Philips N4408

The Philips N4408 (including variants like N4408/00 or rebranded as Maestro 4408 in some markets) is a late 1960s flagship consumer stereo reel-to-reel tape recorder, introduced in 1967 and produced through the early 1970s (primarily manufactured in Austria by Philips Österreich). It represented the top-of-the-range model in Philips' solid-state N44xx hi-fi series, succeeding the tube/hybrid EL35xx line (e.g., EL3555/3575) and offering true hi-fi performance compliant with DIN 45500 standards (within 6 dB tolerances). Designed for ambitious home amateurs and discerning music lovers, it was capable of near-studio quality recordings, especially when paired with Philips' high-fidelity low-noise tapes.

This was a 4-track (quarter-track) stereo machine with full stereo recording and playback in both directions, built-in stereo amplification, clip-on/dual speakers, and flexible vertical or horizontal operation (with special reel hub-locks for vertical use).

Key Technical Specifications

• Recording/Playback System — 4-track (quarter-track), 2-channel stereo/mono compatible; records and plays stereo on tracks 1-4 forward and 3-2 reverse; mono compatible; sound-on-sound/multiplay overdub facilities; no auto-reverse.

• Tape Speeds — Three speeds:1⅞ ips (4.75 cm/s)
  3¾ ips (9.5 cm/s)
  7½ ips (19 cm/s)
  

• Reel Size — Up to 7 inches (18 cm) maximum diameter (some references note compatibility up to 10½" in certain configs, but standard is 7").

• Frequency Response (approximate, within DIN tolerances; varies by tape/condition):At 7½ ips: 40 Hz – 18,000 Hz
  At 3¾ ips: 40 Hz – 15,000 Hz
  At 1⅞ ips: ~60 Hz – 10,000 Hz Hi-fi capable at higher speeds (real DIN 45500 compliance with low-noise tape).
  

• Wow & Flutter — Approximately 0.15–0.2% at 7½ ips (excellent single-motor stability for consumer class).

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio — Better than 45–50 dB (strong for transistor era).

• Heads — 2 heads: combined record/playback (permalloy) + erase head.

• Drive System — Single asynchronous motor; belt drive to capstan/flywheel; idler tires/clutches; mechanical brakes; fast wind/rewind.

• Electronics — Fully transistorized (~22 transistors total); printed circuit board amplifier; no tubes.

• Amplification & Speakers — Built-in stereo amplifiers; dual internal/clip-on loudspeakers (often elliptical types that clip onto the front/top); output power 2 × 6 watts (or similar; sufficient for monitoring/room filling).

• Inputs —Microphone: 0.25 mV (stereo pair possible).
  Line/radio/phono: 100 mV (or similar).
  DIN-style connectors standard.
  

• Outputs —Line out: 1 V.
  Headphones.
  External speakers.
  DIN-style (including dedicated tape in/out on some).
  

• Features —Two separate illuminated VU meters (one per channel; active during record and playback).
  Separate bass/treble tone controls.
  Piano-style illuminated tip-touch/push-button transport controls.
  Track selector and direction switching.
  Monitoring while recording.
  Pause function.
  Stereo indicator lights.
  Portable/tabletop design with lid/handle; vertical/horizontal orientation.
  

• Power — AC mains (110–127 / 220–240 V switchable, 50/60 Hz); consumption min. 29 W / max. 120 W.

• Build & Dimensions — Tabletop/low-profile case (often wood/teak finish); approx. 480 × 220 × 330 mm (18.9 × 8.7 × 13 inches); weight ≈23 kg (heavy due to built-in amps/speakers).

• Manufacturing — Primarily Austria (Philips Österreich).

Performance & Legacy Context

Launched in 1967 as Philips' premier consumer stereo open-reel model, the N4408 was hailed as a "dream machine" for tape enthusiasts—offering DIN hi-fi quality (especially at 9.5/19 cm/s), dual meters for precise level control, independent tone controls, and robust stereo imaging. It excelled for home music recording, off-air dubbing, and playback, with surprisingly good dynamics and clarity when maintained. The clip-on speakers and vertical capability made it versatile for modern shelving.

Compared to siblings:

• N4404 — Economy: two speeds (no 7½ ips).

• N4407 — Very similar mid-range: three speeds, but slightly less refined (e.g., single meter in some configs).

• N4408 — Flagship with dual meters, enhanced indicators, and top build.

Common issues today: Belt degradation (goo/melting—multiple belts need kits), dried electrolytic capacitors, transistor aging, dirty heads, worn idlers/clutches, and mechanical adjustments (tape path, brakes). Restorations are highly rewarding—many examples sound excellent post-service. Service/user manuals widely available (HiFi Engine, Elektrotanya, Internet Archive—full schematics, alignment guides).