Braun TG-504

The Braun TG‑504 is a late‑1960s, fully transistorized, 4‑track stereo home reel‑to‑reel deck that shares its basic platform with the TG‑502 but uses a 4‑track head system and targets flexible home hi‑fi use rather than semi‑pro work.

Basic concept and era

• Production era: approximately 1968–1973, made in Germany.

• Category: table‑top stereo tape recorder, part of Braun’s “new generation” modular hi‑fi line (with CSV amplifiers, Regie receivers, PS turntables, L‑series speakers).

• Designer: in the Dieter Rams design language, with the low, flat chassis, aluminum top plate and white/anthracite lacquered base, plus clear Plexiglas lid.

Transport and tape path

• Tape speeds: 9.5 and 19 cm/s (3 3/4 and 7 1/2 ips).

• Reel capacity: up to 18 cm / 7‑inch reels.

• Drive system: direct‑belt drive capstan with 3‑motor transport (separate capstan and reel motors) for stable speed and fast winding.​

• Features: tape‑tension control with feeler arm, automatic tape end shut‑off, combined electrical and mechanical braking, can be operated horizontally or vertically.​

Heads, track format and electronics

• Track format: 4‑track stereo (quarter‑track on 1/4‑inch tape), giving long playing time per reel and compatibility with typical consumer pre‑recorded tapes.

• Head system: 3 stereo heads (erase, record, playback) for full off‑tape monitoring; the sister models in the series add extra heads for 2‑/4‑track combinations.​

• Technology: fully transistorized (around 30+ semiconductors), line‑level deck with no built‑in power amplifier; meant to feed an external amplifier or receiver.

Audio performance and I/O

• Frequency response: at 19 cm/s approximately 20 Hz–20 kHz, at 9.5 cm/s approximately 20 Hz–14 kHz (DIN conditions).​

• Signal‑to‑noise ratio: around 52 dB; total harmonic distortion about 3% (typical spec listing).​

• Inputs: multi‑channel input mixer with 4‑channel capability, line input around 100 mV sensitivity, microphone input around 0.1 mV, plus connections for radio and phono sources.

• Monitoring features: “Hinterband/Vorderband” switch for off‑tape vs source monitoring, Duplo‑meter (twin VU‑meters) and multiplay overdub options.​

• Outputs: line‑level output for external amplifier and headphone output.

Power, size and system integration

• Power: 220 V AC mains, European market focus.

• Dimensions: about 420 × 280 × 167 mm (W × H × D); weight around 20 kg.​

• Visual/system match: finishes and proportions coordinated with CSV 250/500/1000 amplifiers, Regie 501 receivers, PS 420/500/600/1000 turntables, and L‑series speakers to form a coherent Braun hi‑fi stack