01
Two-Tone Suitcase Design
Encased in charcoal grey textured vinyl with a cream center band and an arched brass handle.
Curio Gallery
01 / 04
01 / 04Telefunken Magnetophon 75 Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder — photograph 3
Highlights
Why this object
still matters.
The Telefunken Magnetophon 75 is a landmark German tube tape recorder housed in a distinctive two-tone portable suitcase with an arched brass carry handle. The base features dual louvered ventilation panels protecting its early printed circuit board chassis alongside a recessed voltage selector. Its compact, rounded enclosure reflects late-1950s industrial audio design engineered for mobile voice and music recording.
02
Early Printed Circuitry
Features an early phenolic PCB visible through the underside ventilation slots, cutting weight over point-to-point wiring.
03
Multi-Voltage Compatibility
Integrated voltage selector under a swiveling cover on the base panel allows versatile European operation.
04
Dual Cooling Louvers
Equipped with two stamped metal grilles to dissipate heat generated by vacuum tubes and drive motor.
05
German Engineering Heritage
Manufactured during the golden age of Telefunken's audio dominance in West Germany.
06
Dual Support Orientation
Fitted with rubber feet for horizontal bench operation as well as upright vertical transport.
Specifications
The useful facts,
clearly recorded.
Measurements, construction, identity, and seller-supplied details are kept together for direct comparison.
Reviewed · Curio catalogue
Maker
Telefunken GmbH
Origin
Germany
Year
1958
Department
audio
Dimensions
31.5 × 31 × 16 cm
Packed shipment
5 kg · 45 × 32 × 30 cm
Device type
Portable reel-to-reel tube tape recorder
Enclosure style
Two-tone textured rexine/vinyl suitcase with arched handle
Chassis construction
Printed circuit board (PCB) chassis visible through base louvers
Mains supply
Switchable AC voltage selector (showing 220 V setting)
Ventilation
Twin slotted metal service and cooling plates on underside
Reel capacity
Up to 15 cm (5.75 in) spools (interior not shown)
Details
Close inspection,
recorded in photographs.
Detail № 01 · Telefunken Magnetophon 75 Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder — photograph 1
Detail № 02 · Telefunken Magnetophon 75 Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder — photograph 2
Heritage
A traceable life,
carefully recorded.
Provenance documentation was not supplied for this specific Telefunken Magnetophon 75 Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder; this listing is based on the supplied photographs only.
Audio Innovation
The Printed Circuit Revolution
Looking through the base ventilation slots reveals Telefunken's pioneering use of phenolic circuit boards, which significantly reduced the weight and bulk of traditional tube tape recorders for everyday consumer mobility.
Design Language
Portable Elegance in Two Tones
The profile view showcases the striking two-tone case styling and swept arched brass handle, blending post-war German functionalism with luggage-style sophistication suited for both professional dictation and domestic living rooms.
Timeline
An object in time,
one continuous story.
1935
Invention of the Magnetophon
AEG and Telefunken unveil the world's first practical magnetic tape recorder at the Berlin Radio Show.
1958
Introduction of Magnetophon 75
Telefunken introduces the Magnetophon 75, pioneering printed circuitry in compact consumer tape machines.
1959
Magnetophon 75-15 Variant
The two-speed 75-15 and 75K editions expand recording times for dictation, home audio, and field use.
1962
Transition to Transistor Models
Telefunken replaces tube-driven portables with fully transistorized Magnetophon 300-series units.
Condition
Honest wear,
documented clearly.
The exterior case remains structurally sound with its original arched handle, latches, and rubber support feet intact. Surface wear is evident throughout, including age-toning and faint stains on the cream middle band, corner scuffs along the grey rexine edges, and hairline scratches on the base metal ventilation plates. The interior deck is not visible in the provided photographs.
✓
InspectedExterior Casing
Original grey and cream textured rexine shows light surface soiling, edge rubbing, and age discoloration on the lighter band.
✓
InspectedBase Panels & Hardware
Metal ventilation panels show superficial scratches and light oxidation around screw heads; voltage selector window is intact.
✓
InspectedHandle & Latches
Arched brass-toned carry handle retains its curved profile with mild patina; side latch hardware is present.
✓
InspectedInternal PCB Visibility
The pertinax circuit board visible through the cooling louvers appears clean and free of obvious heat deformation.
Logistics
Inspected, insured,
door to door.
Step 01
Delivery
Inspected, photographed, and packed with its condition report.
Step 02
Shipping
Custom-fit protective packing with tracked, insured courier service.
Step 03
Returns
Return requests are accepted within fourteen days of confirmed delivery.
Step 04
Dispatch
Prepared for courier handoff within three to five business days.
Acquisition
Make it part of
your collection.
Contact the seller for more information or to discuss this object.
✓ Insured Shipping✓ 14-Day Returns✓ Condition Report✓ Reviewed Listing
Telefunken Magnetophon 75 Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder