Sony TC-854-4 - Professional Quality 4-Track Reel to Reel - Quadraphonic - WOW!

**Please click here to check out our newly launched SkyFi Audio website with additional items for sale** 

One can quickly tell this is a special machine because of its weight (I can barely move it around the shop), and the pro-style XLR inputs. 

While it can do 2 and 4 channel playback, many esoteric audiophiles like to use it for its quadraphonic sound and high speed capabilities. 

It also happens to be one of the best looking reel to reel players from this era. And we all know people like these machines for their looks as much as their stellar analog sound!

Made in the 1970 by Sony in Japan. Tested and working. Rare 120V model too.

We'll also include two aluminum take-up tape reels.

Sony TC-854-4 Owner's Manual

The Sony model 854-4 is one of the most professional tape recorders in the world.

The three motor and four head model 854-4 accommodates up to 10-1/2" reels and operates at speeds of 15, 7-1/2 and 3-3/4 ips. The model is designed for recording and playback of ordinary 4-track 2-channel stereo as well as 4-channel Quadradial stereo.

Special features of the model 854-4 are:
• An AC servo controlled capstan drive motor prevents speed variation regardless of voltage or load changes.
• Dual capstan closed-loop tape drive assures positive tape-to-head contact while isolating external vibration.
• Logic controlled transport function permits switching the tape transport from fast forward to rewind or from either of these modes to the play mode without going into the stop mode.
• Automatic Program Scanner and Automatic Tape Stop provide program cueing by simply depressing the respective button after a tape is loaded.
• Syncro-Trak to allow synchronous recording of new tracks with previously-recorded tracks
• Microphone and line input mixing
• Tape lift switch for tape cueing and editing
• Tape equalization selector switch for Sony Low-noise High-output tape and standard tape.

SONY QUADRADIAL STEREO

SONY's new Quadradial stereo reproduces dramatic 4-channel surround sound. In conventional 2-channel stereo recording and playback, it is impossible to present the ambience and radiation of sound as the listener actually hears it in an acoustically live concert hall or auditorium.

SONY Quadradial stereo makes it possible to create the true third dimension.

In this 4-channel reproduction, two additional rear channels are added to the existing two front channels providing reflected sound which creates the special characteristics of a fine auditorium and concert hall. This gives a feeling of being immersed and surrounded by sound in the best seat of a concert hall.

For Quadradial stereo recording and playback, the full width of a tape is used; tracks 1 and 3 are for the front channels and tracks 2 and 4 are for the rear channels.

Specifications 
Track system: 4-track, 4-channel, stereo/multi channel system 
Heads: 1 x playback, 1 x record, 2 x erase 
Motor: 2 x reel, 1 x capstan 
Reel size: up to 10.5 inch reel 
Tape speeds: 3-3⁄4  7-1⁄2  15 ips 
Wow and flutter: 0.03% (15 ips) 
Frequency response: 20Hz to 30kHz (15 ips) 
Signal to Noise Ratio: 59dB 
Input: 60mV (line), 0.2mV (mic) 
Output: 0.775V (line) 
Semiconductors: 101 x transistors, 101 diodes 
Dimensions: 17.32" x 22" x 10" (440 x 558.5 x 253mm)
Weight: 80lbs (28kg) 

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PURCHASING FROM SKYFI:

This item will be professionally packaged and insured for safe transit to your home unless you opt for local pickup from our shop. Please note that all local pickup items are only wrapped with industrial strength clear cling stretch wrap if the original manufacturer packaging is unavailable.

Local pickup is available in Glen Rock, NJ, just a half hour drive from Midtown Manhattan, with convenient parking near our building.

And if you’re looking to ship to Canada, simply follow this link to view and purchase this item. We ship to Canada via UPS Worldwide Expedited service and you’re responsible for any applicable import duties and taxes.

If we don’t have the original manufacture’s packaging, we use heavy duty double-ply corrugated boxes with custom made to your item Instapak expanding foam custom inserts. In many cases this has proven to be better than the original packaging! We also use high quality fiber reinforced tape to seal our packages. Lightweight items will be bubble wrapped and shipped in a high-quality box. 

Click here for specifics on our specialized packing process that separates us from the rest.

NJ Residents or anyone picking up without a resale certificate will need to pay NJ Sales Tax.

Thanks for looking and be sure to call us at 201-879-0000 with any questions. 

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WHO WE ARE:

SkyFi Audio is a small startup business specializing in the purchase, reconditioning, and reselling of select high-end audio equipment. We only buy equipment the we admire and are passionate about. No mid-fi, no gimmicks, no junk.

Each piece of equipment is cosmetically restored and fully tested in our well-equipped lab by an engineer with 30+ years of experience in the HiFi world. If it does not meet or exceed the original manufactures specifications, it will not be sold. We are very selective about the equipment we purchase, focusing on mostly analog, high-build quality, American, and European built units.

Through our sister company which is an authorized dealer for McIntosh, Audio Research, Sonus Faber, ClearAudio, Pro-Ject Audio Systems, and Sony ES, we have access to OEM parts, service, and support. If you’re local and looking for new equipment from the above-mentioned manufacturers, please drop us a line as we can arrange both sales and professional installation in the tri-state area.

PURCHASING GUIDELINES:

We do not accept or review any offers that do not go through the official Audiogon system. We have too many items for sale and it’s nearly impossible to keep track of offers outside of the official system. Please don’t message, email, or text any offers. 

PAYMENTS:

We prefer working through PayPal which allows you to use a credit card, bank transfer, and their special financing to spread out payments over six months. We do not charge extra for any PayPal fees if you purchase the item at the asking price. You can also send us a personal check (which will need to clear before shipping), certified check, money order, or bank wire transfer. International clients without access to PayPal should use a bank wire transfer. 

If you’re picking up an item, we do not accept PayPal. You must pay in person with a certified check, bank check, or wire transfer. If you make a PayPal payment and are picking up the item, your PayPal payment will be returned. 

TRADE IN POLICY:

We accept trade-ins of equal or lesser value under certain conditions. Simply click here to submit your gear for full consideration. We will only consider high-end equipment from mainstream manufacturers such as McIntosh, Mark Levinson, Audio Research, Krell, etc. and will typically pass on displays, projectors, receivers, dated surround processors, and mid-fi equipment of any type. We will offer a fair value for your equipment, but keep in mind we’re running a business and will need to be able to resell the equipment at a profit after investing a great deal of time and resources in testing, certifying, repairing, cleaning, and packaging the incoming equipment. If you’re looking for top dollar, we suggest selling direct on your own.

SELL US YOUR GEAR (Working or Broken):

We’ll also purchase your used or broken gear and arrange pickup if you’re in our local market. Simply click here to submit your gear for full consideration.

SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT:                                                                                

We are currently operating from our shop inside our dedicated building in Glen Rock, NJ. You’re welcome to make an appointment if there’s a piece of equipment you’d like to see in operation before or after purchase. We have several well-equipped and dedicated listening areas, plus a dedicated listening studio with tons of equipment of all makes and models. We’re not a store, so please don’t make an appointment if you’re just curious as to how a speaker or piece of equipment sounds. In essence - no tire kickers please.

You can call or text 201-879-0000 with any questions or to schedule an appointment. We can also arrange to install, calibrate, and tune your newly purchased gear in your listening room if you’re local to our area. This is super useful when purchasing large speakers or heavy amplifiers. It’s also great for ensuring your new turntable is setup correctly in its final resting place.

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