I've come across a Fostex and a Tascam for the same price. Both of them have clean heads, the Tascam has been refurbished and the Fostex has been serviced and they both come with reel tape and a take up reel. The only thing the Fostex has is a couple lights not working. My only question is which one would be better, sound quality-wise? I would definitely like to have a tape machine with 16 channels but I would assume that the quality of the tracks would degrade on 1/2" tape. If someone knows or has experienced with either one of these machines, your input would be very much appreciated! Thank you!

In the past I owned a 38, and then a G16.

Imo, the G16 sounded much better. I don't know how similar the G and E were

I have an E16 and used it for quite a few records with great results, IMHO. I felt it sounded better than my MX8080 8-track 1/2”. I used the noise reduction always. When it’s aligned right and the heads are in good shape it’s a great sounding machine, even for 1/2” 16 track.