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| Make |
Dynacord |
| Model |
Echocord Studio Disc Echo |
| Description |
This is about as rare as it gets, Dynacord's attempt at creating a disc-based echo unit along the lines of Binson's fabled Echorec series. Introduced in 1966, the Echocord Studio was priced around 2,000 Deutschmarks – roughly one third of the going rate of a Volkswagen Beetle at that time.
Accordingly, there only were about 500 units made before production ceased in 1968. The unit is very, very solidly made, with all electronics on discrete cards. Four inputs, four switchable heads which can be combined in various ways, two different playback speeds – potentially as powerful as a Binson, and perhaps even more so.
This unit here is serial number 003 so it seems safe to assume it was fairly early in the production run. At some point in its life, it was professionally modified with symmetrical inputs and outputs for instruments and microphones, using transducers by Sennheiser. All the modifications were thoroughly documented and can be serviced or reverse-engineered easily.
Cosmetically, you would be hard pressed to find a better example around – this unit, although not exactly pristine, probably is the most beautiful example of this echo unit which has ever been up for sale (and which I have seen in the past twenty or so years). Even though the original carrying box shows some minor traces of usage, once you take the lid off you would be amazed at its time-capsule condition. Its design is a cracker as well, it could have been taken straight off Dieter Rams' desk.
Mechanically, all functions work. The rubber on the idler wheel is a bit stiff which makes the unit a bit noisy but it still works very well and the echo rate is reasonably stable. The original two-prong power cord has got lost and was replaced by an improvised (but electrically safe) cable in order to retain the original state of the unit. Maybe you have one of those ancient Dynacord/Echolette cables lying about somewhere.
Electronically, it works, at least to some extent – the echo playback is continuous so it seems as if the erase head does no longer do what it is supposed to do. All the playback and recording heads work and can be switched on and off, using the selector buttons. Also, the magnetic foil shows some wear and tear and should be replaced by something that does the job equally well (e. g. the innards of an 8“ floppy disc, cut to measure). I just don't have the time and energy to have this unit overhauled completely by someone who knows what he is doing, that's why our ways are parting here.
This unit is for someone seeking for an organ donor for his tatty example of an Echocord Studio or whom the thought of maintaining this stunning example of 1960s German engineering does not deter. Comes with schematics and operation manual as PDF file, original warranty card and other goodies. |
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| Age |
50 year |
| Weight |
15 kg |
| Condition |
Near mint |
| Location |
Germany |
| Vat |
Not from a VAT-registered business. But VAT / duty may be due if importing from outside your trade bloc. |
| Quantity |
1 item is available from the owner |
| Options |
User manual : No |
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Service manual : No |
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First owner : No |
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Original boxes : No |
| Plug type |
No lead provided |
| Voltage type |
Internal 220-240V power supply |
| Status |
Item has been sold or not sold in a previous auction |
| Sale type |
The item is on the auction rooms |
| Ending on |
12/11/2016 |
| Category |
Effects |
| Serial number |
003 |
| Sphere reference |
# 15796 |
| Statistics |
Created on : 16/10/2016 |
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Changed on : 17/10/2016 |
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Published on : 19/10/2016 |
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Displayed : 1911 time(s) by members and guests |
| Safety |
All electrical items sold in VEMIA are deemed to be trade sales. No warranty of electrical safety is given or implied. Many items are vintage and would not pass current electrical safety standards. It is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure that items are safe to use in their future environment - if necessary by using the services of a professional. |
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Prices and conditions  |
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The following section gives you the prices as well as shipment and payment conditions associated with the item. Payment is always requested in GBP. Converted price is shown for information and converted with Sphere standard currency rate.
Shipment and Payment links gives you access to an extended description of our rating :
| Start price |
365 EUR |
| Converted price (1) |
317.89 GBP |
| Shipment |
International or local shipment to pay |
| Packing costs |
0 GBP |
| Payment |
Full pre payment needed |
| Auction bid step |
20 GBP |
| Auction highest bid |
620 GBP |
| Converted highest bid |
620 GBP |
| Leader or winner |
ondiogeek |
| (1) Currency conversion |
Note that conversion rates were last adjusted on 10th October 2025 at 14:22 CET. They are there to give you a rough guide to the bid price in your currency. Please check for a more up-to-date conversion at https://www.x-rates.com/calculator.html. The bid price will be the actual price in pounds (GBP) at the moment the auction closes. This will be roughly converted to your currency for your information.
For technical reasons, we are unable to update the conversion from GBP to Euro during the auction, although it may change at any time. If you are in the euro zone please check the current rate at https://www.x-rates.com/calculator.html
Payments must always be in GBP. For more info please see the FAQ about exchange rates.https://spheremusic.com/Winfaq.asp?Question=91. |
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