Sony TC-229SD

1 9 7 6 1976
1 9 7 7 1977

Although there were plenty of market-related versions of this generation of decks, the TC-229SD seems to be a really rare one and probably an export-only item.

Inheriting the supreme feather-touch transport design of the ELCASET decks (and even the RM-30 remote control), this was no masterpiece (neither was it meant to be) but a huge and very sturdy deck from the mid 1970s, set into the chassis of an EL-4 / EL-5.

Two F&F heads, one DC Servo motor for the drive and one AC motor for spooling, switchable MPX filter, a switchable limiter, FeCr compatibility and even a Rec-Mute switch.

Later on upgraded as TC-K7 (II, B, BII etc) and TC-K8B - serious, no frills, indestructible.

Sony TC-229SD, image 1 Sony TC-229SD, image 2 Sony TC-229SD, image 3
Sony TC-229SD specifications
Title Value
Motors : 1x DC servo (capstan)
1x AC (reels)
Heads : 1 F&F for rec/play
1x F for erase
Tape speed : 4,8cm/s
Wow & flutter : 0,006% (WRMS)
± 0,12% (DIN)
Bias : 105Khz
THD : 1,3% (FeCr tape)
S/N ratio : 54dB (normal)
56dB (CrO2)
60dB (FeCr)
Dolby benefits : +5dB at 1Khz / +10dB above 5Khz
Frequency response : 30Hz...13Khz (±3dB ; normal)
30Hz...13Khz (DIN ; normal)
30Hz...16Khz (±3dB ; FeCr)
30Hz...16Khz (DIN ; FeCr)
30Hz...15Khz (±3dB ; CrO2)
30Hz...15Khz (DIN ; CrO2)
Inputs : 0,2mV (-72dB, MIC)
60mV / 100kOhm (-22dB ; line)
10kOhm (DIN)
Outputs : 775mV 100kOhm (line, 10kOhm load)
775mV 50kOhm (DIN)
8...32 Ohm ('phones)
PC : 35W
Dimensions : 43 x 17 x 31cm
Weight : 10,2kg.
List price : 216£ (1977)
Optional accessories : RM-30 remote
TAC16 sideburns
page online since : august 2008
page updated : april 2011
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