I have the main unit (B).
type computer
country UK
year 1986
os basic
cpu Z80A
speed 3.54 MHz
ram 128 KB
rom 64 KB
graphic 256×192
colors 8
sound 3 channels, 8 octaves
storage built-in tape
ports expansion, tv, cassette, printer, rs323/midi, aux, rgb, two joysticks
The Sinclair ZX Spectrum +2 — Amstrad’s Spectrum
Released in September 1986 — the first Spectrum produced after Amstrad’s acquisition of Sinclair Research in April 1986 — the ZX Spectrum +2 was Amstrad’s redesigned version of the Spectrum 128K. Most significantly, it included a built-in cassette tape deck, eliminating the need for a separate tape recorder for loading software. The +2 also featured the grey case design that would characterise the later Amstrad Spectrum models, replacing Sinclair’s original beige and black aesthetics with Amstrad’s more practical colour scheme.
Amstrad’s Acquisition
Alan Sugar’s Amstrad acquired Sinclair Research in April 1986 for £5 million — purchasing the ZX Spectrum brand, existing inventory, and the right to produce further Spectrum models. This acquisition ended Sinclair’s independent involvement in home computing and transferred the Spectrum to a manufacturer with very different priorities: Amstrad focused on cost-effective production and mass-market distribution rather than technical innovation. The +2 represented Amstrad applying its manufacturing efficiency to the Spectrum platform, producing a more complete machine at a competitive price.
Built-in Tape Drive
The integrated cassette deck was the +2’s most practical improvement — eliminating the cable connections and compatibility issues that had always complicated tape loading on earlier Spectrums. Users no longer needed to adjust volume levels on external tape recorders or troubleshoot loading failures caused by cable problems. The built-in deck also made the +2 a more self-contained product, easier for retailers to sell and for buyers to set up and use.