Sony TC-510-2 specifications

Brand : Sony

General

Connections

Tech nical data

Note: With SYM PHASE, the vertical correspondence of the head gaps is guaranteed (apparently not a matter of course for all ferrite heads at the time). This ensures a correct phase relationship between the channels on other playback machines as well.

Special features

Notes: The switching of BIAS and EQ was already done electronically and no longer mechanically. - Some of the equipment declared as optional here were later included in the "set".

The TC 510-2 is not dissimilar to a Nagra IV or a Nagra E on the outside. However, Sony did not achieve the robust and studio-like quality standard of these models or a Stellavox with this device.

The electrical values of the machine are very good. With FeCr band, the frequency response exceeds that of the mentioned comparison models. The dynamics are also at the limit of what is possible. It is difficult to detect abrasion on the glass-ferrite clay heads. They are extremely durable. Accordingly, there is no deterioration in the measured values even after many years of more intensive use.

The machine has a rarity value and is in great demand among lovers and collectors also because of its professional Nagra look (see below).

Other models of the same series:

The HiFi model TC 510-2 was replaced by the more professional model APR-2003 of the same design around 1980. It had a black "pro look", improved synchronisation due to a quartz control, a central synchronisation track for pilot sound or time code (with external Quartz or Time Code generators), balanced microphone inputs with XLR connectors and phantom power. A pitch-contol was dispensed with. A switchable low-cut filter replaced the line / Mic switch of the TC 510-2. However, a Nagra quality has not yet been achieved with the APR-2003 for the reasons mentioned above.

Test reports:

Time value information:

Number of inputs:
- 2 x MIC (jack 6.3 mm): 0.2 mV (-72 dB) low impedance, unbalanced
- 2 x Line (RCA): 60 mV ( -22 dB), 100 kΩ
Number of outputs:
- 2 x Line (RCA): 0.435 V (-5 dB) at 100 kΩ
- 1 x Headphone (jack 6.3 mm): 8 Ω

2 x MIC (jack 6.3 mm): 0.2 mV (-72 dB) low impedance, unbalanced
2 x Line (RCA): 60 mV (-22 dB), 100 kΩ

2 x Line (RCA): 0.435 V (-5 dB) at 100 kΩ
1 x Headphone (jack 6,3 mm): 8 Ω

max. Coil diameter: 13 cm or 5" (acc. 45 Min. Recording time at 9.5cm/s)
Drive: 1 DC capstan motor, servo-controlled
Heads: 3 ferrite heads (SYM PHASE)
Tracks: 2 (stereo)
Tape speeds: 9.5 and 19 cm/s
Slip: n.a.
Synchronisation fluctuations: ± 0,08 % (19 cm /s) or. ± 0,12 % (9,5 cm/s)
Pitch variations according to DIN: at 19 cm/s: ± 0,05 %, at 9.5 cm/s: 0.08 %
Total frequency response: at 19 cm/s: 30-20000 (normal band), 30-25000 Hz (SLH), 30-27000 Hz (FeCr),
Noise voltage range: with LowNoise band: 64 dB (DIN), 61 (NAB) - with FeCr band: 60 dB (DIN), 64 (NAB)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0,8 % (0 dB, 19 cm/s, FeCr)
Equalization: NAB
Crosstalk attenuation: n.a.
Cancellation attenuation: n.A.
Pre-magnetization and cancellation frequency: 160 kHz

"battery pack" with 8 batteries of size D (mono cells) (standard).
Special "accu pack" (DP-55, NiCd) adapted to the housing (optional, see note)
Special AC-26 power adapter for stationary operation (12 V, 400 mA, replaces the battery or accu pack) (optional, see note)
Alternatively, the TC-510-2 can also be operated with an external power adapter (12 V=).
Battery charging device for inserting the power supply and accu pack
DC-DC converter for stabilizing operation on all power supplies
Pre-magnetization (BIAS) switchable (low-normal-high)
Equalization (EQ) switchable (normal-special-FeCr)
switchable recording limit to avoid overrides
separate recording and playback amplifiers. This makes a backband check possible
The recording tracks can be listened to individually (L, R, L+R = mono/loudspeaker), L+R = stereo / headphones)). The track selection has no influence on the line output.
Speed tuning (speed tuning) ± 10% at 19 cm/s (one semitone)
carrying strap or shoulder strap (standard)
stable carrying case LC-30 (blue linen) (optional)
Electret stereo microphone ECM-99A or ECM-990 (optional)

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The mechanical drive control with a rotary knob and plastic parts remained a weak point of the machine. Too great forces were not allowed to be exerted here.

Fast rewinding always produces unclean and loose wraps due to insufficient tape tension.

The tape guidance is imperfect. In the case of unclean tape windings, it does not prevent the vertical beat of the tape at the heads and the resulting phase differences between the stereo channels. This can be avoided if you always ensure a clean and tightly wound supply belt on the left side. This can be achieved by rewinding the tape on a suitable other machine.

Excerpt from brochure: Sony TC-510-2

Funkschau 1976, Issue 26, page 57-62, title: "TC-510-2 - a portable tape recorder with special features" (detailed description of some electronic components)
Fonoforum 1977, issue 10, title: "Nagra E v Sony TC 510-2" [[1] (link no longer current, new link not known)]
HiFi stereophony Issue 2/77, page 224-230
HiFi stereophony Test Yearbook '77/78

After a very long time, a TC 510-2 was once again offered on ebay in February 2011. It was in a very good state of preservation, but without a battery compartment and transport bag. A simple electret stereo microphone (Sony F-99 A) was included. With a starting price of only one euro, 18 interested parties with 36 bids finally reached a sales price of 735 EUR. Apparently, however, it did not come to a conclusion of sales, because the same device was offered again on 18.03. It now only achieves a sales price of 505 EUR with 18 bidders with 30 bids. For comparison: A also very well-received "UHER 4200 REPORT Monitor", which roughly corresponds to a TC 510-2, generated only 202.55 EUR almost at the same time. Both devices are very rare.
In October 2011 another TC 510-2 was offered and sold on ebay. Their state of preservation was far from the same as that of the above device (very clear signs of wear, a scratched lid without a locking mechanism, no original power supply, no transport bag). A copy of the service manual has been enclosed. Nevertheless, it achieved an auction price of 595 EUR with 21 bidders and 28 bids.
In December 2011 a TC-510-2 was offered on ebay again. This machine should have been in good and working condition. It is not known about the auction result.