Philips N4404

The Philips N4404 (including variants like N4404/00, /22, or rebranded as Maestro 4404 in some markets) is a late 1960s to early 1970s consumer stereo reel-to-reel tape recorder, produced approximately 1969–1973 (primarily manufactured in Austria by Philips Österreich). It was the economy/entry-level model in Philips' N44xx solid-state hi-fi series, positioned below the more advanced N4407 (three speeds) and N4408 (flagship with enhanced features like better transport and indicators). The N4404 offered true stereo recording and playback at a budget price, with built-in amplifiers and speakers for convenient home use.

This was a 4-track (quarter-track) stereo machine with two speeds, designed for vertical or horizontal operation (a flexible feature for shelf or tabletop placement). It appealed to home hi-fi enthusiasts for music recording, radio dubbing, and playback of pre-recorded stereo tapes.

Key Technical Specifications

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

• Tape Speeds — Two speeds:1⅞ ips (4.75 cm/s)
  3¾ ips (9.5 cm/s) (No 7½ ips; this was the main economy compromise compared to N4407/N4408.)
  

• Reel Size — Up to 7 inches (18 cm) maximum diameter.

• Frequency Response (approximate, within ~±3 dB tolerances; varies by tape/condition):At 3¾ ips: 40 Hz – 15,000 Hz
  At 1⅞ ips: 40 Hz – ~10,000–12,000 Hz (some sources claim up to 14–16 kHz at 3¾ ips, but realistic consumer limits apply). Solid for entry-level stereo but lower extension than higher-speed models.
  

• Wow & Flutter — Around 0.2–0.3% at 3¾ ips (good for single-motor belt/idler design).

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio — Approximately 45–50 dB (typical for transistor era; respectable but not pro-grade).

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

• Drive System — Single asynchronous motor (2-pole synchronous in some descriptions); belt drive to capstan/flywheel; idler tires/clutches; mechanical brakes; fast wind/rewind (~1800 ft in <200 seconds).

• Electronics — Fully transistorized (~17 transistors total); printed circuit board amplifier; no tubes.

• Amplification & Speakers — Built-in stereo amplifiers; dual internal elliptical speakers (typically 6 × 4 inches or similar); output power 2 × 4 W (sine wave); basic tone controls.

• Inputs —Microphone: 2 × 0.2 mV / 2 kΩ (stereo pair possible).
  Radio/line/diode: 2 × 2 mV / 20 kΩ.
  Phono/pick-up: 2 × 150 mV / 1 MΩ.
  DIN-style connectors standard.
  

• Outputs —Radio/diode/line: 2 × 1 V / 20 kΩ.
  Extension speaker: 2 × 4 W / 8 ohms.
  Headphones: 2 × 1.5 V / 1.5 kΩ.
  DIN-style.
  

• Features —Single illuminated VU meter (shared or dual in some configs).
  Piano-style push-button transport controls (Play, Record, Rewind, FF, Stop, Pause).
  Track selector.
  Monitoring (via built-in speakers or headphones).
  Portable/tabletop design with lid and carry handle.
  

• Power — AC mains (220–240 V standard; multi-voltage variants); consumption moderate.

• Build & Dimensions — Tabletop/low-profile case (often wood/teak accents); approx. 480 × 197 × 350 mm (18.9 × 7.8 × 13.8 inches) or close variants (e.g., 480 × 180 × 350 mm); weight ≈11 kg (24.25 lb).

• Manufacturing — Primarily Austria (Philips Österreich facilities).

Performance & Legacy Context

The N4404 was valued as an affordable entry into stereo reel-to-reel recording—reliable full-transistor design, decent stereo imaging at 3¾ ips, and flexible orientation. It sounded musical and clear for home use (better than mono N43xx siblings), though limited by only two speeds (no 7½ ips for top fidelity). It was a step down from the N4407 (added 7½ ips) but shared much of the same chassis and build quality.

Common issues today: Belt goo/melting (multiple belts—main drive, idlers, counter—need full replacement kits), dried electrolytic capacitors, transistor aging, dirty heads, worn idler tires/clutches, and mechanical adjustments (brakes, back-tension). Restorations are straightforward and popular—many YouTube videos detail full N4404 rebuilds. Service/user manuals available (HiFi Engine, Elektrotanya—includes schematics and belt layouts).

Compared to close siblings:

• N4407 — Three speeds (added 7½ ips), otherwise very similar.

• N4408 — Flagship with enhanced features (e.g., better indicators, transport).

• N4307/N4308 — Mono, single/two speeds—budget non-stereo line.