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Japanese Made National Sound Monitor System Reel to Reel RQ-703Sb TESTED WORKINGThe National RQ-703S is a mono, 100-volt, 40-watt, vacuum-tube-powered reel-to-reel tape recorder from Japan, featuring a full-track-mono head configuration and speeds of 4.75, 9.5, and 19 inches per second. It includes a built-in speaker, a PL jack for a microphone, a tone control, and a counter. General Specifications Model: National RQ-703SManufacturer: National (Japan)Power: 100 volts, 40 watts, 50-60 HzTubes: Includes 6267, 6BL8, and 30A5 power tubeHead Configuration: Full-track-monoFeatures Tape Speeds: 4.75, 9.5, and 19 inches per second (i/s)Audio: Mono unit with a built-in full-range speakerInputs: PL jack for microphone inputOutputs: Speaker extension input (labeled "Radio"), usable for CD, DVD, or other player inputsControls: Volume (doubles as power switch), tone control (high/low frequencies), rewind, stop, forward, play, record, and pauseOther Features: Pilot lamp, vometer (level control), counter, and a compartment for AC wireMotor: AC motor with a fan for ventilationExperience the rich, warm sound of vintage audio with the Japanese Made National Sound Monitor System Reel to Reel RQ-703Sb. This classic piece of audio equipment has been tested and is in full working order, ready to transport your tape reels with precision and fidelity. Crafted for enthusiasts and collectors alike, the RQ-703Sb is a testament to the enduring quality of Japanese manufacturing. Its robust design and reliable performance make it an ideal addition to any vintage audio collection, ensuring your cherished recordings are handled with the care and craftsmanship they deserve.
Tested working at US$297, this lands a bit below the US$355 median and comfortably above the US$164 25th percentile, so it reads as a fair-to-good buy rather than a steal. It’s not priced like a gamble, and it’s far enough under the typical middle of the market to feel reasonable for a clean, functional reel-to-reel.
What makes it worthwhile is the core appeal of vintage Japanese tape gear: solid build, distinctive industrial charm, and real playback/tape-hands-on appeal for enthusiasts who want a working machine rather than a shelf queen. “Tested working” matters here, since transports, belts, heads, and pinch rollers are the usual age-related pain points on these decks; at this price, the main question is overall condition, included reels/accessories, and whether it runs smoothly in both directions.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Monitor Audio, a British hi-fi mainstay, traces its origins to 1972 when founder Mo Iqbal established the company in a modest factory near Cambridge, England. Starting with hands-on loudspeaker assembly in a garage-like setting, it quickly professionalized, moving to Rayleigh, Essex, in 1976 for in-house manufacturing. This heritage of meticulous British engineering has endured through expansions, including a 2004 shift of production to China while retaining design leadership in Essex, alongside strategic acquisitions like Roksan in 2016 and Blok in 2019.
The brand excels in loudspeakers across diverse categories, from high-fidelity two-channel stereo models to advanced home cinema systems, architectural installations, outdoor speakers, and lifestyle solutions. Signature innovations like the patented C-CAM Gold Dome tweeters, introduced in the 1980s and continually refined, define its sound. Complementing these are amplifiers, streamers, and integrated audio systems, reflecting a broad portfolio that prioritizes proprietary driver technologies and precise enclosure design over peripheral gear like turntables or headphones.
Positioned as a mid-to-high-end powerhouse, Monitor Audio commands respect for delivering audiophile-grade performance at accessible price points, blending relentless innovation with timeless British craftsmanship. Over five decades, it has solidified its status as a global juggernaut, appealing to discerning buyers seeking refined, dynamic sound without boutique exclusivity or vintage nostalgia.
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