TEAC A-1200

The TEAC A-1200 is a vintage stereophonic reel-to-reel tape deck produced in the late 1960s, designed for audiophiles demanding high fidelity sound reproduction. It features a 4-track, 2-channel system with professional-quality components and a solid-state electronic design aimed at delivering excellent sound quality at a moderate cost.

• Heads: Three professional quality heads (record, playback, erase) made of permalloy, arranged for stereo operation.

• Motors: Three motors — one capstan drive motor and two reel motors, providing stable tape transport.

• Tape Speeds: Three selectable speeds — 3¾, 7½, and 15 inches per second (ips), with a rotary tape speed selector operated by pushbuttons.

• Wow and Flutter: Very low wow and flutter at 0.12% at 7½ ips, ensuring stable pitch and minimal speed variation during playback.

• Frequency Response: Approximately 50 Hz to 15 kHz ±3 dB at 7½ ips, suitable for high-fidelity audio reproduction.

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Around 50 dB, which is respectable for consumer-grade tape decks of that era.

• Crosstalk: About -50 dB, indicating good channel separation.

• Inputs and Outputs: Line input at 100 mV, microphone input at 1 mV, and line output at 1 V via RCA connectors.

• Reel Size: Supports reels up to 7 inches in diameter.

• Dimensions and Weight: Roughly 17 x 15.5 x 9.75 inches, weighing about 41 to 46 pounds depending on source.

Design and Usability

The A-1200 has a full push-button control layout and even came with a remote control, which was advanced for its time1. The transport mechanism is designed for reliability and precision, although some users report common issues with the pinch roller mechanism gumming up over time, which requires cleaning and maintenance