Sony PR150, PR200, S Series, A Series

The Sony PR-150 and PR-200 Series, as well as the S Series, were basic tapes developed to compete with the standard Scotch 150 and 200 at the time. They were high quality standard (type 1) tapes, and were very popular, partly due to the popularity of Sony’s low cost line of single motor consumer reel to reel tape decks in the 1960s and early 1970s. If you are looking to use old tapes to record today, there are much better choices out there.

• The PR Series was available in Long Play (150) and Double Play (200) versions. The PR Series has a light brown, almost orange oxide.  Both series were available in the LP thicknesses in 7″ and 10.5 metal reels. The 1200 ft. version used a 7″ reel with a larger hub with the same LP tape thickness.
• The A and S Series were of a similar quality, but had a darker brown oxide.
• One way to figure out whether the tapes are usable us by the leader color. If the beginning leader is dark blue with white lettering, the tape is likely an older generation. If it is white with blue lettering, it is newer and more likely to squeal.
• The reels were a high point – their quality is high and they are worth saving if you decide to trash the tape.
• One word about playing tapes that squeal – sometimes the squealing can be treated with various lubricants, surface finishes or even playing cold. We have also successfully played the tapes by changing the tension on them by routing the tape differently through the recorder tape path (depending on the recorder).
• Available Refurbished: No we do not sell refurbished reels of PR-150 but some *might* be available used (sold without a guarantee) in our store that are available for collectors or research purposes. We sell old batches that seem to be able to play, BUT we cannot recommend using these tapes today.