Denon DN-800

The Denon DN-800 (also listed as DENON/COLUMBIA DN-800 in some Japanese sources) is a late 1960s semi-professional stereo reel-to-reel tape deck, produced around 1967–1970 (manufactured in Japan by Nippon Columbia/Denon). It was positioned as a high-quality professional tape deck for studio, broadcast, or advanced amateur use, featuring a plug-in 3-head system that allowed switching between 4-track (quarter-track) and 2-track (half-track) configurations. This modularity, along with mixing, echo, and multiple recording capabilities, made it versatile for professional applications at a more accessible price than Denon's full broadcast line.

The DN-800 is a tube (valve)-based design (confirmed in collector reports), with a separate or integrated preamp in some setups, and it was built robustly ("like a tank" per user accounts), often in a portable-style wood/telex-covered case.

Key Technical Specifications

• Recording/Playback System — 4-track, 2-channel stereo (quarter-track standard); switchable to 2-track (half-track) via plug-in head assembly; mono compatible; sound-on-sound/multiplay overdub and echo recording possible with separate heads/amplifiers.

• Tape Speeds — Two speeds:7½ ips (19 cm/s)
  3¾ ips (9.5 cm/s) (Electrical switching system.)
  

• Reel Size — Maximum No. 7 (7 inches / 18 cm) diameter.

• Frequency Response (approximate, typical tolerances):At 19 cm/s (7½ ips): 30 Hz – 20 kHz
  At 9.5 cm/s (3¾ ips): 30 Hz – 15 kHz Strong for a late 1960s tube semi-pro deck.
  

• Wow & Flutter —At 19 cm/s: ≤0.2% RMS
  At 9.5 cm/s: ≤0.25% RMS Respectable stability from three-motor design.
  

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio — Approximately 45–50 dB (typical tube performance; good for the era with low-noise tape).

• Heads — 3 heads (plug-in interchangeable assembly for 4-track or 2-track); stacked/inline configuration; permalloy composition.

• Drive System — Three motors (capstan + two reel motors); belt drive to capstan/flywheel; idler tires/clutches; mechanical brakes; fast forward/rewind time ~50 seconds for 366 m tape.

• Electronics — Vacuum tube (valve)-based; AC bias and erasing system; separate record and playback amplifiers.

• Amplification & Speakers — Built-in control amplifier with internal speaker (~500 mW); outputs for external amp.

• Inputs — Microphone, line/radio/phono; DIN-style connectors.

• Outputs — Line out (RCA/DIN); headphones possible.

• Features —Twin level meters (one per channel).
  Mixing, echo, and multiple recording.
  Remote control possible.
  Portable-style case with handle (tolex/wood-covered in some examples).
  

• Power — AC mains (100 V Japan standard; 110–120 V export); consumption typical for tube deck (~60–100 W).

• Build & Dimensions — Tabletop/portable case; approx. 16.25 × 19 × 8.75 inches (413 × 483 × 222 mm); weight ~55 lbs (25 kg) — heavy and solidly built.

• Manufacturing — Japan (Denon/Nippon Columbia).

Performance & Legacy Context

The DN-800 was a high-quality semi-pro deck for its time—offering plug-in head flexibility (4-track/2-track switch), separate amplifiers for monitoring/echo, and three-motor stability. It delivered tube warmth, decent stereo imaging, and good fidelity at 7½ ips, suitable for small studios or advanced home use. The interchangeable head system was innovative for quick format changes.

Surviving examples are rare and collectible, often appearing as "project" units. Collectors note its tank-like build (metal knobs, heavy chassis) and basic but reliable operation.

Common issues today: Tube aging (preamp/output stages noisy/weak), electrolytic capacitor drying/leakage, belt/idler hardening, dirty heads (3-head alignment critical), worn idler tires/clutches, and mechanical wear. Restorations involve tube checks, recap, belt replacement, and alignment—many units revive well for vintage tube sound.

Compared to siblings:

• Denon DN-86R — Related pro model (similar era, broadcast focus).

• DH-710F/DH-610S — Later 1970s high-end consumer (transistor, 15 ips, glass heads—superior specs).