Reel To Reel Advice, What would be the Best?

[Starrider1]

I purchased a Pioneer T-6600 recently and I really enjoy listening and playing the tapes. I bought 50+ 7 inch reels from a guy that was stationed in Germany in 1973. The tapes contain about 4 albums on each, Mountain, Led Zep CSNY, great classic rock. I want to purchase another reel to reel. Which brand and model number (TEAC, AKAI) had the best performance and will be easy to maintain and have serviced? What is your advice? Thanks

[diediemydarling]

If you find a recently serviced GX-77, go for it, it is one of the best, but hard to service.

[cableguy2]

Well, I like my 10 inch decks, The Akai is nice, the Technics is nice, and the TEAC X 1000 is really nice.

[diediemydarling]

another good rtr deck is the Akai GX-747....awesome deck.

[analog addict]

Lotsa suggestions there...The Akai GX series is well known for its glass-ferrite heads, which are supposed to last forever. I have a fairly bullet-proof GX-4000D that I picked up used for $30, and after dusting it off, cleaning and demagging the heads and lubing it a little, it's been perfect ever since. Now if only I could set up the record biasing correctly...:stupid:

[shsulli]

I will vote for the Revox A77. A great deck, parts and service still available. A real classic workhorse.

[penkosey]

Man, those decks you guys mentioned look beautiful! Someday I will have to grab one of those. The logic controls looks sweet.

How tricky is it to load the tape into one of these higher end models? I have a little Akai that I always forget how to thread the tape through.

[Aage]

I will vote for the Revox A77. A great deck, parts and service still available. A real classic workhorse.

OK, so you've got a Japanese deck, now try something with a different flare for style and performance: the A77 is a good bet and will certainly be a refreshing change.

Or if you want something completely different, a Ferrograph Series Seven. 8¼" reels, variable speed f-a-s-t rewind a FF, and unusual British-style good looks. It's not for everyone, but they can be had for a song, since they are so unknown on this continent...

Only pic i have with me (travelling) is lousy but it'll give you an idea.

[avionic]

Starrider1
Is your avatar a F18 superhornet--cool pic..:thmbsp:

[the-real-mandak]

I would go one step further than shsulli and vote for the REVOX B-77, still service and parts. The heads are now from Studer (the Pro brand witch owns REVOX) witch are famous for long lasting.

Off curse there are also the pro machines, they are starting to show at "human" prices. If you need some appetite go here: http://www.studerundrevox.de/
The page is in German, but put the cursor over one of the names (Studer or REVOX) then move down to Bandmaschinen, choose a model :)

[Starrider1]

F18 Breaking the speed of sound in the pic, Looks really good on video, If I can find the original in my avi files I will try to post it Great Comments from the Forum. I asked the only local repair shop in my area to service my Pioneer T-6600 and they said it was too old so I decided even though it works, I liked the format (you know, put on a tape that lasts 3 hours) and was going to purchase another open reel for my backup system (Sansui 9090DB) I have in my living room. Only thing is I want one that will last and I can get serviced if I have to. The Revox sounds good, If I can afford it. Seems like after all these years I have an addiction to vintage stereo equipment and have acquired more that I can fit into my house. I don't have a problem with it, but my wife may be wondering if one system per room isn't enough. Thanks for the info from everyone, it helps me since I have no previous experience with the R2R.

[goldear]

If features matter more than sound to you, then both the Akia's or Teac's mentione would be a good choice. Although I would presonally avoid the GX-77 due to the overly complicated mechanism.

If the sound matters most to you, then I would recommend the Revox A77, B77, Tandberg TD-20A, or the Sony TC-765. The Revox A77 is nearly indestructable, although somewhat primative. The Tandberg is great too, somewhat more modern, but rather fragile. The Sony sits somewhere inbetween those two, and is actually my very favorite consumer speed machine, but these need a thorough once over by a tech to work well after 30 years.

