Philips EL3515A
Philips
Netherlands
Tape Deck Details
Number of Motors
Number of Heads
Head Configuration
Wow & Flutter
Signal-to-Noise [dB]
Dimensions [mm]
Weight [kg]
Year built
1957
Head Composition
Equalization
Frequency Response
Speed
Max Reel [inch]
Tracks
Price
Additional Information
Philips EL3515A is a late-1950s (circa 1959–1960) consumer-grade, valve-based mono reel-to-reel tape recorder, an upmarket variant of the base EL3515 with a wooden case covered in faux leather for improved aesthetics and durability.
Design and Transport
Compact table-top model with removable plastic lid revealing the tape path. Uses 9–13 cm (3.5–5") reels on a single-speed idler/capstan drive system. Push-button controls (stop center, play/FF right, pause/rewind left) with mechanical linkages; central magic-eye tube doubles as power-on and recording level indicator.
Audio Format and Performance
Tracks: Twin-track mono (two tracks, one per tape side; reverse direction for second track).
Speed: 9.5 cm/s (3¾ ips).
Frequency response: 50–14,000 Hz.
Heads: Combined record/playback (plus erase head).
Output power: 2–2.5W to internal dynamic speaker.
Playing time: Up to 3 hours on 1700 ft (520m) tape.
Electronics and Features
All-valve amp with 5 tubes (including ECC81/ECC82 preamp, EL84 output, EM81 magic eye). Multi-voltage AC power (110/127/220/245V). Inputs: mic, radio/line; tone control and recording level knob. Red record button pressed with play for dubbing; simple mixing possible.
Physical Specs
Dimensions approx. 350×250×150 mm; weight ~6–7 kg. Export versions (e.g., Australia) emphasize extended bandwidth for music alongside speech.
Priced around 398 guilders (~€1200 today adjusted), it targeted hobbyists seeking better build over basic plastic siblings like EL3510/EL3514.