Revox B710 cassette deck

Revox B710 MK II – High-End Cassette Deck

The Revox B710 MK II is undoubtedly one of the most technically sophisticated cassette decks of its era. For this exceptional machine, Revox transferred numerous principles from professional studio equipment to the Compact Cassette format, creating a transport and electronic design that differs considerably from conventional cassette decks.

Exceptional Four-Motor Transport

At the heart of the B710 MK II is its remarkable transport mechanism. A total of four motors are responsible for tape transport. Both capstans of the dual-capstan mechanism are directly driven, while two additional motors drive the reel hubs.

This allowed Revox to dispense completely with the belts and idler wheels commonly found in cassette transports. The result is extremely precise tape guidance and a design focused on speed stability, long-term consistency and mechanical reliability.

The exceptional quality of this mechanism was already evident in contemporary testing. In a 1982 review, wow and flutter of only ±0.06% according to DIN was measured during record/playback. Its exceptionally low linear speed variations received particular praise, with the B710 MK II surpassing all competing cassette decks previously measured by the magazine in this respect.

Three Heads and True Off-Tape Monitoring

The B710 MK II uses separate record and playback heads, allowing true off-tape monitoring during recording. The incoming source can therefore be compared directly with the signal that has just been recorded onto the tape.

The record and playback heads are mounted on a common adjustable head plate and can be aligned independently – a construction that clearly reflects the professional philosophy behind the B710.

Extensively Revised MK II Electronics

For the B710 MK II, Revox did considerably more than simply add a few additional features to the original B710. The record and playback electronics were extensively revised.

In addition to Dolby B, the MK II version features Dolby C. The playback amplifier in particular was improved and achieved exceptionally low noise figures in contemporary testing.

The B710 MK II supports ferric, chrome and metal tapes, with automatic tape-type detection via the identification openings in the cassette shell.

Classic Revox Operation

The extraordinary engineering effort is also apparent in everyday operation. Transport functions are electronically controlled by push buttons, while the electronic counter uses two optical sensors to provide precise indication of tape position.

Further features include memory functions, comprehensive recording-level indication, separate microphone and line controls, off-tape monitoring and a headphone output.

Another unusual feature is the integrated electronic timer, allowing recording or start times to be programmed – remarkably sophisticated functionality for a cassette deck of its generation.

Serviced and Recalibrated in Our Workshop

The Revox B710 MK II offered here has been carefully serviced in our workshop and subsequently fully recalibrated.

All relevant functions and parameters were checked and the machine adjusted to achieve optimum recording and playback performance. With a cassette deck of this technical sophistication, professional calibration is particularly important in order to realise the full potential of its transport, heads and electronics.

Naturally, the machine will undergo another comprehensive functional test before delivery.

A Milestone of the Compact Cassette Era

The Revox B710 MK II is much more than simply a high-quality cassette deck from the great era of analogue audio. Its direct-drive four-motor transport, sophisticated three-head configuration and uncompromising mechanical engineering make it one of the most fascinating machines of its kind.

An exceptional example of Swiss audio engineering for Revox enthusiasts, serious collectors and anyone wishing to experience just how far the Compact Cassette format could be taken.