Philips N4422

The Philips N4422 (often nicknamed "Magno" or "Magno Control" in collector circles, with variants like N4422/00) is a mid-1970s flagship consumer stereo reel-to-reel tape recorder, produced approximately 1973–1979 (primarily manufactured in Austria by Philips Österreich). It was one of the highest-end models in Philips' N44xx solid-state hi-fi series, succeeding the N4418/N4416 with refinements in electronics, monitoring, and overall build. Positioned as a premium home hi-fi machine, it targeted serious amateurs and music enthusiasts seeking near-professional performance, with full DIN 45500 hi-fi compliance (tight tolerances using low-noise tape) and advanced features like off-tape monitoring.

This was a 4-track (quarter-track) stereo recorder with true stereo recording and playback in both directions, built-in stereo amplification, dual internal monitor speakers, and excellent tape handling from its three-motor drive. It included sound-on-sound overdubbing, input mixing, and versatile connectivity for home recording, radio dubbing, and high-quality playback.

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.

• Frequency Response (approximate, within ~3 dB tolerances; varies by tape/condition):At 7½ ips: 35 Hz – 25,000 Hz
  At 3¾ ips: 35 Hz – 19,000 Hz
  At 1⅞ ips: 35 Hz – 11,000 Hz Outstanding extension for a consumer deck—hi-fi capable at higher speeds.
  

• Wow & Flutter — <0.1% at 7½ ips; <0.15% at 3¾ ips; <0.3% at 1⅞ ips (excellent stability from three-motor design).

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio — Better than 56–60 dB (strong transistor performance; some sources cite >60 dB at 7½ ips).

• Heads — 3 heads: separate record, playback, and erase (permalloy construction; enables off-tape monitoring/A-B comparison).

• Drive System — Three motors (1 × capstan + 2 × reel motors); belt/idler drive to capstan; electronic or advanced mechanical tension control; fast wind/rewind; precise braking.

• Electronics — Fully transistorized (~41 transistors total); printed circuit board amplifier.

• Amplification & Speakers — Built-in stereo amplifiers; dual internal monitor speakers; output power ≈6 watts total (or 2 × 3–4 W; room-filling for direct listening).

• Inputs —Microphone: 0.2 mV (stereo pair possible).
  Line/radio/phono/tuner: 100 mV (or similar).
  DIN-style connectors standard (including phono, tuner, aux).
  

• Outputs —Line out: 1 V.
  Headphones.
  External speakers.
  DIN-style.
  

• Features —Twin illuminated VU meters (needle type; active for record/playback).
  Electronic or advanced mechanical transport controls.
  Separate bass/treble tone controls.
  Input mixing.
  4-digit tape counter.
  Off-tape monitoring (straight-through amp).
  Pause function.
  Stereo indicator lights.
  Portable/tabletop design with lid/handle; vertical/horizontal orientation.
  

• Power — AC mains (220–240 V standard; multi-voltage variants); consumption ≈35–120 W.

• Build & Dimensions — Tabletop case (often wood/teak finish); approx. 535–557 × 425–437 × 205–210 mm (21 × 16.7 × 8.1 inches); weight ≈15 kg (heavy due to motors, amps, and speakers).

• Manufacturing — Primarily Austria (Philips Österreich).

Performance & Legacy Context

The N4422 was Philips' pinnacle consumer open-reel offering in the mid-1970s—celebrated for its three-head design (real-time off-tape monitoring), three-motor stability, wide frequency response (up to 25 kHz at 7½ ips), and low wow/flutter. It delivered exceptional stereo imaging, dynamics, and clarity for home recording and hi-fi playback, often compared favorably to more expensive Japanese or Swiss rivals (e.g., Revox equivalents). The built-in 6 W stereo amp and speakers allowed direct, high-quality listening without external gear.

Common issues today: Belt/idler degradation (goo/melting—multiple belts require full kits), dried electrolytic capacitors, transistor aging, dirty heads, worn idler tires/clutches, and occasional logic/power supply faults. Restorations are highly popular and transformative—many refurbished examples achieve near-original performance. Service/user manuals widely available (HiFi Engine, Elektrotanya—includes schematics, alignment, and bias procedures).

Compared to siblings:

• N4418 — Very similar mid-to-high model but possibly without some refinements (e.g., slightly different monitoring or build).

• N4416 — Three motors but mechanical controls (no electronic logic).

• N4422 — Flagship with top specs, three heads, and premium execution.