Almost High End 2-Trk Reel to Reel Tape Recorders

[TEMAS]

Hi everyone. I've been researching the possiblity of buying a reel to reel to use as an 'effect' for <£400 (<$700). I've done quite a bit of reading and wanted to get any thoughts and opinions you might have that I may have neglected. I don't want anything too big or bulky; it must have the option of at least 15ips speed and prefferably take 1/4" tape size (1/2" would be ok). It should be as accurate and quiet (noise-floor) as possible whilst still giving me 'that' tape character.

It seems as though a Revox is my best bet - they've got that vintage 'mystique' that will always be re-sellable. Revox models I'd consider are: A77 Pro, B77 HS, PR99.

But I'm not ruling out the Tascam BR-20 (was £3,000 new 10 years ago), because its much newer (& possibly more reliable) and also the Fostex E-22 that records to 1/2 inch.

Also, I've seen a 16-Trk 2" 3M M79, (which I recall Roundbadge has and likes), for £700. But I've yet to find a picture of the unit.

Thanks in advance for your input.

[TEMAS]

Just to update you on my own recent education, I've found a whole forum dedicated to this topic.

I fear there is much for me still to learn. I'm leaning towards spending a little more now (a Studer a810 would be nice or a Sony APR-5000).

Anyway, thats all for now.

http://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/f...splay.php?f=35

[T.RayBullard]

the StellaVox Sp-7 and 8 are what Kavi Alexander of Waterlily acoustics uses...

also, the telefunken m15 and 20,, and Nagra T Audio...

[Dzoing]

Studer A807: Same sound quality as A810, more recent, very reliable, way better than any revox PR99 etc. I found mine for €500 in mint condition (without meter and mic pre). Plus €300 more for servicing, alignement. Now I have an outstanding tape machine that cost me €800. I love it.

As far as accuracy, noise floor and tape coloration, just experiment with different kind of tape. Tape sound depends on the tape, not much the machine. Your machine must be reliable and should work like a swiss watch: buy yourself that Studer tape-watch! You won't regret it [except for its weight -- and make sure it is in GREAT condition, Studer maintenance is expensive].

[TEMAS]

Thanks guys.

Dzoing, when (and where) did you buy your A807? How much more do you think I'd have to shed for an A810 in very good condition?

T.RayBullard, I've just been looking at those StellarVox's - pretty cool; and really compact, like a Uher. From the pictures, it looks like they can take 1/2" tape (but I could be wrong).

Thanks again.

[Dzoing]

Originally Posted by TEMAS

Dzoing, when (and where) did you buy your A807? How much more do you think I'd have to shed for an A810 in very good condition?

I bought my A807 6 months ago, in Paris. I got in touch via ebay, but I went there to see the machine before to buy. Anyway almost every tape machine need check up and alignement and the tech bill might be as expensive as the machine itself. Be prepared!

A810 are about twice the price of A807. It depends on the option though: Meter, mic pres, rollmount, remote, timecode... Head wear should not exceed 3millimeters. Butterfly-heads are better than parallel-heads -- in fact the sound is better with butterfly due to a larger width on tape but you cannot record timecode with those butterfly-heads.

A807 has a better software (more recent, better design). A810 transport is slightly better: slower than A807 and tape guide/path is more complete.

Personnaly I think A807 is a real bargain these days. It is more recent that A810 [= less issues], and spares are still offered by Studer until 2010!

[Dzoing]

Originally Posted by TEMAS

. From the pictures, it looks like they can take 1/2" tape (but I could be wrong).

Oh and you really don't need 1/2" IMO. Way more expensive and 1/4" sounds warmer (especially if you're looking for "an effect").

[everybody's x]

Originally Posted by Dzoing

I bought my A807 6 months ago, in Paris. I got in touch via ebay, but I went there to see the machine before to buy. Anyway almost every tape machine need check up and alignement and the tech bill might be as expensive as the machine itself. Be prepared!

A810 are about twice the price of A807. It depends on the option though: Meter, mic pres, rollmount, remote, timecode... Head wear should not exceed 3millimeters. Butterfly-heads are better than parallel-heads -- in fact the sound is better with butterfly due to a larger width on tape but you cannot record timecode with those butterfly-heads.

A807 has a better software (more recent, better design). A810 transport is slightly better: slower than A807 and tape guide/path is more complete.

Personnaly I think A807 is a real bargain these days. It is more recent that A810 [= less issues], and spares are still offered by Studer until 2010!

I also love my 807 and they are truly the sleeper right now

[RadioMoo]

Originally Posted by TEMAS

I've seen a 16-Trk 2" 3M M79, (which I recall Roundbadge has and likes), for £700.

WHERE?!?!?!?!

[TEMAS]

Originally Posted by RadioMoo

WHERE?!?!?!?!

Here...

http://www.gearonline.co.uk/gearlist.htm

I've just read the small print - it says, 'for spares or enthusiast.' Sorry to get your hopes up!!

[Justynfromnz]

Originally Posted by TEMAS

How much more do you think I'd have to shed for an A810 in very good condition?

hello....i just bought an A810 with meter bridge but no pre For $600.00 nz...which is about 300 euro...Its in the shop getting a service now so not sure how mint is was....but it "looked" in good nick...I bought that in NZ an a website called trademe.co.nz. Which is like ebay....Its not the first 810 to go up there (i've seen 2 others in the last 6 months or so)...but for some wierd reason they all sell for like 600 bucks, wierd huh? But if you got it cheap here shipping would suck ass to europe....there's an otari mtr-10 on there now for about 500-1000 euros (buy now Is $2000nz)...I think NZ is just not getting the "Tape" thing so everyone is flicking them off....

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Music-instr...n-65624335.htm

[magnet]

I have an Otari 5050BII2 1/4" 2 track for sale. It's in amazing cosmetic and running condition. I have to go through it again to make sure it is totally cool but let me know if you are interested.

best
magnet

[peeceebee]

I've been using a br-20 for the last year- got it on ebay for a few hundred dollars, put new heads, rubber, & guides on it, and it's a very nice performer. Forgiving the tascam name, it's a pro-level machine, big motors, servo control, smooth tape-handling, etc.
I'd say probably a front runner in price/performance-

[TEMAS]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I've made an offer of £500 ($900/Eu750) for an A810, which looks in very good condition and apparantly has had only a few hours use since its last service. I expect that it will sell for more though, so I'll have to work out how much more I'd want to spend on it.

I'm really digging the idea of the Stellavox SM8 though, so if I don't win the A810, maybe I'll think more seriously about saving up for one.

[scotty-o]

Another A807 owner here.............
Got mine for $700 in near mint condition from a voice over studio that went digital YEARS ago (anyone remember the AMS/Neve digital 8 track workstations from the early 90's? LOL ....... man, what they must have paid for that!))

good reliable machine and sounds pretty good...

FWIW

-Scotty