Description
Key Features
The A-3440 offers a 4-track, 4-channel stereo/quadrophonic system with one record head, one playback head and one erase head, and is driven by three motors: two dedicated reel motors and a capstan motor. This capstan motor uses CD servo control for stable speed-keeping, reducing wow and flutter to a third of the level seen on the outgoing A-3340S. The deck accepts reels of up to 10.5 inches and runs at 7½ and 15ips tape speeds, giving a useful balance between extended recording time and higher-fidelity playback.
Beyond the core transport, the A-3440 was specified with the serious home recordist in mind. Controls include ±5% pitch adjustment, a manual cue lever, and selective headphone monitoring allowing any track or combination of tracks to be fed to the headphones. Independent microphone and line input selectors are provided, with switchable -20dB mic padding, and the rear panel carries dedicated RCA inputs and outputs for use with an outboard DBX or Dolby noise reduction unit. Function, sync and monitor switching is grouped for quicker session setup, a refinement over the preceding A-3340S.
For anyone building or restoring a multitrack home recording setup, or simply wanting a characterful way to record and play back onto open reel tape, the A-3440 remains one of the more accessible and usable decks of its era, with parts and drive belts still generally available.
Technical Specifications
(Source: HiFi Engine, reel-reel.com, TEAC service documentation)
- Type: 4-track, 4-channel reel-to-reel tape recorder
- Heads: 1x record, 1x playback, 1x erase
- Motors: 2x reel motor, 1x capstan motor (CD servo controlled)
- Reel size: Up to 10.5″
- Tape speeds: 7½ and 15ips
- Wow and flutter: 0.04% (15ips), 0.06% (7½ips)
- Frequency response: 25Hz–24kHz (15ips)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 55dB
- Total harmonic distortion: 1.0%
- Crosstalk: 35dB
- Dimensions: 432 x 452 x 262mm
- Weight: approximately 22kg
- Year of Production: mid-1970s onwards
- Country of Origin: Japan
Important Owner’s Notes
This deck has been serviced and calibrated by us prior to listing. As with any tape machine of this age, buyers should be aware that heads, belts, and pinch rollers are wear items subject to ongoing maintenance over time, and that periodic cleaning and demagnetising of the heads forms a normal part of reel-to-reel ownership. Please note that reels and tape are not included.
*Delivery*
Collection is preferred for this item. Where collection isn’t possible, we can arrange shipping via Shiply.com, with quotes for most UK postcodes typically around £60 to ensure the unit is packaged and delivered safely. Please get in touch to discuss delivery to your postcode before purchase.
Why Buy From Us
With over 40 years of experience in the Hi-Fi industry, we are well placed to assess and test equipment of this type. Every item we list is fully inspected and tested before sale — this unit was checked, serviced and calibrated by Andrew in our workshop.
When you buy from us you can expect:
- Full inspection and testing prior to listing — not simply a visual check
- A 3-month guarantee on every item we sell
- Transparent descriptions with no omissions
- Professional packaging to ensure safe delivery
- After-sales support available by phone or email should you have any questions
Summary
This TEAC A-3440 is a well-specified 1970s multitrack reel-to-reel deck, freshly serviced and calibrated, and presented in very good condition. With three-motor transport, dual-speed operation and comprehensive recording controls, it remains a genuinely usable machine for open reel enthusiasts. Collection is preferred, though UK-wide shipping can be arranged via Shiply. This is a single-unit listing. Please feel free to get in touch with any questions prior to purchase.
