Sony TC-230

General Impressions

The venerable TC-230 was sold from 1967 to 1971.

For a small entry level machine it packed quite a punch.

It has the normal rugged tape transport, same as the TC-630, but in a small size. The controls are not on the face plate as with other machines, but the tape recorder is designed to sit horizontally with the basic controls facing you.

Unusually for a Sony deck the mode input selector is not a rotary switch, but a large toggle. Inputs are Phono, Tuner, and Microphones. There are VU meters for recording level, and that's it.

Playback is less flexible than other Sony stereo decks with nothing more than concentric left and right volume controls. Nonetheless, the built in amplifier is quoted at 4 watts (1.5 watts RMS), so with the lid speakers it goes reasonably loud.

My example was obtained from the clearing of a deceased estate. We couldn't auction it because it was missing parts, primarily the large handle. The motor run cap was dead, but a temporary one had it running.

Sound was average with the lid speakers.

These were sold as non-potable machines with a more powerful amp and optional speakers in a nice wood finish.

Additional Information

Bias Frequency
160 kHz
Rewind speed
120 sec./ 1200 ft
Inputs
line: input sensitivity: 0.06 V, impedance 100k Ohms
microphone: low impedance
Outputs
line: greater than 10k Ohm impedance
Dimensions
454 x 508 x 296 mm
Weight
22 kg