The "Isolated Loop" Reveals its Full Potential in "Two-Way-Forward" Auto-Reverse.
The ingeniously conceived "Isolated Loop" structure
(previously introduced in the RS-1500US) was primarily designed to eliminate
hitherto "unsolvable" problems such as speed deviation and
fluctuation, wow and flutter, and modulation noise. But that was by no means
the end of the story. The perfect symmetrical structure of the "Isolated
Loop", formed by a single super-large capstan (34 mm diametere), reversing
roller, and pair of pinch rollers exerting equal pressure on the capstan, means
that tape may be transported in either direction under exactly identical
conditions, thereby maintaining the same high standard of performance. The
RS-1700, which is basically the same precision "wonder" machine as
the epochmaking RS-1500US, reveals the full potential of the "Isolated
Loop" tape path by completely eliminating any loss of performance in the
reverse direction. It really should be called the "two-way-forward"
tape deck rather than just another auto-reverse deck. The incredible wow and
flutter of 0,018% (15 ips) remains unchanged in both forward and reverse
directions.
Multiple Auto-Reverse Functions
Three Basic Transport Modes
The RS-1700 features 3 separate auto-reverse transport modes:
"cont"; "rev"; "non rev". In "cont"
mode, tapes will play endlessly until commanded otherwise, in "rev"
mode, a single cycle will be completed in either record or playback modes,
while in "non rev" mode, tape transport will be the same as any other
tape deck.
Auto-Stop in Fast Forward and Rewind Modes
In "cont" and "rev" modes, this highly efficient
photoelectric tape-end detector is also utilized to bring tape transport to an
automatic stop in fast forward and rewind modes. This features can be used to even greater effect by inserting
transparent leadeer tape in between desired selections.
Pre-Timed Auto-Reverse Recording and Playback
By connecting up the RS-1700 to an audio timer, the pre-timed automatic
recording or playback will also continue in the reverse direction. If the timer
is so designed, a second recording or playback session will continue in the
same direction.
Direction Indicator Lamps
The reverse and forward control keys are equipped with built-in blinker
lamps for immediate indication of transport direction during all modes, and
even when pause or stop keys are pressed.
Photoelectric "No Touch" reverse Point Detection.
Precision, fail-proof reversing action is assured by the unique
infrared LED - infrared filter - infrared sensitive transistor tape-end
detector system. No machanical contacts, no wear on tapes. When the transparnt
leader tape reaches the detector mechanism a 512 Hz quartz- controlled flicker
beam generated by the infrared LED passes through the tape and infrared filter
to activate the infrared sensitive transistor (designed to respond only to this
intermittent infrared readiation). The emission spectrum and infrared sensitive
transistor thus make mis-operations due to external light practically
impossible.
Unique 6-Head Configuration
Super Alloy laminated heads are used for both playback and recording ,
while a double-gap ferrite head is used for erasing. Completely separate sets
of heads are employed for forward and rewerse directions.
Imperceptible Modulation Noise in Either Direction
As the following diagrams illustrate, the "Isolated Loop" all
but eliminates modulation noise in either direction.
Highly Reliable Forward/Reverse Head Switching Relay
The gold-clad twin-contact relay employed in switching forward and
reverse heads responds immediately and efficiently to all switching commands.
Switching time is of the order of 0,1 sec.
Interchangeable Plug-In Type Head Assembly
The 24-pin plug-in type head assembly may be removed quite easily for
simple replacement with other Technics head assemblies which will become
available in the future.
Higly Stable Bias Oscillation
In view of the repleceable head assemblies, an independent constant
voltage circuit and power amplifiers have also been included in the bias
oscillator stage, thereby further improving the stability of the bias
oscillation frequency and output level.
Direct-Drive 3-Motor Tape Transport
Quartz-Locked Direct-Drive Capstan Motor
By bringing the high-torque DC direct-drive capstan motor under the
control of a quartz oscillator phase control system, the RS-1500US achieved
unprecedented performance in motor speed control and the elimination of wow and
flutter. Improving upon such a near-perfect system was hard to imagine, but the
RS-1700 has done just that, by adopting newly developed IC's for even
stricter contorl of phase, speed,
torque, etc despite changes in load, temperature, power and time.
Integrated Direct-Drive Reel Motors
Employing the same integrated rotor-platter structural design as
Technics direct-drive turntables, the RS-1700 reel motors consist of integrated
reel-base and rotor coupled to the fixed stator. Tape speed from start to
finish during fast forward and rewind modes remains unchanged.
Tape Tension Control
In addition to the "Isolated Loop" designed for intimate and
stable tape-to-head contact by eliminating the effects of changes in tape
tension, the RS-1700 even employs an electronic tension control system to
prevent any changes in tape tension occurring in the first place, thereby
making doubly sure modulation noise remains at an indiscernible level.
Aluminum Diecast Chassis
The housing blocks for all three direct-drive motors are firmly set
into the precision-designed aluminum diecast chassis to ensure greater
stability for longer operational life.
IC Logic Control
Newly Developed I²L IC
for Surer Tape Transport Control
The newly developed Integrated Injection Logic (I²L) IC employed in the RS-1700 is really
fail-proof, ensuring immediate, accurate rate switching with a light touch of
the finger.
Electro-Brake and Quick-Play
Changing directly from any transport mode to any other is both possible
and efficient in the RS-1700, thanks to the logic controlled Electro-Brake
which slows the tape down to almost a stop by applying a reverse torque to the
supply reel, before applying the mechanical brake. This means greater safety
and longer life for both mechanism and tape Furthermore, with this
sophisticated logic control system, the RS-1700 goes from any mode to a
momentary stop and then in a mere 0,7 second to play mode by only touching the
forward or reverse button.
