Berlant Concertone 804

The Berlant Concertone 804 (often listed as Concertone 804 or American Concertone 804 in late-1960s catalogs) is a late-1960s vintage open-reel tape recorder from the 800 Series "Reverse-O-Matic" line, produced around 1967. This was near the end of the Berlant/Concertone brand era, with manufacturing influenced or handled by Japanese partners (e.g., Denki Onkyo Co. or TEAC affiliates), and units sometimes badged under transitional names. It was a high-fidelity consumer stereo deck focused on convenience features like auto-reverse for extended, uninterrupted playback.

The 804 appears in period retail catalogs (e.g., Allied Radio, Lafayette) as a variant in the 800 lineup (following models like 800, 801, and 802), with pricing varying by configuration or bundling (e.g., with/without case or speakers). It shared core mechanics with the series but may have represented a specific packaging, cosmetic, or minor feature tweak (e.g., differences in included amplifiers, enclosure, or pricing tiers). Surviving examples are extremely rare, occasionally surfacing in vintage sales as untested/restoration projects.

Key Technical Specifications 

• Tape Speeds: 3.75 ips and 7.5 ips (standard hi-fi/consumer speeds for quality vs. duration balance).

• Frequency Response: 30 Hz to 18 kHz (extended range for clear highs and solid bass in home hi-fi applications).

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 50 dB (typical for mid-to-late 1960s consumer solid-state decks; good performance without noise reduction).

• Track Configuration: 4-track (quarter-track) stereo/mono (bidirectional for forward/reverse recording and playback).

• Heads: 6 heads total (3 per direction: erase, record, playback) for seamless bidirectional autoreverse without head flipping.

• Reel Sizes: Up to 7" standard (compact, consumer-friendly; NAB adapters possible but not emphasized).

• Motors: 3-motor transport (separate capstan, supply, and take-up for stable tension, smooth autoreverse, and low wow/flutter).

• Timing Accuracy / Wow & Flutter: Approximately 0.2% (reliable stability from synchronous capstan and precise mechanics).

• Other Features:Reverse-O-Matic auto-reverse (automatic direction change at tape ends via foil sensors or cues for continuous/endless playback—a flagship series feature).
  Sound-on-sound overdubbing.
  Dual VU meters, stereo line/mic inputs, outputs, NAB equalization.
  Solid-state (transistor) electronics for reliability, low heat, and quick startup.
  Off-tape monitoring, level controls, and basic transport functions.
  

• Weight: Around 50–55 lbs (sturdy build; similar to 801/802 variants, potentially varying with enclosure).

• Original Price: Varied by retailer/config (e.g., $299.95–$439.95 in 1967 catalogs; positioned as premium consumer hi-fi, often discounted in bundles).

Design and Build Overview

The 804 used the 800 Series' 3-motor direct-drive transport for dependable handling and minimal maintenance, with bidirectional 6-head configuration enabling true forward/reverse without tape path interruptions. The Reverse-O-Matic sensed conductive foil at tape ends to trigger solenoid-driven reversals, allowing hours of seamless play—innovative for consumer models and a major draw over competitors.

It featured a rigid metal chassis (often with walnut case or portable-style enclosure options) and integrated stereo electronics/power supply. As a late-series entry, it embodied TEAC's influence on Concertone post-Berlant merger, prioritizing solid-state convenience over earlier tube designs.

Today, these are ultra-rare collectibles prized for Reverse-O-Matic novelty and build. Restoration typically addresses solenoid/relay issues in autoreverse, electrolytic capacitors, mechanism cleaning/lubrication, and head alignment/relapping. Service info overlaps with 800/801/802 manuals (e.g., Photofact schematics).