Philips N4502

The Philips N4502 (including variants like N4502/00) is a mid-1970s consumer stereo reel-to-reel tape deck, produced approximately 1972–1976 (manufactured primarily in Austria by Philips Österreich). It was a mid-to-high-end model in Philips' N45xx solid-state hi-fi series, essentially the deck-only version (no built-in power amplifier or speakers) of related models like the N4414/N4415/N4510 series. This allowed pairing with external hi-fi amplifiers or Philips' MFB speaker systems for full stereo reproduction.

The N4502 featured a three-motor chassis (shared with many N44xx/N45xx contemporaries like N4416, N4418, N4510, N4516), providing smoother tape handling and better stability than single-motor designs. It was a 4-track (quarter-track) stereo deck with 3-head configuration (separate record, playback, and erase heads for off-tape monitoring), two speeds, and solid hi-fi performance suitable for home music 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 (manual tape flip required for second pair); mono compatible; sound-on-sound/multiplay overdub facilities; no auto-reverse.

• Tape Speeds — Two speeds:3¾ ips (9.5 cm/s)
  7½ ips (19 cm/s) (No 1⅞ ips; focused on higher-fidelity recording/playback.)
  

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

• Frequency Response (approximate, typical tolerances; varies by tape/condition):At 7½ ips: 40 Hz – 18,000 Hz (or similar hi-fi range).
  At 3¾ ips: 40 Hz – 15,000 Hz. Respectable for mid-range consumer stereo.
  

• Wow & Flutter — Approximately 0.15–0.2% at 7½ ips (good stability from three-motor drive).

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio — Around 50 dB or better (typical for transistor design with low-noise tape).

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

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

• Electronics — Fully transistorized; printed circuit board amplifier (deck-only—no integrated power amp; line-level outputs for external amplification).

• Inputs —Microphone: low-level (stereo pair possible).
  Line/radio/phono/tuner: standard line level (~100–200 mV).
  DIN-style connectors typical.
  

• Outputs —Line out: ~1 V (for external amp).
  Headphones (monitor).
  No built-in speakers or power amp (deck version).
  

• Features —Twin illuminated VU meters (needle type; active for record/playback).
  Mechanical push-button transport controls (piano-style).
  Input mixing possible.
  4-digit tape counter.
  Off-tape monitoring.
  Pause function.
  Portable/tabletop design with lid/handle; vertical/horizontal orientation.
  

• Power — AC mains (multi-voltage switchable, e.g., 110–240 V); consumption moderate (~30–50 W).

• Build & Dimensions — Tabletop case (often wood/teak or silver finish); approx. 480 × 330 × 130 mm (18.9 × 13 × 5.1 inches); weight ≈10–12 kg.

• Manufacturing — Primarily Austria (Philips Österreich).

Performance & Legacy Context

The N4502 was a refined mid-range deck in the 1970s Philips lineup—praised for its three-motor stability (smoother than single-motor N440x models), 3-head monitoring (real-time off-tape listening), and solid hi-fi specs at 7½ ips. As a pure deck (no built-in amp/speakers), it integrated well into external hi-fi systems, delivering clear stereo imaging, good dynamics, and low noise when aligned and serviced. It was a step up from economy models but below auto-reverse flagships like the N4450.

Common issues today: Belt/idler goo (multiple belts—main drive, counter, etc.—turn to sticky mess; full kits needed), dried electrolytic capacitors, transistor aging, dirty heads (3-head alignment critical), worn idler tires/clutches, and mechanical adjustments. Restorations are common and effective—many YouTube series document full N4502 rebuilds (belts, recap, cleaning, tests). Service manuals available (Elektrotanya, eBay originals—German/English versions with schematics, alignment).

Compared to siblings:

• N4504/N4506 — Similar era but variations (e.g., N4504 often 3-head with slight differences).

• N4416/N4418 — Close mechanical/electronic relatives (three motors, but N4418 has electronic logic).

• N4520/N4522 — Later flagships with quartz PLL, 10.5" reels, and higher specs.