Well, the one I got looks virtually new. Practically zero head wear - there wasn't even a shiny spot across the head gap. Tape handling is very gentle - better, I think, than my PR99, though it (the PR99, that is) probably needs some adjustment. Tape tension on the BR20 is maintained electronically, with a servo system that senses the tension on the tension arms and adjusts reel motor speed accordingly.
The machine I got required virtually no adjustment. The head azimuth was spot on; one channel was about 1db out on the repro level, which I readjusted with an alignment tape. Measured frequency response was 20-20kHz at +/- 2 db. The response doesn't seem quite as flat across the board as the PR99, but still quite good. There was something of a peak at 30hz and 4kHz (the 30 hz is probably normal head bump; don't know why it comes up 2db high at 4 kHz). This is all at 7.5 ips. I made some test recordings with FM noise and SACD sources, and I couldn't tell any difference using RMGI 911 tape after adjusting the record bias per specs.
It has variable speed, selectable NAB/IEC eq, sync capability, etc., including both balanced and unbalanced inputs/outputs (no need for XLR adapter cables!). You can get a wired remote, which means it probably is possible to rig up an infrared remote like Doc has done with the Technics series, though the remote jack on the back looks like an old parallel port! The only mechanical downside I see is that it uses a belt for the capstan drive, unlike my PR99, which is direct drive. I'll probably buy a couple of spare belts just to have around.
The autolocator has 3 memory positions and is dead accurate (unlike the PR99, which often "slips" a couple of seconds). The thing weighs a ton - probably 70-80 pounds, and seems built like a tank. I wish I had bought the other one this guy had for sale - I suspect that the radio station he got them from bought them as replacements and then went digital, because the thing looks hardly used. At $450, including the shipping, I think it was a heck of a bargain, and I'd easily recommend it as a potential Tape Project machine. They do seem to be popping up a bit on e-bay - maybe these are units from the last radio stations to go digital or studios/libraries that no longer want them. They seem to be going pretty cheap, as well - I guess they just aren't as well known as the 32 series, though as far as I can tell, they share a lot of mechanical parts with the 32 (same capstan motor, reel motors). A big plus is that parts are still readily available, including R/P heads for $60 each (same ones used in the Tascam 32 series). I might go ahead and buy a couple of head sets just to have for the future.
All in all, I'm extremely pleased with it. Now if my consulting check would just arrive so I can officially join the Project, things will be . . . nice.
John C.