Hey guys,

I started a similar thread on the temp forums right before they were shut down again, so I thank anyone who may have responded before. Anyway, as I said earlier, I've been meaning to get into reel to reel for some time now, but can only now justify the purchase. I'm looking to spend under $200, preferably no more than $150. Any suggestions? Anyone have one for sale? Thanks!

Look for a TEAC. Most parts are still available from Teac. Built like tanks. The Pioneer 1011, 1020L are also well built machines. Use 10.5" & 7" reels.
Ron

The other good, cheap R2R decks IMNSHO are the single motor Sonys (e.g., TC-377 and its predecessors). They are not built like the TEACs, but they're simple, fairly dependable, and sound good. Can be had pretty cheaply.

TEAC or Tascam (professional TEAC division). The only company that still actively supports its RtR machines. If you need parts - and you will, sooner or later - you'll appreciate the fact that parts and service are readily available.

I'll second the single motor Sony recommendation. I have a TC352D which is a pretty basic three head, three speed deck but very well built. Single motor means a lot less to go wrong. and the 7 1/2 ips speed means better frequency response in recordings. Not too flashy, but a great, inexpensive first R2R.

It depends if you want 7 or10 inch reel size.
For $ 150.00 you can find a Akai GX-4000 D on Ebay, single motor,3-3/4 and 7-1/2 speed.
Very dependable model and one of the best sounding machines of the smaller decks.
I have sold many of these decks to new reel to reel buyers and everybody has been very happy with the result. :)

Sony TC-366, TC 377 or TC 399 are also good decks. all 3 speed with single motor.

But be prepared for some maintenance on all decks, all are 20-25 years old.

Look for a TEAC. Most parts are still available from Teac. Built like tanks. The Pioneer 1011, 1020L are also well built machines. Use 10.5" & 7" reels.
Ron

I have several TEACS around here. A great well made starter is the 2300 its variations. Great sound and can be had under $100 to $150!! Sold mine and missed and got a 1230. Its older than the 2300 and nice. They are also available in auto reverse as a 1250 or 2300R. Dont have to flip the tape. Fixed up my 1230. Got it for $37. Sad but loved my TLC!!!! :D Its shown in my Avatar. They are more reliablde than the Sonys

Not to say I dont recommend a singel motor Sony. The models suggested are good. Been there. I currently have a Sony TC 377 that need belts and two idler wheels. It likes to shut off. Think its the wheels causing it. Got to talk to VintageTX and get some ideas when time permits.

Hope this helps...Eric

hi fellows,

thought about a uher? over a million of them were produced and the reputation of rugged reliability is well earned. these were the standard for remote recording by broadcasters until a few years ago. or, if you are loaded with dough, there's always nagra.

my uher is one of the newest models and i would recommend it to anyone who would like a high fidelity recorder and reproducer at a fair price. mine is the mono version -- for synching super 8 film work and recording live music -- but they make a nifty stereo unit as well.

For somebody getting started, I will agree that some of the better single motor Sonys are a good choice, as long as you don't need 10" reel capability.

Among the low-end Sony's, the 399, 378, and 377 are all good choices, and feature Sony's super long lasting F&F heads. They are pretty good sounding machines too! The 399 is a particularly good choice because with its super versatile tape selectors, you can get a pretty decent match for a very wide variety of tapes without having to go through all of the pain of recallibrating the machine. :thmbsp:

The Teacs are more of a mixed bag. The newest machines featured DC motors which were subject to premature failure. But earlier Teac models had AC motors that were much more robust. But the parts availability for the Teacs is obviously a huge advantage, no doubt out it! Some of these machines have a very solid feel to them too (I especially like the Teac Reel-locks). It's simply too bad that they don't sound better, or I'd be a huge Teac fan too.

I'm surprised that nobody mentioned the Revox A77. This is a truly superb sounding machine, and there were just so many of them made, that they can frequently be found for under $200 on Epay. Parts are no longer made for these, but are still available from a number of sources who have old stocks. These units are built like tanks

Hi
I would not take anything else then an A77.
The MK2 or newer should be most reliable for low price.
I will not sell my A77 MK2 2Track anytime, because prices to get here in Germany are far below 200$ - it may be not as attractive as an shiny akai or teac, but, for this i really get any part i would ever need.

My one is in technical brandnew state, unused until 83, after a checkup at Berlin Revox Service about 30-50 hours used til now. with acrylic cover and cable remote control :)

http://img493.imageshack.us/img493/6309/018bj.th.jpg (http://img493.imageshack.us/my.php?image=018bj.jpg)

right now i am rearranging my appartment and i hope to integrate it again in my used gear.

