Tape recorders "Romantic": characteristics and lineup

One of the most popular tape recorders for the period 70-80s of the last century was a small unit "Romantic". It was reliable, reasonably priced, and sound quality.

Consider the main characteristics using the example of one of the models of the tape recorder of the described brand, namely "Romantic M-64"... This model was among the first portable devices intended for the average consumer. The tape recorder belonged to the 3rd class of complexity and was a two-track reel product.

Other characteristics of this device:

• the scrolling speed of the tape was 9.53 cm / s;
• the limit of the frequencies being played is from 60 to 10000 Hz;
• output power - 0.8 W;
• dimensions 330X250X150 mm;
• the weight of the device without batteries was 5 kg;
• worked from 12 V.

The base was a light metal frame. All internal elements were attached to it. Everything was sheathed with thin sheet metal and plastic closable elements. The plastic parts had a decorative foil finish.

The electrical part consisted of 17 germanium transistors and 5 diodes. Installation took place in a hinged way on boards made of getinax.

The tape recorder was supplied with:

• external microphone;
• external power supply;
• bag made of leatherette.

The retail price in the 60s was 160 rubles, and it was cheaper than other manufacturers.

A total of 8 models of "Romantic" tape recorders were produced.

• "Romantic M-64"... First retail model.

• "Romantic 3" Is an improved model of the first tape recorder of the described brand. She received an updated appearance, another playback speed, which was 4.67 cm / s. The engine got 2 centrifugal speed control. The concept has also undergone a change. The battery compartment was increased from 8 to 10 pieces, which made it possible to increase the operating time from one set of batteries. In production, printed circuit boards were used. The rest of the characteristics remained unchanged. The new model cost more, and the price for it was 195 rubles.

• "Romantic 304"... This model was a four-track reel-to-reel tape recorder with two speeds, 3rd group of complexity.

• "Romantic 306-1"... The most popular cassette tape recorder in the 80s, which could boast of high reliability and trouble-free operation in comparison with its competitors, despite its small dimensions (only 285X252X110 mm) and a weight of 4.3 kg. Produced from 1979 to 1989. and has had minor design changes over the years.

• "Romantic 201-stereo"... One of the first Soviet tape recorders, which had 2 speakers and could work in stereo. Initially, this device was created in 1983 under the brand name "Romantic 307-stereo", and it went into mass sales under the name "Romantic 201-stereo" in 1984. This happened due to the transfer of the device from the 3rd class to 2 difficulty group (at that time there was a general change of classes into difficulty groups). Until the end of 1989, 240 thousand units of this product were produced.

The dimensions of the described model were 502X265X125 mm, and the weight was 6.5 kg.

• "Romantic 202"... This portable cassette recorder had a small circulation. Produced in 1985. It could handle 2 types of tapes. A pointer indicator for recording and residual battery charge was added to the design, as well as a counter for the used magnetic tape. Equipped with a built-in microphone. The dimensions of this device were 350X170X80 mm, and the weight was 2.2 kg.

• "Romantic 309C"... A portable tape recorder, produced since the beginning of 1989. This model could record and play sound from tape and MK cassettes. Equipped with the ability to adjust playback, had an equalizer, built-in stereo speakers, autonomous search for the first pause.

• "Romantic M-311-stereo"... Two-cassette tape recorder. It was equipped with 2 separate tape drives. The left compartment was intended for playing sound from a cassette, and the right compartment was for recording to another cassette.

The "Romantic" tape recorders did not differ in any special requirements in operation. Moreover, they were practically "indestructible". Some cassette models, such as 304 and 306, people liked to take with them to nature, and then everything else happened to them. They were forgotten for the night in the rain, doused with wine, covered with sand on the beaches. And about the fact that it could have been dropped a couple of times, it is possible not to say. And after any tests, he still continued to work.

They were used most often at the highest possible sound levels and at the same time did not lose sound power.

Review of the tape recorder "Romantic 306" - in the video below.