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Author Topic: Studer A810 Tape Recorders Available  (Read 20655 times)

Offline oneobgyn

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Studer A810 Tape Recorders Available
« on: July 13, 2009, 02:29:10 PM »
For those interested in an absolutely perfect Studer A810 reel to reel tape recorder I have come across a source wanting to sell four of these wonderful machines at a fair price. These have all been refurbished and are completely operational and cosmetically perfect. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in getting into this format to own a state of the art machine. Please contact me by PM for full particulars
« Last Edit: July 13, 2009, 07:51:21 PM by oneobgyn »
There's ALWAYS another Steve Williams BUT there's only "oneobgyn"
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Offline bauspar

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Re: Studer A810 Tape Recorders Available
« Reply #1 on: July 26, 2009, 11:41:07 AM »
I'm considering an A810.  Given the average amount of work that needs to be done to bring up to speed...like replacing all the caps, battery, making copies of eproms, etc. How much have you done recently and what do you want. 

Recommended work see link below...

http://www.analogrules.com/a810.html

Roger

Offline oneobgyn

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Re: Studer A810 Tape Recorders Available
« Reply #2 on: July 26, 2009, 11:56:29 AM »
These are not my machines but rather from the gentleman fom whom I bought mine. They are perfect and need nothing. Only problem is I think he sold them all. PM me for info. I am familiar with the link you included.
There's ALWAYS another Steve Williams BUT there's only "oneobgyn"
Tape Project Charter Member #088
Link to my system  http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vaslt&1049587927

Offline ironbut

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Re: Studer A810 Tape Recorders Available
« Reply #3 on: July 27, 2009, 07:16:38 PM »
Hi Ki,

You and any other members should check with Doc before you posting any "for sale"  items here. After all, it is his dime we're riding on here and we don't want to step on his toes at all.
It's different on other forums since they're only sponsored by businesses.
I'm sure you guys understand as always.

On another note, I'm worried that your selling too many of your machines might have seismic ramifications in your neck of the woods!
steve koto
 Sony scd 777es(R. Kern mods)> Vpi Aires>Dynavector XX-2mkll>Bent mu>CAT ultimate>CJ premeir 140>Magnepan 1.6qr(Jensen xover)Headphone Eddie Current Zana Deux>AT ad2000,HD800 ,Metric Halo ULN-2 (battery powered),
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Offline Ki Choi

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Re: Studer A810 Tape Recorders Available
« Reply #4 on: July 28, 2009, 09:39:47 AM »
Hi Steve:

I wasn't thinking...  Sorry about the FS posting.  It's been removed.

Thanks,
Ki
Ki Choi

Offline audioblazers

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Re: Studer A810 Tape Recorders Available
« Reply #5 on: November 27, 2009, 12:15:03 AM »
Hi guys,

I m new to recorder and is in the process of purchasing a studer A810 Mk2. Wonder what are the major problems you usually encounter with this recorder. Where I come from ( Malaysia) I wouldnt be easy to service the recorder. Thanks

song
Happy Listening

Song Soon Onn

Offline ironbut

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Re: Studer A810 Tape Recorders Available
« Reply #6 on: November 27, 2009, 02:29:10 AM »
Hi Song.

Welcome to the forum.
I'm sure you realize that whenever you buy a fairly complex machine second hand, there is a certain amount of risk involved. That said, there are a few problems that can be prevented and I'm sure Ki and some of the more experienced 810 owners can inform you about far better than I can.

One thing that I'd like to suggest is that no matter where you live there are musicians and folks who record them. I think you'll find that if you inquire at the places where musicians buy their amps, mixers and PA systems, there's very likely a guy there that repairs that equipment. That fellow or shop should be able to direct you to a local reel to reel repair man. If that doesn't connect you with someone, check with the local radio or TV stations. Many of the tape machine specialists switched over to video tape machine repair and even film.
I'm not sure which half of the country you live in but if you're anywhere near a large city like Kuala Lumpur, I'm sure you could find someone there.

