TEAC X-10R (1980)

A professional-grade reel-to-reel tape deck with 6-head configuration and dbx noise reduction support

Overview

The TEAC X-10R is a high-fidelity reel-to-reel tape recorder released in 1980, designed for serious home and semi-professional use. It features a 4-track, 2-channel stereo system and supports 10-inch reels using Type 26 (No. 10) and Type 17 (No. 7) reels. A black limited version, the X-10RBL, was also offered. Part of TEAC’s X-series lineup, which brought professional features to advanced enthusiasts. It supports recording times of up to 3 hours at 19 cm/s and 6 hours at 9.5 cm/s.

Specifications

Track format	4-track, 2-channel stereo system
Heads	2 Erase, 2 Record, 2 Play (6 heads)
Reel Type	26 (No. 10) and Type 17 (No. 7)
Tape speed	19/9.5 cm/s (± 0.5%)
Motor	Capstan : FG servo DC motor; Reel : 2 x slotless DC motors
Wow flutter	19cm/s:0.03%(WRMS); 9.5cm/s:0.04%(WRMS)
Frequency response (overall)	19 cm/s : 30 Hz to 28 kHz (40 Hz to 20 kHz ± 3 dB at-10VU); 9.5 cm/s : 30 Hz to 20 kHz (40 Hz to 16 kHz ± 3 dB at-20VU)
Signal-to-noise ratio (overall)	63 dB (3% distortion level, hearing correction); 100 db (dbx in)
Distortion (overall)	0.8% (reference level)
Stereo separation	50dB(1kHz)
Early winding time	100 seconds (550m tape)
Input	Mic : 0.25mV/-72dB / Compatible impedance : 200 Ω or more; Line : 60mV/50k Ω
Output	Line : 0.45 V / load impedance 10k Ω or more; Headphone : 8 Ω
Power	100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz
Power consumption	70W
External dimensions	Depth: 262 mm
Weight	20kg

Design

The TEAC X-10R uses a dual capstan system and a magne-float type flywheel for stable tape transport. It features a 6-head configuration with independent erase, record, and playback heads made of high-hardness Permalloy. The amplifier circuit includes dedicated adjustment circuits for recording and playback, and the deck uses an all-DC motor configuration with electromagnetic brakes. It includes a motion sensing mechanism, playback pause, Rec Mute, pitch control for both recording and playback, and independent bias and equalizer switching. A 1-3/2-4 track selection queue mechanism and L/R linked recording mode switch are included. Rack mounting is possible with a separately sold kit, and the dbx system can be connected via the DX-2A unit.

Context

The X-10R is part of the X-series reel-to-reels, which brought professional features to serious home recordists in the 1970s and early 1980s. Other models in the series include the X-1000R and X-2000R. The black-limited X-10RBL version was sold as a special edition of the X-10R.

Market

The TEAC X-10R originally sold for ¥185,000 in 1980. Optional accessories included the Tape Deck Stand CS-606 (¥19,800), Remote Controller RC-100 (¥12,000), Dust Cover TZ-550 (¥5,500), and the Dbx Unit DX-2A, which reduced audible hiss when connected.