Jupiter tape recorders: history, description, review of models

During the Soviet era, Jupiter reel-to-reel tape recorders were very popular. This or that model was in the house of every connoisseur of music. Nowadays, a huge number of modern devices have replaced the classic tape recorders. But many are still nostalgic for Soviet technology. And, perhaps not in vain, because it has a huge number of advantages.

To begin with, it is worth going back in time and learning a little about the history of the Jupiter brand. The company appeared in the early 1970s. Then she had practically no competitors. On the contrary, the manufacturer had to constantly offer the audience something new that would satisfy the needs of consumers.

The development of this tape recorder began at the Kiev Research Institute. They created household radio equipment and various electromechanical devices. And it was there that the first samples of Soviet tape recorders, assembled on the basis of conventional transistors, appeared.

Using these developments, the Kiev plant "Communist" began to produce tape recorders in large quantities. And also there was a second popular factory located in the city of Pripyat. It closed for obvious reasons. The Kiev plant in 1991 was renamed into JSC "Radar".

The iconic "Jupiter" received not only great recognition from the citizens of the USSR. One of the models, namely "Jupiter-202-stereo", was awarded the Gold Medal of the Exhibition of Economic Achievements of the Soviet Union and the State Quality Mark. These were very high awards at the time.

Unfortunately, since 1994, the Jupiter tape recorders are no longer produced. Therefore, now you can only find products that are sold on various sites or auctions. The easiest way to find this kind of equipment is on sites with ads, where owners of retro music devices display their devices at fairly low prices.

The Jupiter tape recorder now attracts simply by the fact that it is a rarity. After all, the further progress goes, the more many people want to return to something simple and understandable, like the same vinyl players or reel and reel tape recorders.

Jupiter is not a device that cannot be adapted to the modern world.

Even modern songs played on this retro tape recorder get a new, better sound.

Another feature of Soviet tape recorders is at a relatively low price. Especially when compared to modern technology. After all, now manufacturers have noticed the demand for retro musical devices and have begun to create their products according to new standards. But the cost of such a tape recorder from leading European companies often reaches 10 thousand dollars, while domestic retro tape recorders are several times cheaper.

To consider the advantages of such a technique in more detail, it is worth paying attention to several specific models that were very famous at the time.

It's worth starting with a model released in 1974. It was she who was one of the most popular in her time. This 4-track 2-speed tape recorder was used to record and play music and speech. He could work both horizontally and vertically.

The parameters that distinguish this tape recorder from others are as follows:

• you can record and play sound with a maximum tape speed of 19.05 and 9.53 cm / s, recording time - 4X90 or 4X45 minutes;
• such a device weighs 15 kg;
• the number of the coil used in this device is 18;
• detonation coefficient in percentage not more than ± 0.3;
• it is quite large, but at the same time it can be stored both vertically and horizontally, so it can be found in any apartment.

When creating this model of the tape recorder, a tape drive mechanism was used, which in the 70s and 80s was used by such manufacturers as Saturn, Snezhet and Mayak.

In 1979, a new reel-to-reel tape recorder appeared, gaining the same popularity as its predecessor.

"Jupiter-203-stereo" differed from the 202 model by an improved tape drive mechanism. And also manufacturers began to use heads of higher quality. They wore out more slowly. An additional bonus is the automatic stop of the reel at the end of the tape. It was much more pleasant to work with such tape recorders. Devices began to be sent for export. These models were called "Kashtan".

This tape recorder was not as popular as its later versions. It began to be developed in 1969. It was one of the first first class semi-professional tape recorders. Mass production of such models began in 1972 at the Kiev plant "Communist".

The tape recorder weighs 17 kg. The product is intended for recording all kinds of sounds on a magnetic tape. The recording is very clean and high quality. And also, in addition, you can create various sound effects on this tape recorder. This was quite a rarity at the time.

Reel-to-reel tape recorders, as well as turntables, have a second chance at life. As before, Soviet technology actively attracts connoisseurs of good music. If you choose a high-quality retro tape recorder "Jupiter", it will delight its owner with high-quality "live" sound for a long time.

Now you can buy reel-to-reel devices both at a high price and saving a little.... But don't buy very cheap ones. If possible, it is better to check the state of technology. The best option is to do it live. When making a purchase online, you need to look closely at the photographs.

Once you have purchased your tape recorder, it is very important to store it properly. Retro technology needs to provide an optimal microclimate. And also tapes should be stored in the right place. Retro equipment should be kept away from magnets and power transformers so as not to spoil the quality. And also the room should not be humid and temperature high. The best option is a place with a humidity within 30% and a temperature no higher than 20 °.

The following is a video review of the Jupiter-203-1 tape recorder