Sony TC-55

Used Google translator

     Sony TC-55.   Cassette Recorder of superior quality. Made in Japan, presumably in 1975, and the first mention of this model I found in the Sony catalog for 1973. As they say, now these do not. Staff made a capital in the design of many metals, including cast details. For example the front panel cast aluminum alloy. Inside also has molded components. Kinematics is made under the scheme the full tape, but in a reduced form. Two wheel, carved out of brass, rotating in opposite directions. Pulleys and brass. Total uses three belt, one in the tape counter. The design is very complicated and well thought out. Density of placement details of the construction is very high. Dimensions recorder 147 x 100 x 37 mm. Weight kilogram. No wonder that with such a small volume, voice recorder weighs so much. However, this is the weight, which has delayed the nice hand. Not counting the standard modes - record, playback, and rewind in either direction, in the recorder and reporters have a function. There, high-quality built-in electret microphone, miniature turnout battery power and the recording level, volume control and the recording level, the switch recording modes, voice - the music, and switch to a temporary pause. Is also a train stop, and the tape counter. There are connectors for headphones and microphone with remote control. If the playback mode, press the button slightly forward, then the playback speed increases. Eats recorder of 6 v, four AA batteries. Batteries are inserted in a removable cassette. This is done to be able to quickly replace the batteries. The cartridge can be replaced in just a couple of seconds. Circuit collected 12 transistors without transformers. Quality of recording and playback is excellent. Appearance recorder, you can evaluate yourself. I like it very much, just a wonderful design. In addition, there is a strap for carrying on his arm, and a beautiful high-quality bag with a strap for carrying on his shoulder. On the belt there are covers for the microphone and spare batteries. Everything was done very carefully. Actually, even if looking at it all through a magnifying glass, and outside, and inside just nothing to find fault. This is a striking example of this Japanese quality.

     The device was bought in excellent condition and complete with a leather holster. To bring it to full working condition require replacement belt. 

Photos can be enlarged

Photos taken during the repair

Almost a replica of Sony TC-55 is a Marantz Superscope C-108

Photos of the Sony catalog for 1973