One thing to be aware of is the effect of heat and humidity on magnetic tape. I suggest that you treat your tapes like good wine. Store them in a cool place where the temperature changes aren't dramatic.

Since you're new to reel to reel, it would be a good idea to have a manual. If your machine doesn't come with one, here's a link to a site where you can download one.

ftp://ftp.studer.ch/Public/Products/

Past the manual, there's a "Beginners Guide " in a sticky above the "General Forum" which was designed to provide a deeper understanding than owners manuals usually provide.

steve koto
 Sony scd 777es(R. Kern mods)> Vpi Aires>Dynavector XX-2mkll>Bent mu>CAT ultimate>CJ premeir 140>Magnepan 1.6qr(Jensen xover)Headphone Eddie Current Zana Deux>AT ad2000,HD800 ,Metric Halo ULN-2 (battery powered),
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Offline audioblazers

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Re: Studer A810 Tape Recorders Available
« Reply #7 on: November 27, 2009, 02:58:57 AM »
Ironbut,

Thanks for the suggestions. Yes I live near Kuala lumpur. Well I do know of a tech who repair hifi stuffs and I believe his is able to repair minor stuffs provided I can find the necessary parts.
 I love the beauty of a reel to reel recorder and from what I read it can matched and even surpass the sonic quality of LP which is my main source. So decided to take some risk and invest in the machine. Anyway, the cost of the machine is nothing compare to the software. Well we only live once, so might as well live it to the fullest. Happy listening

Song
Happy Listening

Song Soon Onn

Offline Ki Choi

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Re: Studer A810 Tape Recorders Available
« Reply #8 on: November 29, 2009, 02:36:46 AM »
Hi Song,

The Studer A810s are very good machines.  Of course, there are better machines out there (A80 and A820 to list a few) but for its portability and sound quality when it is working properly, it is hard to beat.  For relatively portable catagory of machines, only the Nagra T Audio would be preferable, but I believe Doc B would agree, for its factory repro audio is not to the audiophile standards and not as good sounding as the factory A810 to my ears.

The things to look out for when considering a Studer A810 are (from top of my head):

1) In general if the deck has LED displays instead of LCD, it is younger and probablily has less wear and tear
2) The head shouldn't have any flat spots but I have seen decks with some wears still sweep 20hz to 20Khz
3) Most A810s have been in storage and you need to spin the rollers to hear worn or dry ball bearings.  It's a rude way of testing bearing conditions...but it works most of time.
4) If a deck is rather old, red section (>0VU) of its VU meter will be faded not to mention the VU meter lamps not working
5) If a deck is shipped, it is best to remove the reel table spring loaded spindles (like one would remove the tubes before shipping a tube amp)
6) The basic transport functions; FF,REW,PLAY, STOP along with RECORD should be checked out. 
7) LOC ZERO is a good way of testing brake condition.  Although it is within spec to try up to three times to get to ZERO, a properly working deck should get there at the first try. 

I will add moe as I think of them.
Ki
Ki Choi

Offline audioblazers

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Re: Studer A810 Tape Recorders Available
« Reply #9 on: November 29, 2009, 08:35:13 PM »
Hi Ki, tq very much for the feedback. Its very helpful information. Looking forward to buying a Studer A810 ( A820 will be ideal but too bulky to ship to malaysia). There is currently 1 for sales at USD4000 at audiogon which I think is pricey. So will have to wait longer. Wondering how is its stock electronic compare to bottle head tube repro.

Happy listening
Happy Listening

Song Soon Onn

Offline Ki Choi

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Re: Studer A810 Tape Recorders Available
« Reply #10 on: November 30, 2009, 12:01:03 PM »
Hi Song:

Since you are in Malyasia, as others have suggested, I would look for a qualified local technician who can work on R2R machines.  Talk to the technicain and figure out which pro deck he can provide not only basic repair but full mechanica alignment and audio calibrations.  As an example, setting record bias for a new tape is not hard, but it could be confusing and frustrating if you are not familiar with the steps - and you will run into new tapes that you would want to maxize its sonic potential as you make your recordings...  For an A810 you would need either Studer Test Generator/Mono-Stereo card or an external audio frequency generator to set the bias properly.  It would be easiler if you had a local person to get help.

