Revox B790

High technology, european style, Studer style.

Most obvious is the tonearm which looks very much... not like a tonearm !

This massively hidden but ultra-short 4cm Linatrack tonearm is magnet-driven from its the top and resting on a ruby at the bottom.
The Linatrack only weighs 40g, counterweight included - see image #5 for the precise description.

The problem of the Linatrack isn't its reliability or its quality but, really, that it turns the already tedious action of changing cartridges into a nightmare : T4P cartridges should have been invented for the B790, really !

A small stylus brush is provided next to the pivoting base of the Linatrack : everytime the arm is put to its rest or play position, the cartridge is brushed - cute.

Unlike the B795 sibling or later B791, the B790 spins LPs with a Quartz-regulated DC motor made of beefy flat coils.

The chassis is almost two in one : the main base holds the electronics while the top plate, suspended by four (small) inverted springs, holds the Linatrack.
The bottom base is made of some composite compound, the top from aluminium, the sides from diecast aluminium (very pretty) and everything but the sides is covered with grey Nextel.

Nextel is a cool choice when one will be properly lit for a beautiful catalog, but in real life, it gets stained easily and ages fast and not too pretty. The very thick dustcover is made of Luran.

Despite its origin, reputation and super looks, the B790 isn't up, sonically, to a Sony PS-X800 or Technics SL-10 - by far.
But it is easy to find and it is named Revox - what names can do for you ;-)


Two inside views here, and where to properly restore your Revox B79x here, the latter link also offering the refinishing of Nextel to its tip-top shape.