Helge

Hi
I would not take anything else then an A77.
The MK2 or newer should be most reliable for low price.
I will not sell my A77 MK2 2Track anytime, because prices to get here in Germany are far below 200$ - it may be not as attractive as an shiny akai or teac, but, for this i really get any part i would ever need.

Helge
Personally, when going for the A77, I would stick with the Mk IIIs, and Mk IVs. The rolling guide, and the spring tensioner are a real improvement in the designs of the latter A77s. A great machine; no question about it! :yes:

However I would not go quite so far in my enthusiam for it as does Dynacophil. I think that both the Tandberg TD-20A, and the Sony TC-765 can make slightly better sounding recordings than do the equivalent 1/4-track versions of either the A77 or the B77. But I prefer the sound of playback on the A77 over the playback of the Tandberg. All recorders were Calibrated for Quantegy 456.

But I do have a question for a German A77 owner: Do the European A77's record to the IEC or to the NAB standard? The US Versions all recorded to NAB standards, but have selectable playback of either NAB or IEC standard EQ. Are the European units the same, or do they record to IEC EQ standard instead?

But I do have a question for a German A77 owner: Do the European A77's record to the IEC or to the NAB standard? The US Versions all recorded to NAB standards, but have selectable playback of either NAB or IEC standard EQ. Are the European units the same, or do they record to IEC EQ standard instead?

Hi
due to i will probably get parts for a long time i would prefer it to all akai, sony, teac...
i esp. prefer my A77 MKIV (no MK2, mixed up) because i know that it had no miles at all on it when i got it, Its been installed in teachers place of a language-laboratory of Berlin technical university, and the only possible user was my father - who didn't for 15 yrs :) except of the wooden case i gut second hand its in as new condition. So - i wouldn't buy any used tape of any Brand for this :)

Your Q.: i really don't know, but i will contact ReVox to find out. They have a new tech center in Berlin, if i won't get info there, i try some other sources.

btw - i had years ago a Tandberg Crossfield r'to'r - but it was awful... don't remember the model.



Helge

http://www.reeltoreel.de/Revox/A77.htm

out of this i see: Recording after NAB, playback NAB or IEC

helge

Wow, that is cool to get a machine with so few hours on it!

I've never used one of the cross-field Tanbergs, so I can't comment on them. But the recording quality on the Tandberg TD-20A is really excellent (very detailed, transparent, and extremely flat). However, the playback sounds somewhat sterile on this machine. The A77 has a nice warm, almost tube-like, character to its sound. This makes playing tapes from the Tandbergs sound really nice. Fortunately the switchable EQ on the A77 allows one to select the proper EQ for playing the Tandberg tapes.

That is interesting that the German A77s used the NAB standard, when EIC was supposed to be the European standard. Tandberg did the Reverse, building all of their machines to the EIC standard, even when they shipped them to the US.

Hi goldear!

yes... and i paid my father 170 deutsche Mark (at that time 20 yrs ago some more $, but still cheap) for it, in the table mounting cage. it had only 1 amp inside, this was only difference to stock.
Bytheway, i have a set of two ampboards left that i don't need, if anyone is interested in.
i recorded about 10 10" reels with it, 2 track, and had in the late 80ies a few years i liked to use it sometimes... :) what i loved was the fantastic dynamics in recordings... even my nak Cassette Deck 1 didn't come close.

the info on the (inofficial) ReVoX site says so. I still wait on an answer from ReVoX Service in Berlin i sent a mail to this morning.

Helge

Dynacophil,

BTW: I ran a stock, and then a modfied, PAS-3 for many years. I really liked that preamp, especially when it was modified. What a classic piece! Admittedly my current CJ preamp stomps all over my old PAS, but I still have a tremendous soft spot for those particular units. :yes:

Hi Goldear,
Just a follow-up to your earlier TEAC observation. Would you say that all TEACs suffer from this same fidelity deficiency? The reason, I ask is that I recently pushed through two 4010s on my service bench for friends getting into anolog and noted that the GLS model with the High Density Ferrite heads sounded much brighter, less boomy than other TEACs (earlier) that I've listened to.

Honestly, I may have erred in making an overly broad generalization here if I implied that Teac's sounded bad. What I really should have said is that I have an X-2000R, which by most accounts is one of teacs better models. And Frankly, I do not care for its sound as much as that of my High End Sony's, Revoxes, or Tandbergs.

My X-2000R certainly does not sound bad, it simply fails to amaze me with its sound like all of the other decks meantioned above have. Where it really falls short to me is in terms of its imaging. In most other regards, its performance is actually excellent. This particular Deck used amorphouse heads, which were supposed to be about the best that could be made at the time.

