REALISTIC 14-974 Head Channel Reel Tape Deck Serviced 494
( Brand: Realistic ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 14-974 ), ( Type: Tape Recorder ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: Japan )
Review REALISTIC Very Rare 494 Three Head Channel Reel Tape Deck Serviced
Meticulously Restored 14-974 Realistic 494 Head Channel Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck
Experience the timeless charm of audio technology with our meticulously restored 14-974 Realistic 494 Head Channel Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck. This vintage piece, with its sleek design and robust construction, is a testament to the golden era of audio equipment.
The 14-974 Realistic 494 Head Channel Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck boasts a 4-head design, ensuring superior sound quality by providing a balanced and clear playback. The 494 head configuration allows for high-fidelity audio reproduction, making it an ideal choice for audiophiles seeking a rich, authentic listening experience.
The tape deck is housed in a sturdy cabinet, finished in a classic, vintage aesthetic that will complement any home or studio setting. The controls are intuitively laid out, allowing for easy operation, and the smooth, responsive rewind and fast-forward functions ensure seamless navigation through your tape collection.
Upon purchase, you'll receive a fully serviced 14-974 Realistic 494 Head Channel Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck, ensuring it's ready to provide years of enjoyable use right out of the box. Our expert technicians have meticulously inspected, cleaned, and calibrated each component to ensure optimal performance.
Whether you're a seasoned collector, a nostalgic music lover, or an audiophile seeking a unique listening experience, the 14-974 Realistic 494 Head Channel Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck is an exceptional addition to your audio arsenal. Relive the magic of tape audio with this beautifully restored vintage tape deck.
Analysis of Buying a (14-974 Realistic 494 Head Channel Reel Tape Deck Serviced)
Pros:1. **Quality and Durability**: Realistic is a well-known brand known for producing high-quality audio equipment. This reel tape deck, serviced and ready to use, may offer a reliable and long-lasting solution for your tape playback needs.
2. **Pre-serviced**: The tape deck has already been serviced, which means you can expect it to work smoothly right out of the box. This can save you time and effort that would otherwise be spent on servicing it yourself.
3. **Rarity and Value**: As a vintage item, this reel tape deck could potentially increase in value over time, making it a good investment for collectors.
Cons:1. **Obsolete Technology**: Tape decks are no longer in widespread use, making it harder to find replacement parts if they become necessary. This could lead to costly repairs in the future.
2. **Limited Compatibility**: This specific model may not be compatible with all tape formats, limiting the variety of tapes you can play.
3. **Sound Quality**: While Realistic is a reputable brand, the sound quality of vintage tape decks may not compare favorably to modern digital audio equipment.
Conclusion:The (14-974 Realistic 494 Head Channel Reel Tape Deck Serviced) offers a unique blend of vintage charm and reliable performance. If you are a collector, audiophile, or simply have a nostalgic attachment to tape decks, this could be a worthwhile investment. However, if sound quality, compatibility, or ease of maintenance are your primary concerns, you might want to consider modern alternatives.
Recommendation:If you are determined to purchase a reel tape deck, thoroughly research its compatibility with your tape collection. Also, consider setting aside a budget for potential repairs and maintenance to ensure a smooth user experience. If you are unsure about your decision, it may be beneficial to try out the tape deck before making a purchase to test its sound quality and reliability.
Details:
Small scratches on the head cover that you see in photos is only downside to this otherwise clean deck. I have at least 8 hours labor in this.
I sold these new back in the 70's, and this was a decent 3 head reel to reel, made for radio shack by JV. This was run 6 hours after final adjustments, sounds good on all speeds.
I re-oiled it, and it looks nice with some minor chips along the back edge. Up for sale is an excellent vintage Realistic model 494 quad three head reel to tape deck. This one will include a 7 plastic take-up reel, as well new set of OE tech rubber reel holders from fellow er rpo58. You are paying a reasonable price for fully functional, serviced machine, not basket case.
They work fine, and all functions are strong quiet. The real wood veneer was pretty good shape when I got this. If you want to use this as a stereo 2 channel deck, will the front in out jacks and VI meter on left. This is a deck only, with pre-amp level outputs.
Front panel is very nice, few scratches. He makes excellent products, by the way. I used idlers from a Sony Tc-366, turned them down in diameter on my lathe. According to my measurements, high frequency response it is still good 19.
I just finished servicing this machine which included new belts, motor run capacitor, meter bulbs, fully cleaned, adjusted, re-lubricated, heads aligned demagnetized, and tested. I have been servicing these for many years, this should provide you with much enjoyment. 5k, and it sounds very nice. A common issue with these old machines is the rubber idler wheels either getting hard and brittle, or just melting away into gob of black goo.
