance over cosmetic flair.
Collectibility & Value
Today, the Revox B795 trades in a narrow but dedicated market. Unrestored units appear on eBay for as little as $549, while fully serviced examples have listed for $8,980, reflecting the cost and scarcity of proper restoration. A listing showed a unit priced at $750, described as “Vintage State Of The Art Tangential Turntable Tes,” suggesting buyer awareness of its technical pedigree. However, electrical issues are a known risk: one forum report details a unit emitting sizzle and smoke upon power-up, a symptom likely tied to aging capacitors or power supply faults. No service manuals or spare parts are documented in available sources, and while the use of standard ICs helps, sourcing original subassemblies remains a challenge. Owners note the turntable’s sensitivity to cartridge compliance, warning that improper matching can lead to mistracking or excessive wear. For those willing to invest in recalibration, the B795 delivers a transparent, rhythmically precise playback experience that still competes with modern high-end decks.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.