Regarding the Ferrite heads on the GSL models; I am unsure how much of the brightness that you mention was due to the heads. Ferrite heads wear much longer than Permaloys heads, and this will mean that their HF performance will be not go down nearly as quickly as it does on the Permaloy Heads.

But, to be fair, the differences that you referred to could also be the result of different electronics bweeen the GSL and the earlier series machines. The Ferrite Heads on my big Sony machines sound amazing! But, I am a little biased towards Ferrite headed machines due to their subtantially longer longevity.

Hi Goldear,
Just a follow-up to your earlier TEAC observation. Would you say that all TEACs suffer from this same fidelity deficiency? The reason, I ask is that I recently pushed through two 4010s on my service bench for friends getting into anolog and noted that the GLS model with the High Density Ferrite heads sounded much brighter, less boomy than other TEACs (earlier) that I've listened to.

I have had several TEACs and the sound is different model to model. My 4010 GSL and soon to be departed 7010 have a lower high end and I noticed it. If I use my 1230 or the 4300 to record I can hear a differance. Better high end. My departed 2300 also had a nice bright highend. Funny thouhg the 7010 sounds good playback with tape made on the 1230,2300 or the 4300! These three deck offer a nice sound. I like the results.

Eric

I would not take anything else then an A77.

A great deck, the only thing I'd add is check it's history and millage if possible. Due to the high reliability, many were used and abused as professional decks. I've seen some in the work place where I feel sorry for it and clean the heads and wiped stuff off them that isn't fit to mention in front of a lady.

Anybody remember Michael Palins dissertation on them in "Fierce Creatures"?

As far as the sound goes, if the high end is deficient, the deck may not be properly aligned and adjusted.
For Teac, I recommend:
6010GSL
6010
4010GSL
4010
In that order. You can buy any of these for under $100. They are simple to maintain and built like professional decks. They have 3 motors, which contrary to what someone said, cause less maintainance problems. The single motor decks use idler wheels, which wear out. The 3 motor decks use only a belt.

A Teac 2300 sx or 4300 SX is what you are looking for. Perfect first unit & built like a battleship.....

I have a 100% restored 4300 SX for $ 399.00 You can find them on ebay in decent condition and do the restoration yourself. You will probably pay just under $ 200 if you are careful with what they are charging for freight! Good Luck - Joe M. :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2:

I swear I posted this before, but I ended up with a minty RT 1011L for under $50! Thank god for CL. Thanks for all the sage advice guys!

Akai 4000 and 4400 are pretty bullet proof...

I would go for an Akai GX-210D. It has autoreverse, three motor direct drive, and is probably one of the best sounding 7" deck. They are VERY reliable! I have had a Sony 366 (with worn belts) and a Philips N4408. The N4408 sounded better, but has problems with the belts, and a wheel made out of rubber, which is pretty hard to find a replacement.

I have a GX-4400D which I keep in case my GX-210D breaks down, but I don't see that happen within 30 years ;)

Having two Teac machines, a A-3300SX and a X-2000R I can agree they are built like a BOH.

I would contact NJFS (New Jersey Factory Service) in Paramus, NJ to check if they have any for sale at this time...the owner/service mgr. is a fellow named Russ Bachman..he purchased the operation from Teac corporate when the company closed their service centers across the United States.

I had my X-2000R serviced there and the result was 100%.

They have a site on the web.

Good luck!

What would be a good basic 10 inch with auto reverse to look for and not break the bank.
Mushy

I recommend a Teac 3300SR as first choice.........

More common ( and more expensive) is the 3440 , so second choice..... :banana: :banana: :banana:

after repair of 10 rtr i must said best one for sevice is revox b 77
best without service technics rs 1500 us
worst for service sony (but very nice sound AND LOOKS)

Hi, Yep, Lots of nice Decks to be had out there.

Problem is, the original poster requested that he spend no more than $150-$200 I believe he mentioned. That sort of rules out machines like the Revox A77-B77, Fostex, TEAC 3440's, and upper end TEAC 3300's, unless they're total basket cases, and I reckon it doesn't make sense buying a beat $150 Deck like I mention above, then have to drop an easy $200-$350 into it to get it up, and running (That's if you can even find the parts)

Yes, something like a mint 2300 Series Teac can probably be had in the $200 vicinity, and possibly even a TEAC 3300. Depends on being in the right place, at the right time I suppose.

There were many versions of the TEAC 3300 Series, some with 3-3/4-7-1/2ips, some with the higher 7-1/2-15ips, and there was even a high speed 2 track version the last two suffix letter determines the model.

Considerations to take into account are do you plan on buying any prerecorded rtr tapes?, desire high speed, high quality sound, want features like auto-reverse, which is covenient with tapes, as you won't have to get up to flip them.

