The path I went down, after purchasing, over a year, an Otari 5050MKII, Technics 1500, Revox B77 2trk 15 ips, and a Tascam 32, acquiring service manuals, taking them apart, etc., I settled on an Otari MTR-10. Yes, it is a large machine, but very well built (personal opinion), easy to work on and get parts for, etc., and when compared to the desired ATR's or Studer's, readily available at a reasonable (personal subjective) price. It is IEC and NAB capable (like the 5050), so I can use it to play my Tape Project tapes while I await my Repro from Doc. I had heads redone by JFR, did a full recalibration, etc. Handles tape well, electronic tape auto location, full function remotes and auto locators available.
Yet, I don't see much here about using the MTR-10/12 as a Tape Project machine. Being the insecure type, I begin to question my choice .... :-). Is anyone else using the MTR-10/12? Just curious. I pitched my tent, just was wondering if I was camping alone ....
Before you ask, I did resell the 2 track machines above. I think I learned from each. I did keep a 4 track Revox B77 MKII for 7.5 use and a Tandburg 20XD (Dolby) for tapes I made on a 10XD from the mid 70's.