Ampex 800

The Ampex 800 reel-to-reel tape deck is a stereo tape recorder introduced around 1966, designed for advanced home and semi-professional use.

• Track and Channel System: Four-track, two-channel stereo/monaural system on 1/4-inch tape, enabling stereo playback/recording and flexible use for mono tracks as well.

• Tape Speeds: Supports three standard speeds: 1⅞, 3¾, 7½ ips. This allows a choice between longer recording duration or improved fidelity.

• Frequency Response: 50 Hz to 15 kHz at 7 1/2 ips, providing clean and accurate audio typical of this class of tape deck.

• Wow and Flutter: 0.15% at 7 1/2 ips, indicating stable tape transport and low speed variation.

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 46 dB, sufficient for quality home and office use.

• Total Harmonic Distortion: 2%.

• Inputs/Outputs:
  Line input: 200 mV
  Microphone input: 1 mV
  Line output: 1 V
  Output power rated at 6 watts, suitable for monitoring/speaker use.

• Physical Characteristics: Dimensions: 483 x 343 x 190 mm; weight: 17.8 kg; standard case finish is walnut.

• Build and Features: Solid-state electronics for reliability and low maintenance, mechanical tape transport with direct controls for all standard tape functions (play, stop, record, rewind, fast forward, pause). The deck was supplied with a walnut cabinet for home installation and featured VU meters for level monitoring.

Usage Context

The Ampex 800 was built for advanced audiophiles, home studios, and serious recording enthusiasts. Its multi-speed capability, solid-state reliability, and flexible track system made it popular for recording, archiving, and playback needs in both consumer and semi-professional settings.

Summary

The Ampex 800 is a robust, reliable, four-track, stereo reel-to-reel tape deck with excellent frequency response and low wow/flutter. It combines solid-state electronics, multi-speed operation, and classic mechanical controls to deliver quality audio performance for demanding home and light studio use.