Technics RS-M 253 X

Data

General

• Manufacturer: Technics
• Model: RS-M 253 X
• Type: Cassette Tape Deck
• Years of manufacture: 1983 - 1986
• Made in: Japan
• Color: Silver or Black
• Remote control: wired remote control (optional)
• Power consumption: 18 W
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 430 x 97.6 x 273 mm
• Weight: 5.3 kg
• Original price approx.: 990 DM

Connections

• Number of inputs:
  • Line In: 70 mV / 47 kOhm
  • Microphone: 0.4 mV / 200 Ohm - 5 kOhm
• Number of outputs:
  • Line Out: adjustable 0 - 400 mV
  • Headphone: 95 mV

Technical Data

• Tone heads: 3 (ferrite erase head)
• motors: 2
• Synchronous fluctuations: 0.025 % (WRMS)
• Tape types: Normal I, Chrome II, Metal IV
• Frequency response:
  • Normal I: 20 - 19'000 Hz
  • Chrome II: 20 - 20'000 Hz

Metal IV: 20 - 23'000 Hz

• Distortion factor:
• Signal to Noise Ratio:
  • Without Dolby: > 61 dB
  • With Dolby B: > 71 dB
  • With Dolby C: > 81 dB
• Auto Reverse:
• Title search:
• Dolby: B, C, DBX
• MPX filter: switchable
• Fader: Rec mute
• Pitch control: no
• CD synchro recording:

Special features

• Manual bias control.
• Automatic tape type adjustment.
• Three-colour fluorescent display (white/yellow/red).
• Digital counter allows switching between time display and three digit counter.
• Single capstan drive.
• Microprocessor controlled jog keys.
• Music repeat function for repeating individual tape passages.

The cassette window is illuminated orange-red from behind for better recognition of the tape reels.

Remarks

• Other models of the same series:
• Technics RS-M 233 X
• Technics RS-M 235 X
• Technics RS-M 245 X
• Technics RS-M 253 X
• Technics RS-M 270 X
• Technics RS-M 275 X
• Technics RS-M 280

Pictures

• Image: Technics RS-M 253 X

• Excerpt from advertisement: Technics RS-M 253 X

• Product image Technics RS-M 253 X

Displays

• Advertisement Technics RS-M 253 X and RS-M 245 X (Audio 11-1983)

Reviews

• Author's personal experience:
• Overall, the RS-M253X is a pretty solid, decent sounding recorder. Weaknesses are most likely to be found in the drive, which is clearly inferior to recorders with double-capstan drives due to its simple construction. An eye-catcher is undoubtedly the level meter, which is not only visually well done, but also quite fine resolution.

A nuisance, however, is undoubtedly the digital counter, which can be set to real-time display during playback, but then immediately jumps to the three-digit counter mode when fast-forwarding or rewinding - and remains in this mode as long as you don't select real-time again by pressing a button. Very annoying, especially when searching for titles! For right and left channel are separate microphone inputs (mono jack) on the back of the device.

• Headphone output on the front side unregulated
• Only Cinch connectors, no DIN