Philips N7300

The Philips N7300 (including variants like N7300/00 or /15) is a late 1970s to early 1980s consumer hi-fi stereo reel-to-reel tape recorder, produced approximately 1980–1983 (one of Philips' last open-reel models before the company fully shifted to cassette and digital formats). Manufactured primarily in Austria (Philips Österreich), it was positioned as a high-fidelity home deck with support for large reels, multiplay/echo capabilities, and a focus on usability for music recording, radio dubbing, and playback. Often described as Philips' final domestic reel-to-reel machine, it featured a robust build with 10.5-inch reel capacity and adjustable reel height for optimal tape handling.

This was a 4-track (quarter-track) stereo recorder with true stereo recording and playback in both directions, built-in stereo amplification, dual internal speakers, and features like pitch control, echo recording, and multiplay overdubbing—making it versatile for home enthusiasts in the declining open-reel era.

Key Technical Specifications

• Recording/Playback System — 4-track (quarter-track), 2-channel stereo/monaural; records and plays stereo on tracks 1-4 forward and 3-2 reverse (manual tape flip required for second pair); mono compatible; sound-on-sound/multiplay overdub facilities; echo recording possible; no auto-reverse.

• Tape Speeds — Three speeds:1⅞ ips (4.75 cm/s)
  3¾ ips (9.5 cm/s)
  7½ ips (19.05 cm/s)
  

• Reel Size — Up to 10.5 inches (26.5 cm or 26 cm in some listings) maximum diameter; supports NAB hubs; selector switch for reel size; adjustable height of reel discs (for optimal tape path and large reels).

• Frequency Response (approximate, typical tolerances; varies by tape/condition):At 7½ ips: 40 Hz – 18,000 Hz (or up to 20,000 Hz in optimal conditions)
  At 3¾ ips: 40 Hz – 15,000 Hz
  At 1⅞ ips: ~60 Hz – 10,000 Hz Respectable hi-fi performance at higher speeds for a late consumer deck.
  

• Wow & Flutter — ≤0.1% at 7½ ips (DIN weighted; good for the era but can degrade with age due to DC motor and plastic components).

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio — Approximately 48 dB (DIN weighted; typical mid-range transistor performance).

• Heads — 3 heads: 1 × playback, 1 × record, 1 × erase (permalloy; enables off-tape monitoring).

• Drive System — 4 motors (including 3 × DC motors for transport + 1 × mechanism motor in some descriptions); belt/idler drive (heavy reliance on plastic gears, platters with indentations, idlers); electronic or mechanical tension; fast wind/rewind; mechanical brakes.

• Electronics — Fully transistorized; printed circuit board amplifier.

• Amplification & Speakers — Built-in stereo amplifiers; dual internal loudspeakers; output power ~25 W total (or ~few watts per channel for monitoring/room filling).

• Inputs —Microphone: ~0.3 mV
  Line/DIN: ~2 mV
  Alternative line: ~50 mV
  DIN-style connectors standard.
  

• Outputs —Line out: ~1 V
  Headphones (monitor).
  External speakers or amp.
  DIN-style.
  

• Features —Twin VU meters (needle type; active for record/playback).
  Adjustable tape speed (pitch control).
  Multiplay/echo recording capabilities.
  Input mixing.
  Tape counter.
  Off-tape monitoring (source/tape switch).
  Pause function.
  Portable/tabletop design with lid/handle; vertical/horizontal orientation; optional remote control unit for transport functions.
  

• Power — AC mains (multi-voltage switchable); consumption moderate.

• Build & Dimensions — Tabletop case (often wood/teak accents); 442 × 430 × 206 mm (17.4 × 16.9 × 8.1 inches); weight 9 kg (lighter than earlier flagships due to design choices).

• Manufacturing — Primarily Austria (Philips Österreich); one of Philips' final domestic reel-to-reel models.

Performance & Legacy Context

The N7300 was a solid late-era consumer deck—offering three-head monitoring, three speeds (including usable 7½ ips for music), large 10.5-inch reel support, pitch control, and integrated stereo amp/speakers for convenience. It delivered decent clarity, stereo imaging, and dynamics at 7½ ips when new or serviced, with good usability for home hi-fi tasks. However, it is now infamous in restoration communities for durability issues: extensive use of plastic components (gears, platters, idlers, chassis parts), small DC motors (limited torque and prone to wear), and belt/idler degradation (goo/melting common). Many units suffer speed instability, mechanical failures, or wow/flutter worsening over time.

Compared to earlier siblings:

• N4520/N4522 — Much higher-end flagship (quartz PLL, glass-ferrite heads, 15 ips, 10.5" NAB focus)—far superior in specs and build.

• N4510/N4512 — Close predecessors (three motors/heads but earlier refinements).

• N7150 — Similar late-era plastic-heavy model (often confused; N7300 is slightly later/refined).

• N7300 — Philips' "last domestic" reel-to-reel, with large-reel support and pitch control but compromised long-term reliability.

Common issues today: Plastic gear/idler/platter wear (replacements via 3D print or kits), belt goo, dried electrolytic capacitors, transistor aging, dirty heads (3-head alignment critical), motor wear (DC types prone to failure), and transport mechanics. Restorations are possible but labor-intensive—many consider it a "project" or "parts donor." Service/user manuals available (HiFi Engine, Elektrotanya—schematics and alignment).