Sony TC-252

The Sony TC-252 is a stereo reel-to-reel deck from the late 1960s (circa 1968–1970). It is a close relative of the TC-250 series, maintaining the core architecture of an integrated, all-in-one stereo system, but often featured specific cosmetic or regional variations, or minor electronic tweaks, positioning it squarely in the mid-range consumer market.

It is defined by its two-head, quarter-track, solid-state design with an integrated amplifier and speakers.

Transport and tape format

• Track system: 4‑track, 2‑channel stereophonic/monophonic on ¼‑inch tape, compatible with standard quarter‑track stereo reels.​

• Tape speeds: 7½, 3¾, and 1⅞ ips (19, 9.5, 4.8 cm/s), selected via a front‑panel speed control linked to the correct equalization.​

• Reel capacity: Up to 7‑inch (18 cm) reels, giving up to roughly 6 hours total recording time at 1⅞ ips on 1,800‑ft tape when using all four tracks.​

• Heads: 2‑head configuration – one 4‑track stereo record/playback head plus one 4‑track stereo erase head.​

Electronics and audio performance

• Electronics: Fully transistorized design with about 20 transistors and 3 diodes, including a scrape‑flutter filter and auto “sentinel” shut‑off at tape end.​​

• Frequency response: Approximately 30–18,000 Hz at 7½ ips, 30–13,000 Hz at 3¾ ips, and 30–7,000 Hz at 1⅞ ips.​

• Wow & flutter: Around 0.12% (WRMS) at 7½ ips, increasing slightly at lower speeds.​

• Signal‑to‑noise ratio: About 50 dB for record/playback, typical for consumer open‑reel of this era.​

• Output power: Internal stereo power amp rated about 4 W per channel into the built‑in speakers, with some literature quoting up to 12 W total output.​​

Inputs, outputs and controls

• Inputs:
  Mic inputs: sensitivity ≈ −72 dB (0.19 mV), impedance ≈ 600 Ω (stereo pair).
  Auxiliary/line inputs: sensitivity ≈ −26 dB (about 40–60 mV), impedance ≈ 100 kΩ.​

• Outputs:
  Line output: around 0.39 V nominal to feed an external amplifier or recorder.
  Built‑in speaker outputs to 2 × 130 mm full‑range dynamic speakers in the removable lid.​​

• Controls: Source selector (tape/source), speed selector, record level and balance, tape counter, VU meters, pause, and standard transport keys, with the ability to run horizontally or vertically.​​

Power, construction and role

• Power: AC‑only, 110–240 V, 50/60 Hz selectable, with typical consumption for a small stereo amplifier plus transport.​

• Size/weight: Roughly 41 × 38 × 26 cm and about 13.5–14 kg, in a wooden cabinet with vinyl finish and detachable speaker lid for proper stereo spacing.​​

• Position in lineup: Effectively a “stereo center” evolution of the TC‑250A concept, the TC‑252 integrates a full amp and speakers rather than being a deck‑only unit, making it attractive today as a portable vintage reel machine for home listening, archiving, or learning open‑reel basics—provided the usual service (belts, idlers, lubrication, and recap) is done.