This one was the latter, what a mess. I could not find the correct size round rewind belt, but used a heavy duty square belt of right length from my stock. Will rewind a 2400' tape without slipping. Please look at all pictures for condition details, and send me a message with any questions, I respond quickly.
specifications reeltapevintagego:
- brand: Realistic
- mpn: 14-974
- type: Tape Recorder
- country/region of manufacture: Japan
General reeltapevintagego:
- in stock: Yes
- consumer electronics > vintage electronics > vintage audio video consumer electronics > reel-to-reel tape recorders vintage audio video
Ratings:
- Good buyer, prompt payment, valued customer, highly recommended. 04-03-18
- Good buyer, prompt payment, valued customer, highly recommended. 04-06-18
- Great communication. A pleasure to do business with. 04-03-18
- Fast Payment! Great buyer, hope to deal with again! Thank you very much: 04-21-18
- Great Buyer! We truly appreciate the business! 04-12-18
Seller reeltapevintagego:
- zipcode: 49274
- city: Reading, Michigan
Shipping reeltapevintagego:
- cost: $0.0
- type: Calculated
- handling: 1 days
Payments reeltapevintagego:
- PayPal
Offer reeltapevintagego:
- quantity: 1
- Started: April 22, 2018, 6:02 pm
- Sold: 0
- bids: 0
- best offer: true
Returns reeltapevintagego:
- paid by: Buyer
- type: Money Back
- policy: returns accepted
- time: 14 Days
Realistic 14-974 Is Similar To:
- 14-3005 Realistic Vintage Reel To (52.2% similar) This is a 6 transistor recorder and comes in the original box. The tapes have a recording of some kids singing Christmas songs, awesome. This was most likely a Christmas from the 1960 'S, used 1 time and put away. This has all the original accessories, earphones, remote control, radio shack ...(December 4th, 2017)
- 14-3008 Realistic Model 14-3005 Reel (44.2% similar) The item is untested, buy as. You are buying on a vintage 1950S or 60S Realistic model transistor reel to push button remote control tape recorder. The box contains only reel to recorder and instructions. There is a reel to with tape the recording unit...(December 12th, 2017)
- 14-712 Realistic Radio Shack Stereo Tape Deck Solid State Vintage (51.6% similar) Reel size 7 or smaller. Original microphone. Working radio shack Realistic 7A7 SS stereo tape deck 3-SPEED:SOLID state vintage. Portable size 10 x 12 6 handle on side rubber feet and bottom...(September 9th, 2018)
- 14-785 Realistic Vintage Portable Reel (55.7% similar) Shipping Argo-tech only ships to the USA. Microphone carrying bag is deteriorating. Vintage Realistic portable reel to tape recorder model 323, 14-785 used, good condition. Power source: 4XBATTERIES2 tape speeds remove capstan sleeve for slower speed. Some negligible scratches on translucent reel ...(June 19th, 2017)
- 14-940 Realistic Tape Recorder (51.7% similar) Seems to work fine on AA batteries, battery contacts could use a little clean-up, so the case. It is working, but needs new drive belts for the tape recorder. Look over the photographs carefully, contact me with any questions...(December 5th, 2018)
- 14-972 Realistic Vtg Stereo Reel To Track Tape Recorder Player As (54.8% similar) Please view shipping options, there may be a better faster, more affordable, etc. Marked with a model number of 909B. Here we have: a vintage Realistic 4 track tape recorder player. If the fees are. Please see photos. Shipping: calculated. There are scuffs and wear to the exterior that consistent ...(August 10th, 2018)
- 14-999 Realistic Vintage Reel To (54.9% similar) ...(August 12th, 2017)
- 22-432 Realistic Bulk Tape Eraser (47.8% similar) This offer is for one radio shack bulk tape eraser. No shipping elsewhere. I will try to combine items whenever possible save on shipping charges. Good luck and enjoy the offer. Nos, original packaging...(October 15th, 2017)
- 33-918 Realistic Vintage Dynamic Microphone Desk Tape Recorder Mic (51.2% similar) For sale the pictured desk top mike from Realistic. Should a wire come loose, it is quite easily fixed with bit of solder. Note the wear in pictures. The plug has been secured with electrical tape. It is working. Safely ships as a priority package envelope us. Nice for use, or display...(October 14th, 2018)
- 42-2105 Realistic Vintage Tape Control Center (46.2% similar) Vintage Realistic model tape control center, upper front controls in off dub deck 1, 2/3 , lower out out, back has 8 plug jacks and the is not tested, sold as...(September 14th, 2018)
- 42-2115 Realistic Model Stereo Tape (48.9% similar) I don't have a setup for tape decks, so could not test it, but its just switches, what can go wrong. Anyway, guaranteed to work. The unit is extra clean. Buyer to pay shipping all zones worldwide be determined after sale. Your satisfaction is guaranteed. First, let me apologize for not brushing the ...(August 30th, 2017)