Another nice series of decks were the TEAC 3340's, and the 2340's. I myself have both a mint, bought new TEAC 3340S, and a mint, perfect A2340R I snatched on ebay with a winning bid of $220.

Problem is with buying sight unseen with the ebay stuff, is finding one that isn't a basket case, and finding a seller who is trustworthy, knows his equipment, and is not selling you a pig in a poke.

Things like worn-bad heads, drive motors, can be virtually impossible to find for many models.

This is not a plug for myself, or any good friend, but one fella I have dealt with numerous times off ebay for vintage gear, and he has always been right on the money every single time, has perfect feedback, is a power seller, and stands behind what he sells is a fella by the name of Alan Dickson. His ebay ID is (ADICKSON) and he does often get many nice-mint vintage pieces aften which usually have very very good prices. I myself have bought from him an absolute perfect Sansui QRX-7001 reciever, the Mint TEAC A2340R R-R Deck, and an absolutely mint Marantz 2285B Black Face Reciever, and matching 5025 Black Face Deck that are both pictured on Ben Blish's www.audioclassics.com web site.

I always keep an eye on Alan's stuff from time to time. He'd be a good person to find a R-R Deck from, and he comes with my highest recommendation. Mark

Virtually all the older TEAC machines

Sorry, I provided the wrong link for the Ben Blish Vintage Marantz-Pioneer site.
I was only on my first cup of Joe!
Here it is www.classic-audio.com

Hi Guys: I've still got that 3300SR in excellent condition that I have to sell to make room. 10.5in reels and Auto Reverse. I hate to sell it but It's wasted on me... The X-20R is my keeper.

Also (2) 4010GSL's (1) excellent working & appearance & (1) the same but one VU meter does not respond. I tested the VU and it is good, the deck records and plays back great, suspect the small board that provides the output to the VU Meter. Also it needs the small brass fitting that provides the screw hole for the head cover mounting.

No unreasonable offer refused to fellow AK'ers - Joe :music: :banana: :banana: :music:

What about the AKAI M7 and M8.

No unreasonable offer refused to fellow AK'ers - Joe :music: :banana: :banana: :music:
I'll give you 5 bucks for one of the 4010's. :yikes: :lmao:

The Pioneer RT-707 and 909 are excellent, durable machines.

what about the Revox B 77 ?

Don´t know the exact model, but one of this kills me........ :music: :thmbsp:

apart for their quality and sound. Open reel recorder are " the coolest thing on earth for a lounger " jaja

Wow. Quite a wide open question. First of all your picture shows an awesome machine, Definitely Revox, the B model is an improvement over the A. These are/were made in Germany mainly for the European recording Industry. Well made and expensive quality. Very good reputation. What do you plan to use it for is the real question? This is in the same League as JBL Pro.
I just listen to music for myself and friends. Are you doing a studi0 recording to make World Distribution or for yourself? If it is at an affordable price I would buy one. But I live in the U.S. and I am sure every part on this that might need replacement would be metric. Not Sure what scale Argentina is on. R2R Tapes are the best source of Analog Playback media. Pure Original Audio. Hugh Hefner's preferred mode of music/party/sound system. Go for it dude! JOHN

hi all; The afore mentioned Akai GX 210, 215d's and the later gx 220 and 225ds all had three heads only which meant the third head had to see-saw to accomplish auto reverse play....something more to go awry i suggest....the Teac 4000 series, 6000 series, 3300 series and highers all had three fixed position heads, and in the case of auto reverse, a 4th head placed a bit off set for auto reverse play....I have found the Akai GX 4000d (glass crystal heads) and the plain vanilla 4000d and ds series are quite durable, but use lots of idlers powered by a single motor to accomplish take up and rewind functions... this can generate noise and a lower s/n ratio than say a machine with three dedicated motors.... OH@! dont lose the adapter sleeve tho to get 7 1/2 ips speed or you are screwed..#@!.those little sleeves go for big bucks... blooeyz

Hey guys,

I started a similar thread on the temp forums right before they were shut down again, so I thank anyone who may have responded before. Anyway, as I said earlier, I've been meaning to get into reel to reel for some time now, but can only now justify the purchase. I'm looking to spend under $200, preferably no more than $150. Any suggestions? Anyone have one for sale? Thanks!==============================
Hi there; CHECK this out..!!! It is now 9:15 pm Pacific, as i type this... on Epay, is a Teac 2300S buy it now $59.00 and a coupla other Teacs under $100.00 buy it now.... good luck... oh MY recommendation for least cost and BEST VALUE on a great beginner deck is the Teac A 1250 or 1250 S, 4 heads, auto reverse, and the Akai GX-230D. 4 dedicated gx heads, auto reverse, three motors, and the same mechanism as the higher end GX-270d. except it has piano keys for transport activation...not soft pushbuttons, .this doesnt affect the response and performance... i LIKE it...i have two of'em blooeyz

There's some really nice ones (Teacs) coming up on evilbay that IMO are gonna go pretty cheap with 7" reels. One is still unsealed from the factory. (I'm just watching it for the fun of it). Really read the discription good and if there is no hint of trouble and they say it has been tested go for it. One that has been used recently is a better deal than one that has been stored for 4 years IMO.

