Tandberg TD-3014 vs TD-3014A, what is the difference?

I'm just curious to know if anybody knows what the difference is between these seemingly nearly identical models? The only cosmetic difference I can see between these units is the color of the LEDs on the front pannel. But I can't help but wonder if a more significant difference exists under the hood that I am not aware of. :scratch2:

Does anybody know?

goldear said:

Does anybody know?

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First I would like to say that I don't, but I will bring it up with some of the hardcore Tandberg enthusiasts I know.

Having said that, there are brochures for both the TCD-3014 and TCD-3014A (widely considered Tandberg's best deck ever, and quite definitely in the very upper echelon of decks regardless of manufacturer, incl. the Nak Dragon) in the TB database linked to from my signature. The brochures contain technical data so a comparison is possible, even though one of the brochures is in German language. So if you really wanted to find out, your answers are likely to be therein.

I also noticed you have asked for service documentation for the 3014A - the service manual is available from the database, as well.

The Tandberg 3000 series of decks went like this, in chronological order: 3004, 3014, 3014A, 3034.

That's all I know, but will let you know if I find out more from the hardcores.

Best,

Njord Noatun said:

That's all I know, but will let you know if I find out more from the hardcores.

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This is what I have gleaned from the Tandberg specialists over in the Old Country: Bear in mind that the differences are minor, and that the "A" postfix may be considered somewhat of a marketing ploy - a bit like car manufacturer slap on a piece of grill chrome from one model year to another. Also remember that these are opinions and not facts - at $3,000 MSRP in Norway (at current exchange rates), these were rare then and are even rarer now.

1. Capstan axle was matt on the A (shiny on the non-A)
2. The A came with remote control capability (non-A optional)
3. The A was developed by the post-bankruptcy Tandberg (the non-A by the original Tandberg Radiofabrikk).
4. Improved electronic components
5. Different button finish (matt vs. shiny) and LED lights.

I don't know what you paid for your 3014A, but they command a hefty $1,000 in good condition in the home country, FYI.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Njord Noatun said:

This is what I have gleaned from the Tandberg specialists over in the Old Country: Bear in mind that the differences are minor, and that the "A" postfix may be considered somewhat of a marketing ploy - a bit like car manufacturer slap on a piece of grill chrome from one model year to another. Also remember that these are opinions and not facts - at $3,000 MSRP in Norway (at current exchange rates), these were rare then and are even rarer now.

1. Capstan axle was matt on the A (shiny on the non-A)
2. The A came with remote control capability (non-A optional)
3. The A was developed by the post-bankruptcy Tandberg (the non-A by the original Tandberg Radiofabrikk).
4. Improved electronic components
5. Different button finish (matt vs. shiny) and LED lights.

I don't know what you paid for your 3014A, but they command a hefty $1,000 in good condition in the home country, FYI.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

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Thank-you very much for the info!

I actually got a fairly good deal on a pair: one 3014, and one 3014A, both in Excellent condition. My 3014 has a remote just like the "A" version, so I'm not certain that this particualr piece of the puzzle is correct.

I'll have to look closely to see if I can see any of the other differences that you have noted. So far I had not noticed more than the LEDs though.

I've owned a few of the best Naks, and I've simply never heard cassette sound as good as these units do.

goldear said:

My 3014 has a remote just like the "A" version, so I'm not certain that this particualr piece of the puzzle is correct.
I've owned a few of the best Naks, and I've simply never heard cassette sound as good as these units do.

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It's not for nothing that the 3014A is often times referred to as the "Dragon Killer"! :thmbsp:

My understand is that the "non-A" had an optional remote control (RC-20 - one could buy an optional card to install into the deck), so it is perfectly possible that your non-A is remote controlled. At some point moving into the "A" series, RC became standard (RC-3030/4070).

I've looked closely at the exteriors of both of my units. The capstans are indeed shiney in the 3014, but not the "A". The LEDs are all red on the 3014, but on the A they are multiple colors. I can see no difference in the buttons though.

While the remote might have been optional on the 3014, I can't tell for sure as mine definitely has this capability built-in.

It looks like Tandberg didn't even bother to update the owners manual for the "A" version, as mine simply says "3014".

The 3014, 3014 A, 910 and 911 (the last 2 master pro machines) were all built on the same design from 1982, as far as I can tell. Some refinements of electronics is said to have taken place on the A upgrade. The original 3014 however is very impressive, and the dynamics of old Maxell UD XL cassettes dating back 25-30 years played on this giant blows my mind.

goldear said:

Does anybody know?

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FYI, the TCD-3014 user manual is now available from the Tandberg database, Goldear!

Rgds,

Wow. Good to know on these two models. I'd like to get an A model, but will suffice with the older non A version. Now when my budget clears later this year, I'll be on the lookout for one. Anyone have any direct links to the 3014 info, aside from the one webpage by the previous poster?