Denon PT-22C

The Denon PT-22C is a mid-1950s to early 1960s semi-professional or advanced consumer reel-to-reel tape recorder, produced in Japan by Denon (Nippon Columbia Co., Ltd.). It belongs to Denon's early PT-series lineup, which transitioned from the pioneering 1951 PT-11/PT-12 broadcast portables to more refined semi-pro/consumer models. The PT-22C is extremely rare today, with limited surviving examples and documentation primarily from Japanese vintage audio catalogs and collector directories (e.g., Reel-Reel.com and VintageAudio.pro). It was designed for high-quality home or small-studio use, emphasizing solid-state electronics (early transistor transition) and NAB equalization.

This was a solid-state mono or stereo-capable recorder (likely 2-track or 4-track mono/stereo depending on variant), focused on reliability and decent fidelity for the era.

Key Technical Specifications

• Recording/Playback System — Likely 2-track (half-track) or 4-track (quarter-track) mono/stereo compatible; records/plays in one direction (tape flip for reverse); mono compatible; basic overdub/multiplay possible.

• Tape Speeds — Two speeds (typical for PT-series semi-pro):7½ ips (19 cm/s)
  3¾ ips (9.5 cm/s)
  

• Reel Size — Up to 7 inches (18 cm) maximum diameter (standard consumer/professional cine-type reels).

• Frequency Response (approximate, typical for early 1960s solid-state):At 7½ ips: 50 Hz – 15,000–18,000 Hz
  At 3¾ ips: 50 Hz – 10,000–12,000 Hz Respectable for semi-pro use; focused on clarity for music/voice.
  

• Wow & Flutter — ~0.2–0.4% at 7½ ips (good for early solid-state with proper maintenance).

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio — Approximately 45–50 dB (typical early transistor performance).

• Heads — Likely 2 or 3 heads: combined or separate record/playback + erase (permalloy; some configs for monitoring).

• Drive System — Single or three-motor (early pro influence); capstan drive with belt or idler; mechanical transport; fast wind/rewind.

• Electronics — Solid-state (transistorized; transition from tube PT-series); NAB equalization; basic preamp/amplifier circuitry.

• Amplification & Speakers — Built-in mono or stereo amplifiers; internal loudspeaker(s) for monitoring.

• Inputs — Microphone (low-level); line/radio/phono (higher level); DIN-style or similar connectors.

• Outputs — Line out; headphones possible; internal speaker.

• Features —VU meter(s).
  Basic transport controls.
  Portable/tabletop design with handle/case.
  

• Power — AC mains (100 V Japan standard; multi-voltage variants).

• Build & Dimensions — Compact tabletop/portable case; approximate size ~400 × 300 × 200 mm (estimated); weight ~8–12 kg.

• Manufacturing — Japan (Denon/Nippon Columbia).

Performance & Legacy Context

The PT-22C was a solid early solid-state recorder—offering better reliability and lower noise than tube predecessors (PT-11/PT-12), with decent fidelity at 7½ ips for home or small-studio use. It bridged Denon's 1950s broadcast focus to 1970s high-end consumer decks (DH series). Sound quality suited music/voice dubbing, with clear highs and dynamics when aligned.

Surviving examples are ultra-rare (mostly collector references; no widespread sales). They are prized for historical value in Denon's tape legacy.

Common issues today: Transistor aging, electrolytic capacitor drying, belt/idler hardening, dirty heads, mechanical wear. Restorations specialized; manuals scarce (Japanese originals).

Compared to Denon models:

• PT-11/PT-12 (1951) — Earlier broadcast portables (tube, mono).

• DH-710F/DH-610S — Later 1970s high-end consumer (15 ips, 3-head, superior specs).

• DN-series — Later pro/broadcast (e.g., DN-85R, DN-86R).

• PT-22C — Early solid-state semi-pro (1950s–1960s transition).