Technics RS-1500US

tratliff
tratliff Posts: 1,701
in 2 Channel Audio
I picked this beauty up today. It’s in fantastic shape. Looks like it just came out of the box.

Got it from The Music Room. Great outfit. Just as described and the packaging only compares to how McIntosh packed my 601’s.

I’m looking forward to getting my hands on some reference quality tapes and comparing to vinyl. I’ll post my thoughts after getting some time on it.

ew9tnswvyke5.jpeg
2 Channel Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II, 2 REL Carbon Limited, Norma Revo IPA-140B, Lumin U2 Mini, VPI Prime w/SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC, Modwright PH 150, Denon DP-59l w/Denon DL-301MKII, WAY Silver 3 Ana+ Speaker Cables, WAY Silver 4+ Interconnect Cables, AudioQuest Niagara 7000 w/Dragon and Hurricane Power Cables
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Comments

  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,801
    Congratulations.
    They're nice decks.

    Has it been refurbed? Any modifications?
    Is it a half-track (two-track) machine? NAB or IEC EQ (or both)?

    As I'm sure you know, there are nice new production tapes available (half-track) -- pricey, though.

    There's a brisk and also very costly market in, e.g., second generation (safety) master tapes, masters sent out to pressing plants, etc. Phenomenal sound, but you'll spend the price of that deck after purchasing just a few.

    You can make your own tapes, too, you know? ;)

    Do you have any tape or take up reels? I could probably get you started with something to play with if you're itchin' to get going. Nothing high-end, but maybe better than just staring at it ;)

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  • dromunds
    dromunds Posts: 10,009
    Dang that’s one sweet unit
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  • tratliff
    tratliff Posts: 1,701
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    Congratulations.
    They're nice decks.

    Has it been refurbed? Any modifications?
    Is it a half-track (two-track) machine? NAB or IEC EQ (or both)?

    As I'm sure you know, there are nice new production tapes available (half-track) -- pricey, though.

    There's a brisk and also very costly market in, e.g., second generation (safety) master tapes, masters sent out to pressing plants, etc. Phenomenal sound, but you'll spend the price of that deck after purchasing just a few.

    You can make your own tapes, too, you know? ;)

    Do you have any tape or take up reels? I could probably get you started with something to play with if you're itchin' to get going. Nothing high-end, but maybe better than just staring at it ;)

    Not refurbed yet. It’s in great shape so I could not pass it up. Looking to have someone go thru it soon. But one of my requirements was mint condition.

    It is 2 and 4 track playback but only 2 track record.

    Don’t have any tapes or take up reels yet. My dad has a couple of decks so he has what I need to get going. But if you have any original Technics reels that would be awesome.

    I have been studying the new tape market. You are right they are expensive. But I will take it slow and see what I can find.
    2 Channel Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II, 2 REL Carbon Limited, Norma Revo IPA-140B, Lumin U2 Mini, VPI Prime w/SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC, Modwright PH 150, Denon DP-59l w/Denon DL-301MKII, WAY Silver 3 Ana+ Speaker Cables, WAY Silver 4+ Interconnect Cables, AudioQuest Niagara 7000 w/Dragon and Hurricane Power Cables
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  • tratliff
    tratliff Posts: 1,701
    edited June 2018
    DSkip wrote: »
    Does it hum?

    Not that I can tell. :smile: but if it does they will pay return shipping.
    2 Channel Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II, 2 REL Carbon Limited, Norma Revo IPA-140B, Lumin U2 Mini, VPI Prime w/SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC, Modwright PH 150, Denon DP-59l w/Denon DL-301MKII, WAY Silver 3 Ana+ Speaker Cables, WAY Silver 4+ Interconnect Cables, AudioQuest Niagara 7000 w/Dragon and Hurricane Power Cables
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,283
    Run it's a trap!!!

    wedbkmdd4mmo.jpg


    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • tratliff
    tratliff Posts: 1,701
    txcoastal1 wrote: »
    Run it's a trap!!!

    wedbkmdd4mmo.jpg


    Like I’m not already caught in the trap!
    2 Channel Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II, 2 REL Carbon Limited, Norma Revo IPA-140B, Lumin U2 Mini, VPI Prime w/SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC, Modwright PH 150, Denon DP-59l w/Denon DL-301MKII, WAY Silver 3 Ana+ Speaker Cables, WAY Silver 4+ Interconnect Cables, AudioQuest Niagara 7000 w/Dragon and Hurricane Power Cables
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  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,934
    No, they won't!
    tratliff wrote: »
    Not that I can tell. :smile: but if it does they will pay return shipping.