[SPXTrader]

My Pioneer RT-2022 is still running just like the day I bought it brand new...it functions flawlessly.

[StereoRelic]

Tascams are also worth a look. I got a 34B for $80 about 14 years ago and it seems to be bulletproof. It's easy to use and (relatively) easy to service.

[Fitzy]

I will vote for the Revox A77. A great deck, parts and service still available. A real classic workhorse.

2nd that, or even better a B77 half track @ 15ips.

[Brian]

Surprised no one has mentioned a Crown CX or SX series. These are simple machines made for offsight work where repair was not an easy option. Also, Ampex 35x series. Yes, early transorts but again really bulletproof. These were used in studios and designed for long term use. I've noticed we tend not to think too much about the US r2r machines here.

I have a Philips 4506 and it serves me well and even has a decent full preamp built-in so only need to add the power amp, tuner. phono, etc. Rathe unigue unit. Not as robust feeling as my old Revox but these and the 4504, same maching sans the preamp, seem to soldier on.

[wordman001]

TEAC TEAC TEAC I recommend the 3300SR

[joekid]

I use a Teac A 6300 that I got new many years ago.I love it
Joe

[koolkatz45]

Take a look at the TEAC X-10R. User friendly and you get record and playback in both directions and it takes the 10.5" reels. Parts are available and not bad to service.

I also have a Pioneer 1020L that requires a little more TLC but can crank out that warm analog sound.

dbx noise reduction like a 224 Type II combined with a dbx expander like the 1BX III make a world of difference especially at the slower speeds.:music:

KOOL

[clydeselsor]

I feel that the Pioneer RT-701 & 707 decks are good choices. I have both and do haven't had any problems with either of them. They are direct drive and do not use any drive belts with the exception of the counter. The counter belts are available from a seller on eBay for $9.00 USD for 2 of them, plus he includes instructions for installation. If you want 10.5" deck then the RT-901 & 909 decks are good choices too. There is also a seller on eBay who will completely restore one for around $300.00 USD which is a little salty if you ask me, but it tells me that parts and service are still available.

[jbrainey]

I may be a little "biased" but I swear by my Teac X-2000R. If I use the dbxII and "EE" tapes I can't tell the difference between it and CD at 7 1/2ips. These units are pricey now but you can still find a lot of them used. Also parts(pinch rollers,belts,hubs)are plentiful and maintenance is fairly simple. You can also find these under the "Tascam" name that was used for broadcast but I don't think they have the "EE" option. Whatever you get, new fresh tape is getting expensive and don't even think about prerecorded tapes. Prices for those have gone too high for me and I don't like the sound of the later tapes sold by compaines like Columbia House.

[janusz1]

Hi,
I'd go for teac x-2000 or akai gx-747. They both have variable bias pots on the front panel. Akai is direct drive so no belt problems while heads for teac are still available from Japan. Replacement belts and pinch rollers must be acquired but are still available.

I have pioneer rt-909 and akai gx-215r. Rt-909 is better but no bias fine tunning at the front panel available - only 2 bias and 2 eq settings for standard tapes but no bias EE setting. Revox, good workhorse but if I remember correctly, has no variable bias setting either.

Brand new RMGI tapes are still available and not so pricey. Only a couple of weeks ago I bought 17 pancakes of sm-900 (750m) for $19.95 each from splic-it (trading on EBay). If one is not fussy about metal reels brand new plastic 10.5 inch reels are available from $4 each so $24 plus mailing for 750m of high output wide range tape is acceptable. Used EE tapes are more expensive. Best alternatives are maxell XL-I tapes which should easily last for the next 30 years.
cheers,
Janusz

[6thumbs]

Teacs are built really well ,,have parts availble,,, a Teac A6300 has nice big VUs takes 10.5 reels ,and auto reverse They have been going on e-bay in the 200.00 range ,cheap for a deck of that quality

[goldear]

Hi,
I'd go for teac x-2000 or akai gx-747. They both have variable bias pots on the front panel. Akai is direct drive so no belt problems while heads for teac are still available from Japan. Replacement belts and pinch rollers must be acquired but are still available.