2300S, SR with Auto Reverse, 4300, 4300SX all will go inexpensively, & all are pretty easy to fix if they have some problems- Joe

There's some really nice ones (Teacs) coming up on evilbay that IMO are gonna go pretty cheap with 7" reels. One is still unsealed from the factory. (I'm just watching it for the fun of it). Really read the discription good and if there is no hint of trouble and they say it has been tested go for it. One that has been used recently is a better deal than one that has been stored for 4 years IMO.
I see a few X2000RBL's up right now. Not exactly for a beginner, but they sure are nice:D

I was one of those who recently picked up a refurbished TEAC A-4300SX on epray to be my own first RTR and I am simply overjoyed with it. I really was only testing the waters and didn't think that my max bid of $95 would even come close to bring it home - but it went for $81. :banana:

i just want something impressive looking to put in the living room... i miss my old Teac X10-R.... stupid melted rubber belt that got all over everything

I just picked up a Teac A-4010 (not SL) at a church sale. I plan to restore it starting Christmas.

The Sansui open reel decks are very well made. They go for fairly cheap on Ebay, for their build quality and performance. Mine works absolutely flawlessly. I also picked up the original user and service manuals on Ebay. If you ever get a Sansui SD5000 and need the service manual, I could scan it for you...

Sansui used a 3 motor design, so that the capstan drive is rock solid. The electronics are discreet components (no ICs), and would be easy to replace if something goes bad. You can't use 10.5 inch reels though...

Here's one on Ebay right now:
http://cgi.ebay.com/vintage-Sansui-SD-5000-reel-to-reel-stereo-tape-deck_W0QQitemZ250058849134QQihZ015QQcategoryZ15000 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Go for a Revox A77 or a B77, nothing else comes close, well perhaps a Technics RS1500! Or anything with a real chasis and three motors, three (or more) heads and no drive belts, well except the tape counter perhaps?

Go for a Revox A77 or a B77, nothing else comes close, well perhaps a Technics RS1500! Or anything with a real chasis and three motors, three (or more) heads and no drive belts, well except the tape counter perhaps?

How about the Akai GX 747 DBX ?? I think is the best sounding home stereo RR recorder ever made, for me, nothing come close to to it.

That all fine, except if you want to be able to Record & Playback on your R2R, get a TEAC. The esoteric stuff is nice, b ut seldom works and parts not available:nono:

Hey guys,

I started a similar thread on the temp forums right before they were shut down again, so I thank anyone who may have responded before. Anyway, as I said earlier, I've been meaning to get into reel to reel for some time now, but can only now justify the purchase. I'm looking to spend under $200, preferably no more than $150. Any suggestions? Anyone have one for sale? Thanks!


If you're just getting your feet wet, go with a 1/4" 4-track stereo consumer recorder- I like the vintage ones myself, because they are priced right. If you prefer solid state, an Akai 1800 is excellent. My preference is an Akai M8, because I dig the dual monoblock single-ended tube amps in the set. Both of these can be had for undre $100, and often under $75, plus shipping, on Ebay during the summer months. The prices climb in winter, with more people at home bidding. The last (2) Akais I paid $75 and $100 for delivered price. Both have 7.5 IPS capability, so they sound very good.

Folks,

I scored on ePay about 1/2 year ago a Tascam 32 professional mastering deck for US$200.00!!!! It even included the original rack ears installed!

This is a 3 motor, 3 head, 1/4", half-track stereo (2 track) deck. Awesome build, huge motors. Manual cue, digital counter, 7 1/2 & 15 ips speeds, 10.5" reel capable. This thing is beautiful.

I serviced the deck myself. Nothing serious. A bit of cleaning and 2 parts replaced (a reel table locking key-screw and a tensioner roller washer). There was no need to even replace it's single belt. The reel motors are both direct-drive. (These have both mechanical and electromagnetic brakes).

While I know these machines definitely will not run for US$200.00 on the Bay (usually double priced, upwards), a pro deck like this is most certainly a machine to have.

Just my 2 cents....


Mike

Pic?:worthless

Eric:music:

btw - i had years ago a Tandberg Crossfield r'to'r - but it was awful... don't remember the model.

