Grundig TM 19

The Grundig TM 19 (also referred to as TM-19 or sometimes grouped with TK 19/TM 19 in service literature) is a mid-1960s open-reel (reel-to-reel) tape recorder produced by Grundig Radio-Vertrieb in Fürth, Germany. Manufactured primarily from 1963 to 1966, it was a compact, budget-oriented mono domestic machine aimed at entry-level home users and hobbyists. It was essentially a simplified or "deck-focused" variant in the TK/TM series, often sold without the full TK 19 cabinet features or as a lower-cost alternative, sharing much of the same mechanical and electronic design as the TK 19 but positioned more affordably.

The TM 19 was priced originally around 350 DM (a budget consumer figure), making it accessible for basic recording needs like radio dubbing, dictation, family events, or light music. It was valued for its reliability, simple operation, and decent performance for its class, though limited by single speed and basic heads.

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 — 9.5 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 / 146 mm (often listed as up to 5¾" or 6 inches; commonly used with 5-inch reels for compactness; 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 budget consumer machines)

• Drive System: Mechanical transport with push-button controls; constant tape speed; foil-sensing automatic stop at tape end; basic tension regulation suitable for standard tape

• Frequency Response: Approximately 60 Hz – 12 kHz (±3 to –5 dB at 3¾ ips; respectable for a single-speed entry-level mono recorder of the era, focused on clear voice and light music)

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: ≈45–50 dB (typical; modest but adequate for non-professional use)

• Wow & Flutter: ≈0.2% (at 3¾ ips; 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 (single elliptical permanent-magnet dynamic type); line out via DIN socket; output power ≈2.5 watts

• 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 350–380 × 180 × 280–320 mm / 13.8–15 × 7.1 × 11–12.6 inches (W × H × D) — compact suitcase/portable form factor with handle

• Weight: Around 8–10 kg (17.6–22 lbs) — portable yet substantial due to metal chassis, transformers, and tubes

• Electronics: Valve/tube-based (typically 4 tubes): EF86 preamp, ECC81 phase splitter/driver, EL95 output (push-pull), EM84 magic eye level indicator; metal rectifier for power supply

• Other Features: Magic eye (EM84) recording level indicator (glow for level monitoring); mechanical tape counter; automatic tape-end stop; pause function; recording time ≈2 hours total (1 hour per direction) on 5.75-inch reels with standard tape

Design and Performance Notes

The TM 19 was a simplified, cost-reduced variant in Grundig's TK/TM series, often sharing the core chassis and drive with the TK 19 but lacking some cosmetic or feature upgrades (e.g., sometimes without automatic level control or larger speaker). It prioritized affordability and basic usability: single speed and tube circuitry delivered a warm, intelligible tone suitable for voice or light music, with good clarity for its era—modern vintage ratings place it around 5–6/10 for sound (functional mono performer) and 6–7/10 for build reliability/durability.

The drive mechanism was simple and durable (belt-driven capstan from motor pulley), with minimal electronics complexity. Common long-term service needs include:

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

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

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

• Replacing rubber drive belts/idlers (common failure point in 1960s models)

• Lubricating mechanisms

• Magic eye alignment and rectifier checks

Historical Context

The TM 19 was part of Grundig's extended 1950s–1960s TK/TM series that popularized open-reel recording in Europe. It was a budget sibling to the TK 19 (with similar internals but often stripped-down features), often exported or sold as a "tape machine" without full amplifier extras. Surviving examples are collectible today as entry-level vintage pieces, often in good cosmetic condition due to sturdy 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 mid-1960s German audio engineering and budget mono designs.