The Sony TC-255 is a sophisticated tape deck designed for use without integrated speakers or amplifiers, allowing for connections to external stereo equipment. Its construction features a 2-micron recording head and incorporates an anti-vibration motor to minimize mechanical noise. The device utilizes a total of 13 silicon transistors in its preamplifier section, including four high-gain 2SC631 transistors, to enhance performance and reduce noise levels. The recording bias frequency is set to 160 kHz to further mitigate noise during playback and recording. The deck includes an innovative escalation drive mechanism, which allows the pinch roller to lower automatically when in the stop position, facilitating easy tape mounting without snagging. Additionally, a vibration prevention roller helps absorb micro-vibrations at the contact point between the tape and the head. It features an automatic stop switch that powers down the mechanism when the tape is finished, along with a 4-digit tape counter for tracking playback. Users can pause recordings or playback temporarily, with a stop lever that can cancel this temporary hold. Other conveniences include a headphone output and independent recording levers for each channel, allowing for monaural or sound-on-sound recordings. The TC-255 supports both horizontal and vertical placement and comes with a removable wooden cabinet. Its specifications include a 4-track, 2-channel track format, multiple tape speeds (19 cm/s, 9.5 cm/s, and 4.75 cm/s), and it features an NAB standard recording compensation characteristic.
