Sony TC-800B - The Watergate Reel-to-Reel Recorder (1969-1975)

Sony TC-800B 

The Sony TC-800B, released in 1969, was a premium portable reel-to-reel "Tapecorder" that became an icon of 1970s history as the primary machine used to record the infamous Watergate tapes in the Nixon White House. A sophisticated upgrade to the standard TC-800, the "B" model was a four-speed powerhouse capable of running on AC power or eight D-cell batteries, making it an essential tool for high-stakes field recording and surveillance. Its most distinctive feature was a large, top-mounted "servo-control" dial that allowed for precise speed adjustments, paired with a specialized "Speech/Music" selector that optimized the automatic gain control for clear voice capture. The unit’s professional reputation was further cemented by its use during the Apollo 11 mission, where it was utilized at ground tracking stations to record telemetry and voice data during the first lunar landing. Despite the rapid rise of the compact cassette, the TC-800B remained in production until roughly 1975, favored by government agencies and audiophiles alike for the superior fidelity of its 5-inch open-reel format.

Obtained from: eBay.com