Echoes of Analog Elegance: Reeling in Timeless Sound of TEAC X-3.

The TEAC X-3 open reel tape deck was built in Japan by Tokyo Electro-Acoustic Company in 1980 for the audiophile who wants to upgrade his present system, or for the beginner who wants the best possible sound from his first audio setup. It was one of the last reel-to-reel machines with a consumer focus that was made available to the general public.



You can choose between 7-1/2 or 3-3/4 ips tape speeds, for example, in addition to essentially excellent reproduction quality. Use 7-1/2 ips for maximum reproduction quality and 3-3/4 ips for longer playback times and more tape economy. Additionally, it has a comprehensive suite of modern capabilities that enable you to record professional-caliber results every time and facilitate easy operation.

The X-3's supply reel, take-up reel, and capstan are all driven by three separate motors. This means that all three of these functions may be accurately controlled for the best stability in the tape route, as opposed to one or two motor systems. The reel motors are precision eddy-current outer rotor kinds with smooth torque characteristics for the smoothest transport operation, and the capstan motor is a high-quality FG servo-controlled DC design that maintains flawlessly consistent speed at all times ensuring little wow and flutter. Furthermore, the installation of left and right tension arms along with guide rollers significantly reduces modulation noise and level fluctuations.

The improved electrical and magnetic properties, together with increased wear resistance, are features shared by the separate record, playback, and erase heads. You also receive optimum record and playback performance for the finest overall reproduction quality because the record and playback heads are fully independent. The three-head system also has the advantage of allowing for real-time monitoring. In other words, while recording with the recording head, you can really watch the signal that has been captured on the tape via the playback head. In this manner, you may hear the quality of your recording immediately once it is completed. As you record, you can make minor tweaks to guarantee the ideal outcomes.

Mic/Line mixing, which allows line and microphone inputs to be recorded concurrently at separately programmable levels, is a terrific tool for audiophiles wishing to venture into creative recording. With this tool, you may make soundtracks for home movies, add narration to background music for slide displays and other presentations, and build almost any sound combination you choose.

Light-touch, quick-response control buttons organized in an intuitive configuration enable all X-3 transport capabilities. You can use an external timer to turn the deck on or off in record or playback mode at predetermined periods, as these controls lock on once pushed. The X-3 can be configured to wake you up in the morning with your preferred music or to record your preferred FM program while you are away. It is also feasible to switch between transport modes directly without worrying about damaging the tape or the transport.

It is a known fact that the $550 price in the USA was comparable to a good tape deck. Despite being produced on a budget, the X-3 model was nevertheless a slick, contemporary device that was available at RadioShack in a cosmetically altered version known as the Realistic TR 3000. Although the RadioShack model was not as visually appealing as the TAC model, the $50 savings could have partially offset that. At the end of 1979, the RadioShack version and the original X-3 were released together. Additionally, it was sold for £350 in Tandy stores in the UK.

 

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