TEAC A-5500
TEAC
Japan
Tape Deck Details
Number of Motors
3
Number of Heads
4
Head Configuration
Stereo
Wow & Flutter
0.06% at 7½ ips and 0.09% at 3¾ ips
Signal-to-Noise [dB]
65
Dimensions [mm]
540 x 444.5 x 222
Weight [kg]
20
Year built
1973 - 1978
Head Composition
Permalloy
Equalization
NAB
Frequency Response
7½ ips: 30Hz - 28kHz 3¾ ips: 30Hz - 20kHz ( 3dB)
Speed
3¾, 7½
Max Reel [inch]
7
Tracks
1/4 Rec/PB
Price
User
Consumer
Additional Information
The TEAC A-5500 is a mid to high-fidelity, 4-track, 2-channel stereo/monaural reel-to-reel tape deck produced in Japan between 1973 and 1978. It is notable for its advanced features for the time, including auto-reverse, Dolby B noise reduction, and a sophisticated servo-controlled transport system.
Track System: Auto-reverse, 4-track, 2-channel stereo/monaural
Heads: 4 heads — 2 playback, 1 record, 1 erase (Permalloy composition)
Motors: 3 motors — 1 direct-drive capstan motor, 2 DC reel motors
Tape Speeds: 3¾ ips (9.5 cm/s) and 7½ ips (19 cm/s)
Maximum Reel Size: 7 inches
Wow and Flutter: 0.06% at 7½ ips, 0.09% at 3¾ ips
Frequency Response:
30 Hz – 28 kHz at 7½ ips
30 Hz – 20 kHz at 3¾ ips (±3 dB)Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 65 dB with Dolby B, 60 dB without noise reduction
Total Harmonic Distortion: Approximately 0.8%
Crosstalk: 35–60 dB (60 dB at 1 kHz)
Input Sensitivity:
Line: 60 mV (100 kΩ or more)
Microphone: 0.25 mV (600–10 kΩ)Output Level: 0.3 V (line)
Dimensions (WxHxD): 540 x 444.5 x 222 mm (21¼ x 17½ x 8¾ inches)
Weight: Approximately 20 kg (44 lbs)
Voltage: 110–120 V or 220–240 V depending on region
Noise Reduction: Built-in Dolby B system with calibration tone (400 Hz)
Connectivity: RCA and DIN outputs
Auto-Reverse: Enables continuous playback and recording without flipping the tape
Servo-Controlled Transport: Ensures precise tape speed and tension control
Four-Head Design: Separate erase, record, playback, and reverse playback heads for superior monitoring and sound quality
Dolby B Noise Reduction: Reduces tape hiss and improves dynamic range
Logic-Controlled Transport: Push-button controls with integrated circuit logic for reliable operation
Calibration Tone: Rear panel switch for Dolby calibration tone generation
Robust Build: Solid-state electronics and durable mechanical design
The TEAC A-5500 was a sophisticated reel-to-reel tape deck for its time, bridging consumer and semi-professional markets. Its combination of auto-reverse functionality, Dolby noise reduction, and precision servo-controlled transport made it a versatile and reliable machine for high-quality stereo recording and playback.
The deck’s wide frequency response and low wow and flutter contributed to excellent sound fidelity, while its four-head design allowed real-time monitoring in both tape directions. The A-5500 remains a sought-after vintage tape deck for collectors and analog enthusiasts.