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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,801
    No Technics branded tape stuff here, sorry.

    A "Technics" branded (TEAC OEM) reel to reel deck did pass through once, though, a long time ago. It was a pretty cool deck (no RS-1500, though!)... but not in great shape so I sent it along its merry way (left it on the freebie pile at a NEARC swapmeet one beautiful Saturday morning).

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  • tratliff
    tratliff Posts: 1,701
    Clipdat wrote: »
    No, they won't!
    tratliff wrote: »
    Not that I can tell. :smile: but if it does they will pay return shipping.

    I guess that depends on what kind of deal you make. Not my first rodeo.
    2 Channel Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II, 2 REL Carbon Limited, Norma Revo IPA-140B, Lumin U2 Mini, VPI Prime w/SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC, Modwright PH 150, Denon DP-59l w/Denon DL-301MKII, WAY Silver 3 Ana+ Speaker Cables, WAY Silver 4+ Interconnect Cables, AudioQuest Niagara 7000 w/Dragon and Hurricane Power Cables
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  • kharp1
    kharp1 Posts: 3,453
    I've toyed with the RTR idea for a couple of years, but, just think I'm best staying away. Really convinced myself after researching pre recorded tapes...OUCH! Nice rtr, congrats on the purchase.
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,801
    The thing about tape in general -- one may either a dilettante... or be all in.

    I went the former route. I love playin' with tape.

    The latter route can produce the best sound possible, even in a home environment -- but the price is high.


    bgu2hx2fcs0p.png


    nr3d4suuv3xw.png

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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,962
    Nice bro.....but I have a feeling if you compare it to vinyl, your going to enter another rabbit hole. R2R, for sound quality, is my personal favorite of all formats. Just that it's such a pain in the rear.
    HT SYSTEM-
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    Cables-
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,283
    tonyb wrote: »
    Nice bro.....but I have a feeling if you compare it to vinyl, your going to enter another rabbit hole. R2R, for sound quality, is my personal favorite of all formats. Just that it's such a pain in the rear.

    100% agree Tony, favorite of mine too. Love the sound and detail that a good master tape provides.

    The next best thing IMHO, when a great master tape is transferred straight to DSD.
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • tratliff
    tratliff Posts: 1,701
    But isn't the best sound quality what we all strive for??? I am already caught in the rabbit hole. Just another source to add to the collection.

    Might take my focus off of vinyl for the short time. Over the last year I have purchased 100+ albums and a good majority of them are MFSL, DCC, Quiex, Half Speed Masters.....including the beatles Abbey Road, White Album, Rubber Soul, MMT on MFSL Half Speed from late 70's/early 80's. Those alone would cover a couple of master quality tapes.
    2 Channel Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II, 2 REL Carbon Limited, Norma Revo IPA-140B, Lumin U2 Mini, VPI Prime w/SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC, Modwright PH 150, Denon DP-59l w/Denon DL-301MKII, WAY Silver 3 Ana+ Speaker Cables, WAY Silver 4+ Interconnect Cables, AudioQuest Niagara 7000 w/Dragon and Hurricane Power Cables
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,801
    Well, in my case, I strive for best that I can reasonably afford.
    I've heard better -- but I'll never be in a position to afford it.
    That Studer photo I posted earlier is part of a better system, ensconced in a custom-designed, 50 x 50 foot space.


    6uvbmn16ai3s.png

    Absolutely phenomenal sound.
    Ain't happenin' at my pay grade -- but that's OK.


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  • mlistens03
    mlistens03 Posts: 2,767
    edited June 2018
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    6uvbmn16ai3s.png


    My goodness, what is the efficiency of those!?!
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,801
    I don't know but, had I to guess, maybe ca. 115 dB @ 1 meter for 1 watt input.

