AEG/Telefunken Magnetophon M205
AEG/Telefunken
Germany
Tape Deck Details
Number of Motors
1
Number of Heads
3
Head Configuration
Stereo
Wow & Flutter
0.15%
Signal-to-Noise [dB]
50
Dimensions [mm]
410 x 300 x 160
Weight [kg]
8.5
Year built
1969-1972
Head Composition
Permalloy
Equalization
IEC
Frequency Response
60-15000 Hz
Speed
1⅞, 3¾, 7½
Max Reel [inch]
7
Tracks
1/4 Rec/PB
Price
User
Consumer
Additional Information
The AEG Telefunken Magnetophon M205 is a vintage open-reel tape deck from the late 1960s to early 1970s, known for its compact design and solid performance in home hi-fi setups.
Key Specifications
Build and Size: Measures 410 x 300 x 160 mm and weighs 8.5 kg, with a brown/silver finish typical of Telefunken consumer gear.
Drive System: Single synchronous motor handling both tape transport and power supply duties.
Heads: Two-head setup (one combo record/playback head using Permalloy, plus one erase head); 4-track stereo operation.
Speeds: Three options—4.75 cm/s (1⅞ ips), 9.5 cm/s (3¾ ips), and 19 cm/s (7½ ips)—with max reel diameter of 18 cm (7 inches).
Frequency Response: 60-8000 Hz at 4.75 cm/s, 60-13000 Hz at 9.5 cm/s, and 60-15000 Hz at 19 cm/s.
Performance Metrics
Pitch variation stays low at 0.4% (slowest speed) to 0.15% (fastest).
Inputs include microphone (0.2 mV/2 kΩ), radio (0.2 mV/2 kΩ), and phono (200 mV/2.2 MΩ), while outputs provide line-level (1 V/20 kΩ) and headphone jacks.
It features a 4-digit tape counter and push-button controls for basic functions like play, record, fast wind, and pause, but lacks remote control or auto-reverse.
Historical Context
Manufactured in Germany from 1969-1972, it retailed for about 499 DM and targeted audiophiles seeking affordable stereo recording without built-in speakers (unlike the related M207 model).
As part of the Magnetophon lineage from AEG Telefunken, it built on pioneering reel-to-reel tech from the 1930s but focused on consumer stereo use.