Technics RS-B85 (1986–1987)
A high-end 3-head stereo cassette deck made in Japan, featuring amorphous alloy heads and multiple noise reduction systems.
Overview
The Technics RS-B85 is a stereo cassette deck manufactured in Japan from 1986 to 1987. Designed for audiophiles, it uses a 3-head configuration with an AX amorphous alloy recording and playback head, and a double-gap sendust erase head. It supports Dolby B, Dolby C, and dbx noise reduction systems, and includes an auto monitor function for instant tape monitoring. A built-in phase correction circuit and linear feedback circuit help reduce distortion, particularly in low frequencies. The unit also features a music selector and headphone output for real-time monitoring during recording.
Specifications
| Type | Stereo cassette deck |
| Heads | Recording / Playback : AX Amorphous; Erasing : double-gap sendust |
| Motor | One capstan motor (electronically controlled DC); One reel motor (electronically controlled DC) |
| Wow flutter | 0.04% (W. R. M.S.); ± 0.08% (W. Peak, EIAJ) |
| Frequency characteristic | Normal (ED) : 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 30 Hz to 18 kHz ± 3 dB (EIAJ); CrO 2 (EX) : 20 Hz to 21 kHz, 30 Hz to 19 kHz ± 3 dB (EIAJ); Metal (EM) : 20 Hz to 22 kHz, 30 Hz to 20 kHz ± 3 dB (EIAJ) |
| Dynamic range | 110 dB (dbx in, 1 kHz, EX Tape) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | NR off : 60 dB (EX tape, WTD, 1 kHz, 3% third order distortion), 55 dB (EX tape, EIAJ); Dolby B NR IN : 67 dB (EX Tape, WTD, 1 kHz, 3% third order distortion); Dolby C NR IN : 73 dB (EX Tape, WTD, 1 kHz, 3% third order distortion); Dbx IN : 92 dB (EX Tape, WTD, 1 kHz, 3% third order distortion) |
| Power | 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | 18W |
| External dimensions | Width 430 x Height 98 x Depth 279 mm |
| Weight | 5.2kg |
Design
The RS-B85 uses a 3-head design with an AX combination head made from amorphous alloy for recording and playback. A built-in phase correction circuit ensures accurate signal alignment, while a linear feedback circuit reduces low-frequency distortion. The deck includes dbx, Dolby B, and Dolby C noise reduction, an auto monitor function, and a music selector for optimizing tape type performance. A headphone jack allows monitoring during recording.
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