    All of the drivers in the loudspeakers use field coils (electromagnets) rather than permanent magnets, by the way.

    I.e., this isn't Best Buy stuff ;)

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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,901
    rabbit hole todd.
    http://dehavillandhifi.com/222_Tape_Preamp.htm
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
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  • tratliff
    tratliff Posts: 1,701
    marvda1 wrote: »
    rabbit hole todd.
    http://dehavillandhifi.com/222_Tape_Preamp.htm

    I have been reading about the deHavilland along with the bottlehead. Nice preamps. I have a feeling I will take it to an external unit when it is time. But for now I just need to get music playing from it.
    2 Channel Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II, 2 REL Carbon Limited, Norma Revo IPA-140B, Lumin U2 Mini, VPI Prime w/SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC, Modwright PH 150, Denon DP-59l w/Denon DL-301MKII, WAY Silver 3 Ana+ Speaker Cables, WAY Silver 4+ Interconnect Cables, AudioQuest Niagara 7000 w/Dragon and Hurricane Power Cables
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  • pongshi
    pongshi Posts: 376
    Very nice. You will love that deck. I would suggest Maxell UD 35-180 and UD XLI or UD XLII tapes. Unfortunately you are looking at 40 to 60 dollars a tape. You have 2 track recording (one side), but 2 or 4 track playback (both sides). You will use twice as much tape, but the quality is amazing. Great choice :)
    Living Room
    Parasound Model 2250v2 amplifier
    Parasound P5 preamp
    Turntable 1 - Technics SL-1210Mk2 turntable with Shure V-15 Type III cartridge
    Turntable 2 - Dual 1229 turntable, Dual AS-12 45 RPM stacker, Shure V-15 Type III cartridge
    Schiit Mani Phono Preamp for Turntable 2
    Oppo UDP-205 CD/SACD USB and FLAC duties
    Technics RS-1500US reel to reel
    Polk SDA SRS (2nd Gen) fully modded
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  • tratliff
    tratliff Posts: 1,701
    Quick update.

    Got the RS-1500 connected last evening and recorded a couple of SRV tracks from the SACD. The deck worked just as expected but I am trying to better my adjustments.

    I was not able to listen at reference levels as it was late and the wife was already in bed. But from what I could tell it sounded very good.

    I'll get more time on it this week and hope to have some pre-recorded tapes soon.

    I'm really glad I located this deck and decided to make the purchase.
    2 Channel Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II, 2 REL Carbon Limited, Norma Revo IPA-140B, Lumin U2 Mini, VPI Prime w/SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC, Modwright PH 150, Denon DP-59l w/Denon DL-301MKII, WAY Silver 3 Ana+ Speaker Cables, WAY Silver 4+ Interconnect Cables, AudioQuest Niagara 7000 w/Dragon and Hurricane Power Cables
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  • Kingrat
    Kingrat Posts: 74
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    No Technics branded tape stuff here, sorry.

    A "Technics" branded (TEAC OEM) reel to reel deck did pass through once, though, a long time ago. It was a pretty cool deck (no RS-1500, though!)... but not in great shape so I sent it along its merry way (left it on the freebie pile at a NEARC swapmeet one beautiful Saturday morning).

    My only experience with Technics/Panasonic R2R decks is my friend's never been touched Panasonic RS-736US deck that he bought new. The cassette decks never die. I have two, an RS-276US and an M-45. The M-45 I bought new in 1980, and the 276 is a replacement for the 40 year old one I bought when I was a freshman in high school and I basically just wore it out. Both work great. The old timers I see problems with seem to mostly be Pioneers.
    Cable atheist: They're just trying to get your money like a TV preacher!
    Vinyl system: I'm long done with the snap, crackle, and pop.
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  • Kingrat
    Kingrat Posts: 74
    Awful looking pic, but here they are. Both look and work like new:
    Cable atheist: They're just trying to get your money like a TV preacher!
    Vinyl system: I'm long done with the snap, crackle, and pop.
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  • Kingrat
    Kingrat Posts: 74
    Why the hell didn't the pic post?
    F0ik35.jpg
    Cable atheist: They're just trying to get your money like a TV preacher!
    Vinyl system: I'm long done with the snap, crackle, and pop.
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