Most of these pro decks are more than 20 years old... they are working well now but will eventually break and would need technical attention.  A deck with heads that sweeps 20 hz to 20 Khz +/- 1dB today will need recalibration after playing the tapes for while since the heads do wear and will change the decks's frequence response charaterictics especially at the high frequencies.

I have not had the opportunity to compare the factory Studer A810 audio repro to the Tube Repro first hand.  I do like the sound of tubes and wish to try the Tube Repro in one of my machines in near future.  Will let you know when I have done the comparison.
Ki Choi

Offline audioblazers

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Re: Studer A810 Tape Recorders Available
« Reply #11 on: December 01, 2009, 09:07:00 AM »
Hi Ki, thanks for the feedback. Maybe I should ask around at my local area and see whether I should move into Reel to reel . The beauty of the machine and the feedback about the 15ips tape sure excite me. Almost bought a Studer A810 mk 2  listed in London craiglist which is definitely a con job, posting images lifted from elsewhere.
Anyway, temporary shifting my attention to acquiring a properly service Garrard 301
Happy listening
Happy Listening

Song Soon Onn

Offline ironbut

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Re: Studer A810 Tape Recorders Available
« Reply #12 on: December 01, 2009, 02:14:13 PM »
Song,

Rather than abandoning your quest, I'd like to suggest a more practical solution.

Considering your situation, perhaps finding a machine which can be serviced in your area should be a primary consideration?
Studers are pretty complicated machines. You really need to have someone with some experience with them work on them. I wouldn't want just any tech working on one.
On the other hand, Otari's are excellent machines and many of the models can be serviced by a good hi-fi repair guy who's willing to take his time and learn something new. For some things like head repairs, it would be best to send them out for servicing anyway. There are a number of models from the very popular 5050 series table top models to huge multi track machines, many of which still find duty in professional studios. There are parts still available for these and the last time I heard, you could even special order a new 5050 (very expensive though).
In your part of the world there is even a source for parts and support (although I have no personal experience with them). They're located in Kuwait City http://www.pscpro.com/Client/Home.aspx
The 5050B2Mk-l, ll, and lll are amazing values and it wouldn't take much to buy a spare machine for parts. They are excellent machines even though they aren't nearly a pretty as a Studer and don't have the cashe' associated with the Studer name.
Many of the folks here bought them as their first experience with reel to reel machines and now do basic servicing themselves.
steve koto
 Sony scd 777es(R. Kern mods)> Vpi Aires>Dynavector XX-2mkll>Bent mu>CAT ultimate>CJ premeir 140>Magnepan 1.6qr(Jensen xover)Headphone Eddie Current Zana Deux>AT ad2000,HD800 ,Metric Halo ULN-2 (battery powered),
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Offline audioblazers

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Re: Studer A810 Tape Recorders Available
« Reply #13 on: December 01, 2009, 10:39:41 PM »
Hi steve, thanks for your suggestion. I do have a tech who knows how to repair hifi stuff including reel to reel recorder. Only issue is parts and his familarity with the machine.
Yes, Otari 5050 series seems interested. They do have a dealer in Malaysia, retailing for about USD7000. However I m particular about the sonic quality of the machine I have and it must be portable. Did consider, Otari , technic machines etc but I was wondering how good is it. So far Studer A810 seems like a good candidate for a machine to keep without having to keep on upgrading. Also I wouldnt want it to be worse that my Raven AC-3 turntable. From my experience with turntable, its the source that is really pricey in the long run. Whatever machine I buy eventually, I would must like get it fitted with Tube Repro. Anybody has fitted their Studer A810 with tube repro?
Happy Listening

song
Happy Listening

Song Soon Onn