Brand new RMGI tapes are still available and not so pricey. Only a couple of weeks ago I bought 17 pancakes of sm-900 (750m) for $19.95 each from splic-it (trading on EBay). If one is not fussy about metal reels brand new plastic 10.5 inch reels are available from $4 each so $24 plus mailing for 750m of high output wide range tape is acceptable. Used EE tapes are more expensive. Best alternatives are maxell XL-I tapes which should easily last for the next 30 years.
cheers,
Janusz
Good machines, and good points. I own both. But if I had to choose, I'd still take my Sony TC-765 for overall sound quality. In my experience the 9-position record bias/eq settings on these machines are actually more effective for playing with lots of different tape formulations than is a fine bias control alone.

Don't worry about EE tape. It was way over-hyped in its day, and it is really nothing special sonically. Sure it sounds good, but so does the regular tape, so I have never really heard the advantage myself.

[sssmokin99]

Hi,
I'd go for teac x-2000 or akai gx-747. They both have variable bias pots on the front panel. Akai is direct drive so no belt problems while heads for teac are still available from Japan. Replacement belts and pinch rollers must be acquired but are still available.

I have pioneer rt-909 and akai gx-215r. Rt-909 is better but no bias fine tunning at the front panel available - only 2 bias and 2 eq settings for standard tapes but no bias EE setting. Revox, good workhorse but if I remember correctly, has no variable bias setting either.

Brand new RMGI tapes are still available and not so pricey. Only a couple of weeks ago I bought 17 pancakes of sm-900 (750m) for $19.95 each from splic-it (trading on EBay). If one is not fussy about metal reels brand new plastic 10.5 inch reels are available from $4 each so $24 plus mailing for 750m of high output wide range tape is acceptable. Used EE tapes are more expensive. Best alternatives are maxell XL-I tapes which should easily last for the next 30 years.
cheers,
Janusz

I can second this recommendation for obvious reasons! The use of dbx type II, which is less fussy about speed, etc., will allow even 3 3/4 ips recordings to sound fantastic. And with these decks, you can crank the bias up to make use of later, super hot tapes like GP9, 996, etc.

[goldear]

I can second this recommendation for obvious reasons! The use of dbx type II, which is less fussy about speed, etc., will allow even 3 3/4 ips recordings to sound fantastic. And with these decks, you can crank the bias up to make use of later, super hot tapes like GP9, 996, etc.
FYI - The Akai 747dbx, and the Teac X-1000R & X-2000R all had type I dbx built-in, not type II. But I completely agree with you that type II is far more suitable for recording at slower speeds than is type I.

[sssmokin99]

FYI - The Akai 747dbx, and the Teac X-1000R & X-2000R all had type I dbx built-in, not type II. But I completely agree with you that type II is far more suitable for recording at slower speeds than is type I.

My 747 is the non dbx model, so I use outboard units. I have both type II and type I (150X). Interestingly, the Teac X-700R also has onboard type I, and its highest speed is 7.5ips. That deck is a good alternative if you don't need 10" reel capability.

[persil]

I am another ReVox fan! Both the A and B77s are great machines. But if you want to play those tapes then make sure its a quarter track standard speed machine please. Yes the parts are readily available, but you will need a bank loan to pay for them! The three replacement heads come out at nearly £700.00 thats US$1400.00! A VU meter is £85.00 US$170.00!
The point is though, you can still buy the parts! I dont think that is the case for the Jap machines, Philips or Tandbergs. The ReVox is also super reliable!

[jbrainey]

FYI - The Akai 747dbx, and the Teac X-1000R & X-2000R all had type I dbx built-in, not type II. :sigh: Sorry,that was my fault. I should have said I used an OUTBOARD encoder for dbxII.

