Aristona EW5515/13

The Aristona EW5515/13 is a late-1970s to early-1980s (introduced around 1978–1979, with some units built in Austria) 4-track stereo reel-to-reel tape recorder. It was produced under the Aristona brand — a more affordable export/parallel line of Philips (Netherlands) — and is essentially identical to the Philips N4515 (a later variant in the N45xx series, sometimes noted for black cosmetics and RCA/phono sockets instead of DIN connectors in related models).

Key Technical Specifications

• Format: Open-reel (reel-to-reel) magnetic tape recorder.

• Track Configuration: 4-track, 2-channel stereo (quarter-track). Supports full stereo recording and playback, plus mono compatibility. It handles pre-recorded stereo tapes.

• Tape Speeds: Three speeds — 4.76 cm/s (1⅞ ips), 9.53 cm/s (3¾ ips), and 19.05 cm/s (7½ ips).

• Reel Capacity: Up to 18 cm (7 inches) standard; some references mention support for larger reels up to 26.5 cm maximum diameter (with appropriate tension control).

• Drive System: 3 DC motors — one servo-controlled capstan motor for accurate speed regulation + two separate reel motors with electronic tension control and automatic stop at tape end.

• Heads: 3 heads — separate erase, record, and playback heads. This enables off-tape monitoring (A/B comparison) during recording.

• Electronics: Fully solid-state (transistorized).

• Frequency Response:At 19.05 cm/s: 35 Hz – 25,000 Hz
  At 9.53 cm/s: 35 Hz – 19,000 Hz
  

• Wow & Flutter:≤ ±0.1% at 19.05 cm/s
  ≤ ±0.15% at 9.53 cm/s
  

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: ≥ 60 dB (DIN weighted, across relevant speeds; some marketing claimed better than 48 dB in earlier contexts, but the DIN figure is the more consistent spec).

• Total Harmonic Distortion: ≤ 3% (or less at 3 dBVU levels).

• Inputs: Microphone (low level), line/phono/radio.

• Outputs: Line out, headphone jack, and connections suitable for external amplifiers (including a built-in control/preamplifier section in some descriptions, with input selector and compatibility for Motional Feedback (MFB) speakers, turning the deck into a central hi-fi control unit).

• Power Supply: AC mains, switchable 110/220–240 V.

• Other: Automatic tape stop, electronic tension control, tape counter, and solenoid/logic-assisted transport controls.

Features

• Stereo recording with two microphones or line sources.

• Off-tape monitoring for precise recording checks.

• Input selector and preamplifier functionality for integration into a full hi-fi system.

• Transport controls: Record, Play, Pause, Stop, Fast Forward, Rewind.

• Designed for serious home use: high-quality music recording from live sources, vinyl, or radio; archiving; and playback as part of a stereo setup.

Performance Context

The Aristona EW5515/13 (Philips N4515) was one of the stronger consumer/semi-hi-fi reel-to-reel machines from Philips toward the end of the open-reel era. It meets DIN 45500 hi-fi standards and delivers wide frequency response, low wow & flutter, and respectable signal-to-noise performance for non-professional use. At 19 cm/s it offers musical, detailed sound suitable for critical home listening. It improves on earlier models with refined servo control and tension handling, though it remains below true professional studio decks (e.g., Revox B77 or Studer).

Build and Market Position

• Sturdy tabletop design with a dust cover often included.

• Functional 1970s–early 1980s Philips/Ariston a styling (metal chassis with plastic elements).

• Positioned as a hi-fi enthusiast machine at a more accessible price than flagship Philips models. In 1980, the Aristona version retailed for around 899 Dutch Guilders (roughly €1,500 in today’s equivalent).