Helge

I had a Tandberg 3000x with cross-field heads. It sounded great in the show room, but mine never worked right. The dealer's shop could not fix it though it went in several times. Tandberg even replaced it once.

I finally gave up and threw it in the trash.

Any chance I can get a copy of the user & service manual for the SD-5000. I picked one up on Ebay in a lot of old mostly non-working stereo receivers. It is in near perfect cosmetic condition, so I thought I would try to revive it.

When plugged in and powered on, the fast forward light stays lit, and the capstan alway runs. The only button that seems to have an effect is the rewind button, and it reverses the capstan direction, but nothing else.

The deck control is done with mechanical relays, so I assume one must have dirty or stuck contacts.

Sure would be easier to troubleshoot with the manual.

Thanks

The Sansui open reel decks are very well made. They go for fairly cheap on Ebay, for their build quality and performance. Mine works absolutely flawlessly. I also picked up the original user and service manuals on Ebay. If you ever get a Sansui SD5000 and need the service manual, I could scan it for you...

Sansui used a 3 motor design, so that the capstan drive is rock solid. The electronics are discreet components (no ICs), and would be easy to replace if something goes bad. You can't use 10.5 inch reels though...

Here's one on Ebay right now:
http://cgi.ebay.com/vintage-Sansui-SD-5000-reel-to-reel-stereo-tape-deck_W0QQitemZ250058849134QQihZ015QQcategoryZ15000 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

you could try a Revox B77 or a Revox PR99 (mkII or mkIII, the mkI has to many technical problems).

I have revox b77 mkI at home and a revox A77 mkIV. Both machines are in good condition but they do require some maintenance from time to time like any other professional deck. Also, components are still available from the revox office in Germany (can be ordered by pre payment) and the parts are usually brand new or they are revised.

http://users.skynet.be/fa048664/DSC04935.JPG

TEAC X-1000R, X2000R both perform well/look great once you get the hang of replacing that belt every 10-12 years. The Revox B77 sounds best but my wife thinks that it looks old fashioned (it stays upstairs in my sound room with my 10 other decks hooked up)--plus when entertaining guests you have to flip the reels over for the other side--no reverse. The Tandberg TD-20A and TD-20ASE sounds great too, but again no reverse. The Akai 747 looks impressive, but mine has always had one issue or another (tension arm belts, broken tension arms, humming while recording during a full moon, erratic capstan speed once in a while, burnt out led's in meter bridge, inferior 3 cent adjustment pots on circuit board etc...)--it is downstairs where we only use it once a month. A 7" machine won't have the shock and awe that a 10"er has. Yep, you need a Teac X Series 10" with a digital counter and dust cover--the best of both worlds--sight and sound.
The Technics RS-1700 would work also, but the leather brakes tend to be worn on many of them-when I press stop during play it even spills the tape....

TEAC X-1000R, X2000R both perform well/look great once you get the hang of replacing that belt every 10-12 years. The Revox B77 sounds best but my wife thinks that it looks old fashioned (it stays upstairs in my sound room with my 10 other decks hooked up)--plus when entertaining guests you have to flip the reels over for the other side--no reverse. The Tandberg TD-20A and TD-20ASE sounds great too, but again no reverse. The Akai 747 looks impressive, but mine has always had one issue or another (tension arm belts, broken tension arms, humming while recording during a full moon, erratic capstan speed once in a while, burnt out led's in meter bridge, inferior 3 cent adjustment pots on circuit board etc...)--it is downstairs where we only use it once a month. A 7" machine won't have the shock and awe that a 10"er has. Yep, you need a Teac X Series 10" with a digital counter and dust cover--the best of both worlds--sight and sound.
The Technics RS-1700 would work also, but the leather brakes tend to be worn on many of them-when I press stop during play it even spills the tape....

A good list above. If $$ is an issue as it always is here try a TEAC 1230 or a 2300. Good built like tanks 7 inch reel to reels. That X 1000 is really cool. Sounds great and gentle on tapes. Cant beat the looks of a big reel to reel with 10 in reels. Still have a 3340 kicking around here (2) The owners have not picked them up. The better one is going on the shop system along with my 1230. Looks cool. Might include the 3340 on your short list. Most know I fixed up a X 1000 its owner got free. Then he got a 3340 free and wont give me that for fixing up his 1000. Go figure. Has not picked the 3340 up though:D Maybe he will forget its here:boring: Had it out the other day. Still sounds good. DOA when it arrived. Good luck. Love this hobby.

