Grundig TK 19

The Grundig TK 19 (also known as TK19, TK 19 Automatic, or TK 19 A in some variants) is a mid-1960s open-reel (reel-to-reel) tape recorder produced by Grundig Radio-Vertrieb in Fürth, Germany. Manufactured primarily from 1961 to around 1966 (with the Automatic version introduced circa 1964–1965), it was a compact, entry-level mono domestic machine aimed at home users, radio enthusiasts, and hobbyists seeking an affordable recorder with automatic recording level control (often called "Magic Ear" or AVC — Automatic Volume Control) and push-button operation.

The TK 19 was priced originally around £40–50 in export markets (equivalent to roughly 400–500 DM in Germany), making it one of Grundig's more budget-friendly models in the TK series. It was valued for its simplicity, automatic features (eliminating manual gain adjustment), and decent sound for speech or light music dubbing, though it lacked multi-speed versatility or stereo capability.

Key Technical Specifications

Track System: 2-track (half-track), single-channel monaural (monaural record/playback; records on upper half of tape in one direction, lower half in reverse)

• Tape Speeds: Single speed — 9.53 cm/s (3¾ ips / 3.75 inches per second; no multi-speed capability, optimized for domestic runtime and basic fidelity)

• Reel Size: Maximum 5.75 inches / 150 mm (often listed as up to 5¾" or 15 cm; commonly used with 5–5.75 inch reels; supports standard NAB/international hubs)

• Heads: 2 heads — combined record/playback head + erase head (permalloy construction; no separate playback head or off-tape monitoring)

• Motors: 1 motor (capstan drive; single-motor design with mechanical reel assistance; reliable induction-type motor typical of mid-1960s consumer machines)

• Drive System: Mechanical transport with push-button operation (piano-style keys for play, record, stop, fast forward/rewind); constant tape speed; foil-sensing automatic stop at tape end; basic tension regulation suitable for standard and thinner tapes

• Frequency Response: Approximately 40 Hz – 12,000 Hz (±3 to –5 dB at 3¾ ips; some sources note 40–12 kHz; respectable for a single-speed entry-level mono recorder of the era, focused on clear voice and light music)

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: ≈50 dB (weighted; good for mid-1960s consumer mono, aided by automatic level control circuitry)

• Wow & Flutter: ≈0.2–0.4% (acceptable for domestic use; single-motor designs had tolerable variations)

• Equalization: CCIR/European standard for the period (some export versions note NARTB compatibility)

• Inputs:Microphone: Low-level (dynamic mic via DIN or proprietary socket; often supplied external mic)
  Line/Radio: High-level input via DIN connector (Grundig 5-pin standard)
  Phono/Grammophon: Additional high-level input for record players
  

• Outputs: Built-in loudspeaker (1 × elliptical permanent-magnet dynamic type, typically 144 × 96 mm / 5.7 × 3.8 inches); line out via DIN socket; output power ≈4 watts (some sources note 2.5–4 W)

• Power Supply: Alternating Current (AC) mains — 110–240 V (multi-voltage taps for export); power consumption around 55–80 W; no battery option (mains-only domestic/portable hybrid)

• Dimensions: Approximately 340 × 175 × 270 mm / 13.4 × 6.9 × 10.6 inches (W × H × D) — compact suitcase/portable form factor with handle

• Weight: Around 9 kg / 19 lb 13 oz (19.8 lbs) — portable yet substantial due to metal chassis, transformers, and tubes

• Electronics: Valve/tube-based (typically 4–5 tubes; common complement includes EF86 preamp, ECC81 phase splitter/driver, EL95/ECL86 output, EM84 magic eye level indicator; metal rectifier for power supply; some variants note automatic gain control circuitry replacing manual adjustment)

• Other Features: Magic eye (EM84) recording level indicator (glow for level monitoring; Automatic versions with AVC/"Magic Ear" circuitry for hands-free recording level adjustment); mechanical tape counter; automatic tape-end stop; pause function; recording time ≈60–90 minutes total (30–45 minutes per direction) on 5.75-inch reels with standard tape

Design and Performance Notes

The TK 19 was a practical, entry-level domestic recorder with a focus on ease of use: push-button controls and automatic recording level control (AVC/"Magic Ear") made it forgiving for beginners, eliminating the need for manual gain adjustment during recording. The tube circuitry delivered a warm, musical tone suitable for radio dubbing or home entertainment, with improved frequency response over earlier models like the TK 14/TK 18—modern vintage ratings place it around 6–7/10 for sound (solid mono performer) and 7–8/10 for build reliability/durability.

The drive mechanism was durable and straightforward, with minimal electronics complexity. Common long-term service needs include:

• Tube replacement/check (EF86 microphonics; EL95/ECL86 output wear)

• Cleaning heads, capstan, pinch roller, and tape path

• Replacing electrolytic capacitors (leakage common after 60+ years)

• Lubricating mechanisms and checking drive belts/pulleys

• Magic eye alignment and rectifier checks

• AVC circuit adjustment (if present; some units have variable resistors for calibration)

Historical Context

The TK 19 was part of Grundig's foundational 1950s–1960s TK series that popularized open-reel recording in Europe and export markets. It followed models like the TK 14/TK 18 and preceded later multi-speed/stereo machines (TK 14x, TK 24x, etc.). Surviving examples are collectible today, often in good cosmetic condition due to robust construction, but most require tube and capacitor restoration for reliable operation. They represent an accessible entry into vintage tube-era open-reel collecting, especially for those interested in late-1950s/early-1960s German audio engineering and automatic level control designs.