Philips EL3534
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
Early 1960s
Head Composition
Equalization
Frequency Response
Speed
Max Reel [inch]
Tracks
Price
Additional Information
Philips EL3534 (and EL3534A variant) is a fully transistorized 4-track stereo reel-to-reel tape recorder from 1962–1966, manufactured in Germany as Philips' early solid-state consumer stereo offering.
Design and Transport
Wooden table-top case (grey two-tone) with remote control option (EL-3984). Single asynchronous motor drives up to 18cm (7") reels via dual-capstan system; automatic tape end stop and illuminated counter. Multiplay function enables sound-on-sound recording.
Audio Format and Performance
Tracks: 4-track stereo (quarter-track, 2 channels per direction).
Speeds: 2.4, 4.75, 9.5, 19 cm/s (15/16, 1⅞, 3¾, 7½ ips).
Frequency response:
2.4 cm/s: 50–4,500 Hz
4.75 cm/s: 50–10,000 Hz
9.5 cm/s: 50–16,000 Hz
19 cm/s: 50–18,000 HzS/N ratio: >45 dB.
Heads: 2 erase + stereo record/playback heads.
Wow/flutter: <0.25% variation.
Electronics and I/O
17 transistors (OC58/OC75/OC44 series) with tone control and separate mic/radio level adjustment.
Inputs: Mic (0.5mV/5kΩ), phono (120mV/1MΩ), radio (2mV/20kΩ)—all stereo.
Outputs: Line (2×1V), headphones, external speakers (2×5W; auto-mutes internal 2×3W speakers).
Power: ~70W AC multi-voltage (110/127/220/245V).
Physical Specs
Dimensions: 447×380×220 mm (EL3534); weight ~15–16 kg. Price ~928 DM (~€2,400 adjusted).
Advanced domestic stereo deck bridging valve-to-transistor era, with Australian "Continental 34" export using 2 speeds.