The various TEAC models

[Eldorado]

Could someone provide a brief summary (or link thereto) of the various models of TEAC tape decks? I'm not at all clear about the relative hierarchy of, say, a 3340 and a 4300.

[Fast Forward]

Here a little help

[Joseph L]

Here is a good list of models and basic features found on the Obsolete Media site.

http://www.obsoletemedia.com/tapedecks/teacmodels.htm

[TheReeler]

Some data is incorrect. For example, the A-2050 has four heads and single motor. The chart says six heads and three motors.

Anyway, in that site are listed the models, but not ordered by appearance in the market.

PS: that site is the old "d'antiques". Isn't?

[Eldorado]

Hi all, and thanks for the information!

[Skywavebe]

Hi Eldorado,

I would not worry too much about date of release but more on the merits of the deck with regard to what you want it to do. I have a lot of Teacs at my house and there are some that I would avoid at all costs.
In the case of the A4300, I always try to go for the SX model if I can.
The 2050 is too old, The A5300 and A5500 were a joke. The 22-2 and X3 was their attempt at maximizing profits. The customer did not get their money's worth in that case.
Sam,

[Eldorado]

Thanks. What do you see as the advantages of the SX version over the A-4300?

[ppeterso2]

Hi Eldorado,
The 2050 is too old, The A5300 and A5500 were a joke. The 22-2 and X3 was their attempt at maximizing profits. The customer did not get their money's worth in that case.
Sam,

I was reading your quote about the A-5500 being a joke and I almost fell out of my desk chair. I am actually working on one of those and I spent much of last night cursing it...LOL!! I pulled both reel motor plates out (yes the reels are belt drive on this machine--by little, puny dc motors). I have belt gooo all over the garage floor--my wife is going to kill me. I own many machines, but my favorite "A" decks are my A-7300, my Ampex ATR-700 (same as the 7300 with sensitivity control up front), and my prized "brand new" A-2300SD.

Are you saying that my new Ferrite Headed, A-5500 project will never sound like my 2300SD? Should I abandon it?!! Due to the reel motors screeching for new belts, I havent be able to test the sound quality. I know that few machines can hang with the A-7300--it just really sounds good--it assasinates my X1000R and X-2000R at 3.75ips!!!!! But, again have I picked a bad machine to deal with?