Technics RS-736US

This model sits near the top of Technics’ mid-1970s consumer range, just below the semi-professional RS-630/640 and well before the quartz direct-drive RS-1500 series. The Technics RS-736US is an early 1970s high-speed reel-to-reel tape deck, notable for its 15 ips capability achieved via interchangeable capstan and pinch roller, targeting serious home recording enthusiasts with flexible inputs and upright design.

It features a 4-track stereo system with three speeds—15, 7½, and 3¾ ips—supporting up to 7-inch reels under NAB equalization. Frequency response covers 30-25,000 Hz (±3 dB) at 15 ips, dropping to 30-23,000 Hz at 7½ ips; wow and flutter is below 0.09% at 15/7½ ips and 0.13% at 3¾ ips, with signal-to-noise ratio of 53 dB or better. Inputs include mic (0.3 mV), phono (100 mV ceramic/2 mV mag), aux (30/100 mV); outputs are 1V fixed/variable and 55 mV headphone.

Transport Design

• Heavy-duty conventional open-reel transport

• Mechanical logic push-button operation

• Improved tape tensioning and braking compared to smaller consumer decks

• No isolated loop system

Motors

• 3-motor configuration
  Belt-driven capstan motor
  Two independent reel motors

• Considerably smoother tape handling than 2-motor designs

• No quartz lock or direct-drive capstan

Recording & Control Features

• Independent left/right record level controls

• Large illuminated mechanical VU meters

• Source / tape monitoring

• Improved bias and EQ circuitry

• No built-in test oscillator or professional calibration access

Inputs & Outputs

• Unbalanced RCA line inputs and outputs

• Front-panel microphone inputs

• Headphone output

• No balanced XLR connections

• No remote control capability

Reputation & Legacy

• Regarded as Technics’ most refined consumer belt-drive reel-to-reel

• Praised for:
  Smooth tape handling
  Strong build quality
  Excellent sound for home recording

• Historically significant as the final step before Technics’ direct-drive revolution

Collectability & Current Status

• Moderately to highly collectible

• Value depends on:
  Belt and motor condition
  Head wear
  Cosmetic preservation

• More desirable than all 7″ consumer models

• Still less valuable than RS-630/640 and RS-1500 series