Eric:music:

these are worth looking for:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/halimec05/IMG_1080fx.jpg

mine is just about perfect, spent all of its life ignored in a cool-dry climate plus I got it for free. In terms of build quality its good as anything I've ever used including revox and studers. About the only criticism of the design is a lack of 15 ips speed but the performance spec on this unit at 7.5 are more than adequate. Weighs about 50 or 60 lbs.

these are worth looking for:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/halimec05/IMG_1080fx.jpg

mine is just about perfect, spent all of its life ignored in a cool-dry climate plus I got it for free. In terms of build quality its good as anything I've ever used including revox and studers. About the only criticism of the design is a lack of 15 ips speed but the performance spec on this unit at 7.5 are more than adequate. Weighs about 50 or 60 lbs.

:jawdrop: You got an RT-909 for FREE?! Score of the ages!:thmbsp:

:jawdrop: You got an RT-909 for FREE?! Score of the ages!:thmbsp:

yeah, it was in a box and I really didn't know much about them, I'd always been a revox/otari kinda guy. When I got it home I downloaded a manual and did a brief inspection, plugged her in and those blue lights came-up . . .sweet!

Ah those blue lights - gotta love them. I love them so much I have a RT-901 and a CT-900 as the core of the taping system. Never been able to fault Pioneer tape decks in the heavier weight classes (and I have about 12 other decks to compare) :)

Look for a Teac 4300 or 4300 SX Nice, Reliable And priced right where you're l;ookin......

Anyone have any advice regarding an Akai GX-630DB for $100?

Looks to be in very good condition.

Teac is my preference. You might like Some Sony's as well.

TEAC or Tascam (professional TEAC division). The only company that still actively supports its RtR machines. If you need parts - and you will, sooner or later - you'll appreciate the fact that parts and service are readily available.

I have a Pioneer RT707 I really like but it sounds after reading this it sounds as though if anything goes wrong I'll have to junk it.

Hi guys,this is my first post.If you want an excellent R2R,the Teac A6300.A4010S,SL,or GSL,or perhaps the X10R are great decks to have.They have all kinds on Ebay all the time.Also,belts for many models and manuals are readily available on Ebay.That's where I found my decks and belts.I just picked up a mint Teac A6600 for $685.00 and it has been completely refurbished inside and out.It looks awesome in the photos.I haven't decided yet on selling either of my A6300 or X10R.Today, I also found another A6600 at a great price and may get it also.But if you want extra supplies,go with Ebay.I do a lot of selling and buying on Ebay and never had a problem.Al

I'm looking to take the Reel to Reel plunge. I always wanted a Teac back in the day so that is what I will look for.

Have a question about Auto Reverse. Does this mean it will play AND record after auto reverse? I'd like to record 2 hour PBS FM and maybe back to back. Don't know how long one 7" reel will last.

I see the 6010 and 4010 are recommended. Do these have auto reverse?

I'm looking to take the Reel to Reel plunge. I always wanted a Teac back in the day so that is what I will look for.

Have a question about Auto Reverse. Does this mean it will play AND record after auto reverse? I'd like to record 2 hour PBS FM and maybe back to back. Don't know how long one 7" reel will last.

I see the 6010 and 4010 are recommended. Do these have auto reverse?
I have a 4010S and it is equipped with auto reverse. :yes:

I have a Teac A-6300. It is very nice and has auto-reverse. The Pioneer RT-707, RT-909 are very high quality decks. The Akai 600 and 700 series are also very nice. I recently acquired a Teac X-2000R. Newer than the A-6300, but still very high end and has reverse recording.:yes:

The Pioneer RT-707 and 909 are excellent, durable machines.

I agree, having one of each, although my AKAI GX 4000D ain't a bad machine either.

My 707 and 901 are wonderful performers and beautiful to look at to boot!

I must be alone as a R2R newbie. I have an Ampex AG-440/445 that came along as part of a wonderful high end vintage package from a friend. Smooth, built like a tank for certain (I can hardly carry it without putting out my back) and wonderful support from radio station engineers and the like at the Ampex mail list. Granted I didn't go out looking for this deck but I sure am impressed by it.

Seems these days that any R2R is sure to make a statement in your collection of audio gear. Nice to see so many folks here into them!

Scott

I can't remember if I posted to this thread or not but here goes. I have a Teac A6100 and A6010 both for cheap, Very nice machines! I Picked the first one up for free and second for $20. At first I was using them to record my vinyl first the 6100 but using alot of tape at 2 track 7 1/2 ips so when I got the 6010 I switched to 4 track 7 1/2 ips even using older bulk erased tape the recordings were great but then I bought some classical 4 track 7 1/2 ips (Columbia , Phillips) tapes. Wow I was blown away by the dynamics! I can't see why other than the not especially user friendly ( no butter fingers here) this format died when the sound is so incredible. So my vote is for Teac built like a tank, great sound, great support and they are just cool to use and watch run! Alot of cool factor to my younger non audiophile friends who other than in movies ever saw one. Side note did you guys here know alot of the audio sources for ECS 2008 demostrators were reel to reel machines? especially the Pioneer booth?
Dwight:music:

The only deck I'd consider in this price area is a TEAC or TASCAM simply because they still support parts for these decks. AKAI is history. Technics (panasonic) might have parts for their decks, but I'm not sure about this.