Amplifier Stage of Unrivaled Dynamic Margin
77 dB Dynamic Margin Microphone Amplifier
The 3-stage direct-coupled microphone amplifier, employing strictly
selected low-noise circuit components, achieves an almost incredible dynamic
margin of 75 dB when the attenuator is switched to the -20 dB position. Live
recordings under a very wide range of conditions will be conspicuous for the
lack of distortion.
Recording Amplifier with +28,5 dB Linearity
With an SEPP circuit in the recording amplifier output stage, the
RS-1700 attains a linearity right up to +28,5 dB (1 khz0 over the "0"
VU reference level. Distortion level also exceeds the performance of many
professional use models.
Minimal Mutual Interference in Mic/Line Mixing Circuit
The RS-1700 mixing amplifier stage features very little mixing loss,
and imperceptible mutual interference between mic an line-in.
3-Position Bias and Equalization Selectors
Complete coverage of all major types of tapes on the market is provided
by the independent 3-position bias and equalization selectors.
Operational precision and Efficiency
The RS-1700 retains the many outstanding operational control functions
of the RS-1500US. The major features include the :
Double-Scaled VU Meters; reads
up to =6 dB when priority given to S/N ratio, or switchable to +3 dB scale when
priority given to linearity.
Real Time Tape Counter;
indicates minutes and seconds to an accuracy of ±1% at 15 ips (38
cm/sec.)
Cue Lever: tape remains in
contact with playback head during fast forward and rewind modes for easier
location of start and end of recorded selections.
Edit Dial; for precision
editing/splicing of tapes, employing the edit points on the reversing roller,
and the tape marker.
Pitch Control (±6%); tape speed
may be increased or decreased by up to 6% (approx. one-half tone)
Battery Operation; with the
optional battery adaptor (RP-086) , the RS-1700 may be freely used in any
location.
Remote Control: another useful
addition is the optional remote control (RP-9170).
Specifications
Track
System: Auto-Reverse 4-track, 2-channel
recording/playback, 6-heads system
Motor
Capstan: Quartz control phase-locked DC
brushless direct-drive motor
Reel
Table: 2-tape tension controlled DC
brushless direct-drive motor
Reel
Size: 10", 7" and 5"
(outside diameter)
Tape tension
Control: Automatic control for above
size of reel
Tape
Speed: 38 cm/s, 19 cm/s, and 9,5 cm/sec.
(15 ips, 7 ½ ips, and 3 ¾ ips)
Speed
Deviation: ±0,1%with 1,0 or 1,5 mil
thickness tape at 15 ips
Speed
Fluctuation: 0,05% with 1,0 or 1,5 mil
thickness tape at 15 ips
Pitch
Control: ±6% recording and playback
Wow and
Flutter (Rec/PB):
0,18% WRMS
at 15 ips (38 cm/s)
0,03%
WRMS at 7 ½ ips (19 cm/s)
0,06%
WRMS at 3 ¾ ips (9,5 cm/s)
Time Counter
Accuracy: ±1% at 15 ips (38 cm/s)
Fast Forward
and rewind Time: 150 sec with 2500 feet
(762 m) 1,5 mil tape
Reverse
Point Detection: photoelectric (Infrared
LED/ filter/ photo-transistor)
Frequency
Response:
15 ips (38
cm/s) : 30 -30,000 Hz ±3 dB (-10 dB rec.
Level)
7 ½ ips (19.5 cm/s) : 20 - 25,000 Hz ±3 dB (-20 dB rec. Level)
3 ¾ ips (9,5 cm/s) : 20 -15,000 Hz ±3 dB ( -20 dB rec. Level)
Signal-to-Noise
Ratio (NAB weighted 185 nWb/m =6 dB):
15 ips (38
cm/s) : 60 dB
7 ½ ips (19 cm/s) : 60 dB
3 ¾ ips (9,5 cm/s) : 58 dB
Total
Harmonic Distortion (measured via tape at 400 Hz Operating level "0"
VU):
15 ips (38
cm/s) : 0,8%
7 ½ ips (19 cm/s) : 0,8%
3 ¾ ips (9,5 cm/s) : 0,8%
Channel
Separation: greater than 50 dB
Erasing
Ratio: greater than 65 dB (rec. at 1 kHz
+10 dB)
Recording
Bias: 120 kHz
Bias Level
at Tape Selector:
"1"
for 90%
"2"
for 100%
"3"
for 110%
Equalization
(NAB standard): Position "2"
of "EQ" and "Bias" selectors set for Scotch No.207 tape
Recording
Level Calibration: referenced to 185
nWb/m
Inputs :
MIC : Unbalanced phone type jack
Sensitivity
:
0,25 mV (-72
dB) / 4,7 kohm (0 VU at Vol. Max)
2,5 mV
(-52 dB) / 4,7 k Ω with 20 dB
attenuation
Overload
Margin : 55 dB (75 dB with 20 dB att.)
applicable microphone impedance 200 Ω
to 100 k Ω
LINE: Phono type jack
Sensitivity
: 60 mV (-24 dB) / 150 k Ω
Overload
margin = infinity (line input connected to line In Vol. Before amplifier)
Through
Out: same as Line In (parallel connected
to Line In)
Outputs
LINE: 2 pairs of phono type jack
Output level
420 mV at "0" VU (output level control at "8"), 600 mV at
output level control max.
Output
impedance less than 3 k Ω load
impedance 22 k Ω over
HEADPHONE:
Stereo phone type jack
Output level
60 mV at 420 mV line output,
Load
impedance 8 Ω
Dimensions
(W x Hx D): 492 x 446 x 257 mm
(19-3/8" x17-1/2" x 10-1/8")
Weight: 25,2 kg (55,6 lbs
Finish with
rosewood veneer side panels