Revox B710
built from 1981 - 1984
Revox introduced a cassette recorder very late, very late. The quality wasn't sufficient for Willi Studer to consider cassettes as a medium. It wasn't until 1981 that Revox launched the B710.
If you're going for Revox, you're going for it! A four-motor drive, including two direct-drive, quartz-synchronized capstan motors for precise synchronization. Thanks to the sophisticated electronics and monitoring of the drive functions, cassettes are treated like raw eggs. The slightest error and the tape deck stops immediately.
Unfortunately, this also leads to the tape deck feeling too jumpy, and many complain that the cassette tape plays through other decks! The music cassette (MC), compact cassette (CC), or audio cassette was introduced as early as 1963. What a year! :-)
The drive
The mechanical structure consists of three very sturdy aluminum injection-molded parts. The lower part houses the tape guide with the sound heads and the two pinch rollers and is mounted on a movable bearing. The middle part houses both sound motors and the guide pins for the music cassettes. The upper injection-molded part, which is screwed to the middle part, houses the escape spool motors and the heavy lifting magnet responsible for lifting the sound heads. All of this is covered by an equally sturdy 1.2 mm steel plate. The entire unit weighs a whopping 2.5 kg!
Mechanics that inspire and can only be found with this precision and stability from Revox or Studer!
The counter signal, or tachometer signal, is generated by two optical sensors on the winding motors. If these settings are incorrect, the device will shut down prematurely during winding. Also, the tape start and zeroing won't work when rewinding the cassette.
The drive, with its four motors and sound heads, is mounted on a torsion-resistant die-cast chassis, making it so stable and robust that it was even used in Studer studio equipment. The chassis was also used, with minimal modifications, in the Revox B215. Ingenious!
Dolby noise reduction
Only with Dolby noise reduction could tape hiss be minimized to such an extent that the cassette tapes became attractive to Revox and Studer. The Revox B710 MK I was offered only with Dolby B, while the later MK II was available with switchable Dolby B and C. Both Revox B710 Dolby versions used four Dolby processors. Technology that continues to amaze us.
Operation
Revox has arranged the controls clearly and concisely. On the left are the pushbutton controls for the drive, the digital display for the counter or clock, and the toggle switches for Dolby B and Dolby C. On the right are the potentiometers for the microphone and line inputs, the LED level control chain, microphone inputs, and the headphone jack. Behind the REVOX panel are the buttons for tape selection, timer operation, and the MPX filter. This ease of use gives hi-fi enthusiasts the freedom they need to give free rein to their creative imagination. The B710 is as durable as all components of the high-quality Revox B700 range.
LED volume display
The Revox B710's volume display is represented by 24 LEDs. The evaluation is performed using 24 comparators in 6 ICs and an equally large resistor network for each dB increment. The display is multiplexed between the "right" and "left" channels. An active precision rectifier, a return delay, and the multiplex circuit are also included on the circuit board.
Just like the Revox B215, the display is presented in 24 segments. The display range, from -30 dB to 8 dB, is also completely identical! On the Revox B215, one of the three processors handles the evaluation and control, while on the Revox B710, everything is analog! On the Revox B710 MK I, the range "only" extends to 6 dB, and I believe one LED is completely masked.
Technical data
| Drive: | 4-motor drive with double capstan |
| 2 DC winding motors | |
| 2 individually controlled, direct-drive capstan motors | |
| 7-segment display: | Tape counter, 4-digits can be switched to clock function |
| Belt speed: | 4,76 cm/s |
| Rewind time: | approx. 45 seconds for C60 |
| approx. 65 seconds for C90 | |
| Playback equalization: | 3180 120 µs for IEC I (iron oxide tape) |
| 3180 70 µs for IEC II IV (chromium dioxide, pure iron tape) | |
| Band control: | 200 nWb / m for 0 dB reading on the Peak Reading Meter |
| Distortion factor: at 315Hz: 0dB/K3 | IEC I better than 0.8% |
| IEC II, IEC IV better than 1.5% | |
| Frequency response: -20dB measured: | IEC I 30Hz ... 18kHz 2/-3 dB |
| IEC II, IEC IV 30Hz ... 20kHz 2/-3 dB | |
| Crosstalk attenuation: | at 1 kHz better than 40 dB |
| Inputs for 0 dB: | Microphone 0.35 mV / 10 kOhm |
| Line 70 mV / 220 kOhm | |
| Outputs 0 dB = 200 nWb/m: | Line Output: max. 775 mV with level control adjustable down to -26 dB |
| Headphones: max. 2.45 V on headphones from 200 - 600 Ohm | |
| Weight: | 10,4 kg |
| Dimension: | 45,2 cm x 15,1 cm x 35,2 cm |
Accessories for Revox B710
cassette cover
The new cover doesn't have the offset of the original Revox cover, but it fits 100%. There's no other option!
Wired remote control
Every now and then we receive the cable remote controls for the Revox B710. They're really rare, and the cable remote controls are still in their original packaging, as shown in the photo.
Even though the cable remote control is very manageable, the remote controls are only sold serviced and tested!
Cleaning kit
In our experience, most recording or playback problems are caused by dirty tape heads and tape guides.Wow and flutter and poor winding are also part of the error pattern!
Sintered bearing oil
Once the bearings have run dry it is too late, the device is ruined!
Spare parts for Revox B710
toggle switch lever
To replace broken plastic toggle switch levers, we offer solid metal levers. These toggle switch levers are indistinguishable from the original!
Pressure rollers B710
It was a long road until we were able to offer you the rubber pressure rollers in the current quality!
We now only use sintered bronze bearings and genuine rubber. After production, all pressure rollers are round-ground. This is the only way we can comply with the original specifications from Studer and Revox.
Power cable
Yes, we also offer brand new power cables that fit Revox power plugs. These cables are custom-made for us and comply with all standards. The cables are 2.5 m long, gray, and have an angled plug—just like the original!
other Revox tape decks
Premium-Hifi Inhaber Thomas Schröder e.K.
Schottjer Straße 30a
26529 Upgant-Schott
Germany
Schottjer Straße 30a
26529 Upgant-Schott
Germany
+49 4934 - 804439
info@Premium-Hifi.com