Hey guys,

I started a similar thread on the temp forums right before they were shut down again, so I thank anyone who may have responded before. Anyway, as I said earlier, I've been meaning to get into reel to reel for some time now, but can only now justify the purchase. I'm looking to spend under $200, preferably no more than $150. Any suggestions? Anyone have one for sale? Thanks!

I have collected four open reel decks in the last 18 months. All were given to me. I sold two on Craigslist and still have two. The one that still sounds mint is the Teac X3 It is also the "cheapest" of the three, as well as the newest. It is the only one that is not bi-directional. The others are all from the early 70's (A Teac A4300, a Teac A4300SX and an Akai GX280D). I still have the Akai, but one of the channels makes an EXCELLENT FM receiver, which is bad. I also had to replace the main drive belt on both Teacs. One came with a spare in it's kit. The other I bought off Ebay for $15 or so.

The cool thing is that most of these decks also came with tape. I have about 180 tapes now, 1/3 of which are "pre-recorded" and most of the others have been home recorded. I have six blanks that are still in the shrink wrap.

The coolest tapes are the ones I got with the 4300. It was my first "free" one. The guysaid it was his dads and all the tapes (about 80) were recorded by him when he was in Vietnam working at an army radio station. One of them is a live Beatles concert.

But I ramble.

My point is that yer average Joe has no idea these things are worth real money to people like us. But I'm not sayin' if it's Joe or us that is the crazy. :)

Check the FREE section in Craigslist. You may be surprised. ;)

I go with Teac, built like a tank. I have several all excellent machines. I think that you might have to go a little higher on your price +$50, to get one in good working condition, unless you can go some repairs on your own. If you have to take to a shop the min. charge is around $150.00.

I go with Teac, built like a tank. I have several all excellent machines. I think that you might have to go a little higher on your price +$50, to get one in good working condition, unless you can go some repairs on your own. If you have to take to a shop the min. charge is around $150.00.
I don't think I would mess with vintage open reel if I couldn't do basic repairs, belt replacement, etc., unless cost of repairs was easily absorbed into my budget.

I have collected four open reel decks in the last 18 months. All were given to me. I sold two on Craigslist and still have two. The one that still sounds mint is the Teac X3 It is also the "cheapest" of the three, as well as the newest. It is the only one that is not bi-directional. The others are all from the early 70's (A Teac A4300, a Teac A4300SX and an Akai GX280D). I still have the Akai, but one of the channels makes an EXCELLENT FM receiver, which is bad. I also had to replace the main drive belt on both Teacs. One came with a spare in it's kit. The other I bought off Ebay for $15 or so.

The cool thing is that most of these decks also came with tape. I have about 180 tapes now, 1/3 of which are "pre-recorded" and most of the others have been home recorded. I have six blanks that are still in the shrink wrap.

The coolest tapes are the ones I got with the 4300. It was my first "free" one. The guysaid it was his dads and all the tapes (about 80) were recorded by him when he was in Vietnam working at an army radio station. One of them is a live Beatles concert.

But I ramble.

My point is that yer average Joe has no idea these things are worth real money to people like us. But I'm not sayin' if it's Joe or us that is the crazy. :)

Check the FREE section in Craigslist. You may be surprised. ;)





I have just Purchased a Teac A4300sx ,and although I played around with R to R when I was teenager,Its been a good long while since I have messed with one. Can you tell me if I can Play 4 track pre-recorded tapes on this unit?
Thank You!

Can I play 4 Track pre-recorded tapes on a Teac A4300sx reel to reel?

Can I play 4 Track pre-recorded tapes on a Teac A4300sx reel to reel?


Yes, the Teac 4300SX machine is 4 track, 2 channel machine. Most stereo decks are 4 track. There are only a few Machines that record and play both 2 track and 4 track. I think you mean is the 4300SX able to play a 4 channel tape, a Quadraphonic tape, which is an 8 track, that answer is no. There are a few 4 channel decks. Some decks record and play in 2 channel, and have extra play back head, and electronics to play 4 channel tape, the one that I have and I am going to sell is a Pioneer 1020L that has that feature.

Hope that helps

I'm pleased with my Teac x-10r that I bought new and recently had all the maintenance done on but unfortunately I rarely use it. My r2r mechanic did have to order some new parts from teac.