Sony - TC-55 Cassette recorder-player - Multiple models

SONY TC 55 ENSEMBLE TAPECORDER

Exclusive on CATAWIKI
An extremely rare set, with numerous accessories and options
Vintage Collector from 1973

At its launch, the TC-55 was the latest in a line of Sony mini cassette tape recorders. Models such as the TC-40 and the TC-50 (used during NASA lunar missions) had set the standard for rugged, high-quality recorders found in many sectors, both professional and private. Even today, pirate concert recordings made with a TC-55 can be found on the Internet; its small size, stable mechanism, and internally high-quality microphone made it the ideal tool for that use.

The quality and finish of the TC-55 were exceptional. All exterior surfaces were metal, some machined, others die-cast. The unit was very robust and weighed about twice as much as one might imagine. The mechanical parts were also of outstanding craftsmanship, with a minimum of plastic components and high-quality bearings at every operating point. Two contrarotating flywheels offset disturbances to tape speed caused by the device’s movements, and the motor was servo-controlled to ensure a constant speed for the life of the batteries. The electronics also reflected meticulous attention to detail, with premium components and a minimum of electrolytic capacitors in the signal path. The batteries sat in a clip-on holder at the bottom of the case. A nickel-cadmium rechargeable battery pack was available as an option; it could be recharged directly on the recorder by connecting a power adapter or car lighter to the DC input.

To facilitate recording, automatic level control was integrated, although a VU meter was always present to verify that the recording level was correct. This VU meter was placed next to the microphone to be perfectly visible during dictation. The automatic level control could be switched to optimize for speech or music recording. Large top-mounted buttons allowed you to advance the tape. All the usual functions were present, as well as an original “cue” function, which consisted of a readout at a much faster rotational speed.

The TC-55 proved conclusively that “Made in Japan” does not necessarily mean “cheap” or “poor quality.” Its build quality was at least on par with established European manufacturers (such as Uher in Germany), even if it came at a price: in England, it cost about three times more than a basic Philips tape recorder.

The TC-55 was equipped with a headphone jack that muted the speaker; in theory, it could thus serve as a compact portable player. It was larger than the first Walkmans, which appeared six years later, but the difference was minor. Removing the speaker and recording circuit would have allowed for a stereo amplifier, but although the technology existed to create the Walkman, the concept was not yet fully realized.

This exclusive offer includes:

SONY TC 55 SONY Corporation TOKYO JAPAN

SONY TC 55 SONY Corporation TOKYO JAPAN
Distributed by Superscope Los Angeles California

2 black carrying cases with wrist strap
AC power supply SONY AC.4W
Sony BC.3 charging adaptor
Remote Control SONY RM15
Microphone SONY F-25S
Various Sony cables
Sony manual
Cleaning cassette
Mini headset H Q with jack adapter and 3 m extension
Pack of 5 blank cassettes in blister pack HF SONY