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« on: October 07, 2007, 08:30:07 PM »
Here's what I've learned in looking for a machine for The Tape Project (I was looking for a 2-track machine, capable of 15 ips).
The Technics RS1500 (2 track with 4-track play head) will do 3.75, 7.5 and 15 ips, has an isolated loop transport system with particularly excellent tape handling. The record/play electronics are nothing to write home about - about the quality of a good Japanese receiver of the time. Don't know about replacement parts availability - they haven't been made in some time, although Doc (one of the principals of The Tape Project) has arranged for a new 2-track play head and would have far more info on repair issues. Prices on E-bay for a good one will be between $500-1000, with the more mint machines going for the higher prices.
Tascam (professional version of Teac) produced several "pro" series 2-track 1/4" machines. The 32, 32-2B and BR20 are all two speed (7.5/15), with excellent build quality. The electronics seem to be somewhat more highly regarded than the Technics, and a big plus is that parts are still readily available (and reasonably priced). Excellent condition examples of the 32 and BR20 can be had for under $500 on e-bay. I own a BR20, and it is very gentle on tape, and seems to sound pretty darn good, though I haven't done any live recording with it.
Otari MX5050 - a standard workhorse of many radio stations and small studios. You will see a lot of them on e-bay, but most are pretty beat-up from hard use. Most under $500, but may need several hundred dollars in reconditioning to work well. Like the Technics, the MX5050B, B2-HD, BII-2 were generally 2-track machines with an extra 4-track play head. The later MX5050 BIII didn't have the extra head. Parts still available for the BII and newer models; don't know about the originals. Speed is 7.5/15, but I think it can be reset to 3.75/7.5 by changing an internal switch. It seems that the Otari electronics are more highly regarded than the Technics or Tascam, but we're still talking Japanese solid state. If you have the gumption, you can often find examples of Otari's 2-track 1/4" mastering decks (MTR-10, MTR-12) for under $500. These saw widespread recording studio use, and are considered fine-sounding, but you'll generally have to find one nearby for pickup, since they weigh 200 pounds and are about the size of a dishwasher on wheels. There are a couple for sale on e-bay right now (one in Portland, one in Detroit). The MTR series has all 3 speeds, and you can get a quarter-track head added to the head block if you really need it. Replacement heads are available, but I don't know the cost - often, the existing heads can be relapped for $200-300.
Revox B77/PR99. The B77 (and the "pro" version of that machine, the PR99) are well regarded. While they are well-built, parts are scarce and expensive (I was recently told that replacement heads for my PR99 go for $350 each; replacement heads for my Tascam BR20 are $60 each!). They came in numerous versions, but all are two-speed only (either 3.75/7.5 or 7.5/15). Most of the B77's you see on e-bay are quarter-track units; the PR99's are generally 2-track. Good examples are upwards of $500; a really nice PR99 can be $800 or more. You are more likely to find an excellent-condition B77, since these were sold to audiophiles, but the combo of an audiophile-owned half-track high-speed unit is rare. The high speed, half-track models of both the B77 and PR99 seem to have seen most use in radio stations and recording studios. Opinion seems to be that the Revox electronics sound a bit "warmer" than equivalent Japanese models.
Akai, Sony, Pioneer, Teac, Tandberg, etc. also made decent R2R machines, but except for Teac, new replacement parts generally don't exist. Other than Teac, most of these companies got out of the R2R market at least 15 years ago. Most of these machines you will see will be 3.75/7.5 speed, quarter-track. Nevertheless, some (Pioneer RT909, Teac X2000) are highly sought-after and excellent examples command premium prices.
If you want to go whole-hog, you can get a used Studer 807 or 810 mastering machine, or an ATR-series. But these go for several thousand dollars in good shape, and parts - well, if you have to ask, you can't afford it. I love my BMW, but when it needs repairs, I wish it were a Honda <grin>.
I'm sure others on this forum have much more info that I do - most of them have had R2R machines a lot longer than I have!
John Colombo