[goldear]

I am another ReVox fan! Both the A and B77s are great machines. But if you want to play those tapes then make sure its a quarter track standard speed machine please. Yes the parts are readily available, but you will need a bank loan to pay for them! The three replacement heads come out at nearly £700.00 thats US$1400.00! A VU meter is £85.00 US$170.00!
The point is though, you can still buy the parts! I dont think that is the case for the Jap machines, Philips or Tandbergs. The ReVox is also super reliable!
I agree that the Revoxes are fabulous. These rank among my top three favorites makes of consumer R2Rs (The 10" Sonys F&F machines, Revox A77/B77, and the 10" Tandbergs). If you want the very best sound, and bullet-proof design, then Revox should certainly be on your short list. But if you want the most features, and more graceful tape handling, then you should consider one of the X-Series Teacs.

BTW: One machine that has yet to be mentioned that will appeal to tube junkies is the Revox B-36. It is the immediate predicessor to the A77, and is the only tube-based, 3-motor 10.5" reel, consumer speed, R2R ever built, to my knowledge. It's measure performance is closely comparible to that of the A77, but it uses 100% tube amplification! :thmbsp:

[Toka]

This has been a great thread...thanks for those who have posted! I hope to soon be in the market for a deck myself, and based on what I've gathered over the past few months my choice is among the following:

Revox B77
Tandberg TD20A
Teac X2000R

Reliability is extremely important, as is sound quality. Up-front costs take a backseat to long-term enjoyment. I will be using the deck primarily for the playback of pre-recorded tapes, but will also be making my own recordings (vinyl, radio, etc.). If I had to place a ratio on playback/recording I'd say 85/15, or something along those lines. Which of the three I listed would make the most sense? Feel free to recommend something else too, with the above qualifications. Thanks. :)

EDIT: Oh yea, along with reliability, I must also add 'usability'...by that I mean not being tied down to one specific tape brand/formula...I know there are always some limitations in that regard but if I can't find blank tapes at a semi-reasonable cost, the whole idea is moot.

[vinyleater]

I have 2 Teac 4300's, one is an A-4300 and the other a 4300-SX. Both have great sound they are built like tanks. I restored the former by disassembling the mechanism that controls pause and reverse, removing all the lubrication that had turned to glue, and re-lubing and reassembling everything. I did it without a service manual. It was so simply and logically designed that I could figure it all out just by looking at it. That's quality! I have compared the Teacs to my 2 Pioneer RT-707's and can't tell much of a difference. But they are an improvement over the Teac 4010-S that I started with. Best of all, I paid $75 for one 4300 and $50 for the second one. The Pioneers were a lot more expensive and Revoxes and Tandbergs will be, too. For the budget-minded, get a Teac.

[koltrast]

OK, so you've got a Japanese deck, now try something with a different flare for style and performance: the A77 is a good bet and will certainly be a refreshing change.

Or if you want something completely different, a Ferrograph Series Seven. 8¼" reels, variable speed f-a-s-t rewind a FF, and unusual British-style good looks. It's not for everyone, but they can be had for a song, since they are so unknown on this continent...

Only pic i have with me (travelling) is lousy but it'll give you an idea.

Ferrographs were unusual consumer machines in that they had adjustable just about everything (a bit like Nakamichi) and came in plenty variables, cases, speeds, dolby or not, tracks, calibration tones and adjustable bias etc. They were also supposed to sound much better than Revox. Unfortunately I never had the chance to compare, my brother had a Ferrograph but no Revox.
Their downfall was soft heads, poor rubber parts and the use of pressure pads. Only the final model from the mid 70's the Logic 7 did without pressure pads.

