The Sony TC-645 reel-to-reel tape recorder was produced in Japan from 1974 to 1976. As stated in the official Sony catalog, the TC-645 Stereo Tapecorder is a 3-motor machine of very sturdy construction, especially suitable for those who require a recorder that will withstand regular heavy use. Three motors provide stable tape transportation with an effective scrape filter and tension arm. A three-head configuration unit with F & F (ferrite and ferrite heads that will last forever) enables real-time recording monitoring. It assures high-quality recording and playback with a frequency response of 30 - 25000 Hz (+3 dB) at 19 cm/sec. The transport controls are well laid out and offer a smooth, mechanical feel, ensuring precise operation. The unit has large, easy-to-read VU meters, allowing accurate level monitoring. Separated tape equalization and bias selector switches to obtain the utmost from your tapes, from Scotch to Maxell. However, the frequency response may be good for some tapes, but the harmonic distortion level can be higher than the stated 1.2%. The winding time is quite fast (as on the old Revox machines): for 370 m tape, it is only 1 minute. Overall, it is a nice and simple reel-to-reel machine for everyday use by ambitious home recordists. In 1976, the retail price of the TC-645 was 1298 DM, equivalent to 2193 euros today.
Those reels might be worth more than the machine. I keep wanting to swap out my TEAC for a Sony but it's a long walk to the shop and these things weigh a ton. Thanks for sharing, I feel like R2R is the last audio frontier with audio folks finally starting to pick it up. I got most of my machines for little money years ago but now they are nicely going up in value and they look great when in use.