Tandberg TD-20A SE reel to reel tape deck LAST VERSION 1984 SUPERLATIVE

TANDBERG TD-20A SE REEL-TO-REEL TAPE DECK SERIAL NUMBER 003390 ¼ TRACK 7 ½ 3 ¾ SPEED VERSION SHIPPING CARTON HAS TANDBERG 50 th ANNIVERSARY LOGO 1933-1983 SUPER LATE EXAMPLE SHIPPING DATE FROM IMPORTER AUGUST 14 th 1984 AT THE END OF PRODUCTION INSPECTED AND TESTED EXCEPTIONAL OPERATIONAL CONDITION SUPERLATIVE UNMOLESTED SURVIVOR I acquired this deck from the original owner in September of 2016. At the time I was told that this machine was stored in the carton unused for several years. I have kept it in my storage and just brought it out to inspect and test. I removed it from the cabinet to check the belts and mechanical operation. I can say that I found this to be in original unmodified shape, original belts, no cracked PC boards. I checked and cleaned the tape path there was absolutely minimal residue/dirt coming off on the cotton swabs. The tape path is super clean, heads, guides, pinch roller, all excellent with minimum wear. The capstan belt and tape counter belt are still intact not decomposed or broken down. This is a testament to the quality of belts that Tandberg used in their decks. Similar to Nakamichi you will find some 40-year-old belts that still outperform new replacements. Capstan motor runs smooth and quiet on both speeds. Both reel motors run smooth and quiet as well, super powerful and fast in both directions. Worm gear wheel and worm gear screw completely intact with no cracked or broken pieces. Tape transport functions all good, brakes are working excellent no spilling of tape, tape counter good, and auto stop transparent leader tape sensor LED emitter/receptor good. I used the Xfinity Jazz music channel as a recording source. Meters good, tape/source good, Edit/Cue good, lamps good, transport LEDs good, SE equalization function good, all switches and potentiometers smooth and quiet. Recordings made on this machine are virtually indistinguishable from the source. I used Maxell UDXL tape on both speeds. I did over 6 hours of recording and playback. Both channels are clean and clear in recording and playback with no hum, buzz, noise, or distortion everything is good on this deck. Please see the attached video clip demonstrating the transport operation and smooth transition of functions. I have had countless Tandberg components come through here in the last 22 years IME they can be quirky to say the least. Poor or cold solder joints, dried out caps, intermittent channels, intermittent functions, etc. Common concern regarding the TD-20 decks are cracked lower PC boards as they are designed with no support in the middle. If you are not careful or aware you can get in trouble when removing from cabinet or handling the chassis. This machine does not have any of these issues, frankly it is in much better shape than I was expecting. It is working at a very high level. A superb candidate for electrical measurement and refinement from a qualified technician if you are so inclined. Cosmetic condition is exceptional with very little signs of handling or use. This is physically clean with no dirt or nicotine contamination. The plastic cabinet has some very light marks and some adhesive tape residue on the top right. I tried to get it off with light oil and I did get some but I did not want to get aggressive with anything stronger or abrasive. I did not want to compromise the finish. IMO this is a collector quality deck and it represents the end of the line for Tandberg analog reel recorders circa 1984. Included will be the factory box, Styrofoam clamshell, the power cord, the owner manuals with addendum instructions, and original build and warranty cards. I will also double box this into a new heavy-duty carton for added protection. FYI the tape, reels, and hubs are for demonstration purpose only and are not included in the sale. Due to age this item will be sold with no return or guarantee. SOME ADDITIONAL INFO: audio_maven has been dedicated to testing and accurately describing what our buyers will receive. We have sold over 4000 pieces of audio gear online since the year 2001. Although eBay does not display or accredit sellers who have continuous 100% positive feedback with no negatives or neutrals for lifetime this is what we have achieved so far in 22 years. We have worked hard to provide our buyers with quality gear. A WORD ON SHIPPING, INSURANCE, AND PACKING CHARGES: Shipping cost includes FedEx Ground/Home service full insurance and new heavy-duty packing materials. I take packaging very seriously and go to extremes to help ensure that your item arrives safely. Please see my eBay feedback profile for references and rest assured this will be done correctly. Shipping will be to the contiguous 48 States only. PLEASE NOTE VERY IMPORTANT PAYMENT TERMS:   Shipping ONLY to your confirmed/verified USA address associated with the payment. eBay implemented sales tax may apply. Your bidding/buying constitutes acceptance.