[KentTeffeteller]

Hi,

He needs 3 3/4 and 7 1/2 IPS 4-track to play his tapes. I don't recommend Akai from a service perspective. Many GX series are prone to transistor failures and are difficult to repair. Tascams are usually 2-track Stereo. He needs 4 track. I recommend for him a ReVox A-77 or B-77, Teac A-Series, Pioneer RT-701 or RT-707. All of these machines are sturdy and easily serviced when they need it. Parts are easy for the Teacs and the ReVox. The Ferrograph machines are scarce here. The Tandberg TD 20A is prone to frequent service and expensive and hard to get parts.

[Ron_Phelps]

I use a AKAI GX-646 (black face) and I like the 10.5 " reels - recording in both directions at 7.5 ips - glass heads - great sound and looks. It had some minor problems when I bought it with the input jacks but some soldering took care of that. I hope I never need parts for it because I wouldn't know where to look....

[Aage]

Only the final model from the mid 70's the Logic 7 did without pressure pads.

Yes, this criticism is true: what killed Ferrograph was a failure to admit that the times they were changing. They fought going to vertical machines, and they fought against a simpler tape mechanism. After all, the Wearite mechanism had been The Gold Standard in Great Britain for so many years, they kind of got blinded by its success, I think.

The Logic 7 looked to be a real beauty. Wish I had seen one, but even the Series Seven wasn't common in Canada or the US, for that matter.

Anyone here have their test suite? The RTS-2 and it's companion piece?

[koltrast]

For those who are interested.... http://www.ferrograph.info/
Yeah, the RTS-2 was a very handy piece of kit, a bit of an industry standard in the UK. By coincidence there is one for sale on ebay.co.uk. No it's not me!

[Brent71]

Nobody has mentioned Otari? You can pick up a nice used MX5050BII for $500 or less. They're built like a brick shithouse, will run at 3.75, 7.5 and 15 ips, 2 track record and playback, 4 track playback, direct drive (no belts), sound damn good, etc.

[KentTeffeteller]

Hi,

Otari is great, reliable, and well built. However, they are really broadcast/professional type decks. The XLR Balanced I/O will require adaptations to work. Frequency response is good on 1/4 track tapes but not up to the best in consumer format 1/4 track. Not as easy to service as a ReVox A-77 for most. Worthy if 1/2 track is desired. Not the best 1/4 track playback deck at 3 3/4 IPS. With the Otari, you can have either 3 3/4 IPS & 7 1/2 IPS or 7 1/2 IPS & 15 IPS. You have to go inside it to change speed ranges and will need the technical manual to do it.

[Brent71]

Hi,

Otari is great, reliable, and well built. However, they are really broadcast/professional type decks. The XLR Balanced I/O will require adaptations to work. Frequency response is good on 1/4 track tapes but not up to the best in consumer format 1/4 track. Not as easy to service as a ReVox A-77 for most. Worthy if 1/2 track is desired. Not the best 1/4 track playback deck at 3 3/4 IPS. With the Otari, you can have either 3 3/4 IPS & 7 1/2 IPS or 7 1/2 IPS & 15 IPS. You have to go inside it to change speed ranges and will need the technical manual to do it.
XLR to RCA adaptors are cheap and all you have to do to switch between the low and high speed ranges is pull off the back panel and flip a switch, no manual required.

[goldear]

XLR to RCA adaptors are cheap and all you have to do to switch between the low and high speed ranges is pull off the back panel and flip a switch, no manual required.
While most of this is true, off-the-shelf adapters will not work for otaris, because Otaris will not give you any output if you short the negative to ground like all of the non-transformer off-the-shelf adapters that you can buy do. Fortunately the manual tells you how to construct working adapters, so this is not really a big deal. But it is still worth pointing-out.

Also, Otari's have very poor performance at slow speeds. I think that they are rated for 18kHz at 7.5ips, and feature a sub 10kHz cut-off frequency at 3.75 ips. So while the slow speed option is available on these machines, I can't imagine why anybody would ever want to use this feature.

Don't get me wrong: These are great machines, when run at high speeds. But at lower speeds, many of the better consumer machines will outperform them.