Tape Project Forum
Tape Machines => Reel to Reel Tape Machines => Topic started by: kazoo on February 08, 2008, 02:00:47 PM
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Hi,
I am looking for a reel to reel machine and need some help in which one to get. Just wondering what you guys would recommend. I know the Technics are the preferred ones but hard to find and expensive. Which one can I get for now to start listening to tapes and then modify to perfection later when money is more available. I guess it would also have to have RCA outputs unless I can change the balanced outputs to the unbalanced RCAs. Thanks for any help.
John
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Q: Why does an engineer always answer a question with another question?
A: And why shouldn't an engineer answer a question with another question?
So here are a few. If you answer these it will help people here make recommendations. Just what price are you looking for? Do you want a machine that will play 7-1/2 ips quartertracks as well as Tape Project albums? Do you want a machine that will record also? If so, at what speed, and quarter track or half track? Do you have a collection of tapes that you also want access to? If so, what speed etc. are they? Are you in a position to repair a deck if it needs it?
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Q: Why does an engineer always answer a question with another question?
A: And why shouldn't an engineer answer a question with another question?
So here are a few. If you answer these it will help people here make recommendations. Just what price are you looking for? Do you want a machine that will play 7-1/2 ips quartertracks as well as Tape Project albums? Do you want a machine that will record also? If so, at what speed, and quarter track or half track? Do you have a collection of tapes that you also want access to? If so, what speed etc. are they? Are you in a position to repair a deck if it needs it?
I should have expected that so here is a little more info.
I think the most I want to spend is about $600 dollars.
I would like it to play as many speeds as possible but 7-1/2 and 15 would do.
I am not sure if I will record but it would be nice for future use. Not sure about speed or track. What would you recommend?
Right now I don't have any tapes but want to start a collection.
I have a shop that is close that does repair reel to reel machines.
Now a little about my setup:
Project turn table running into a Seduction running into a Foreplay 2 running into ParaBees running into 166esr BLH speakers. I also have a Sony DVD player for CDs.
Thanks for the help.
John
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One machine I feel is terribly overlooked in the US market is the Telefunken M15a - I own one and it is absolutely fantastic!
if the forums admins could ever figure out how to post pictures, I'd love to share some...
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Danny,
I do not believe I have ever seen a Telefunken machine offered anywhere I have searched.
Are they uncommon here in the States, and sourced mainly from Europe?
As for Kazoo, I would suggest he look into the Otari 5050 B II series of machines for the features and price he indicates.
He should be able to find one in 'shopped' condition from several reputable sources.
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The Telefunken M15a is a very nice machine, but I don't think John's $600 budget is nearly enough to pick one up in any acceptable state.
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The Telefunken M15a is a very nice machine, but I don't think John's $600 budget is nearly enough to pick one up in any acceptable state.
w00ps. heh, didn't see that one...
seriously the only machine worth looking at from a TP / Quinton - AAA perspective is the RS-1500... no doubt!
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Guys,
Thanks for the input so far. I did do a search for the Telefunken and did not find anything about it but a picture. I also have been looking at the Otari 5050 B II machines. They look real nice but only have balanced outputs. All the stuff I have has RCA connections and I don't want to run converter boxes. Unless there is a way just to rewire them to RCAs but I don't know how they work. I would guess there is a signal wire, ground wire, and a earth ground wire??? If you guys would have a easy way to rewire that I probably would get one of these machines to get started. So thanks for the help and I will keep on looking.
John
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I think that you can probably just use adapter cables that convert the balanced output to unbalanced RCA out. The output levels will be much higher than for "standard" consumer equipment, but that's what a volume control is for.
I have a Revox PR99 connected to my home stereo via adapter cables and it works fine. Just do a search for XLR to RCA cables and you'll find several sources for these.
John C.
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Cardas makes a nice adapter connector, so you can keep your current cables.
Check around for best price.
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Hmm I know that Doc had said that there's a switch that will toggle between pro (+4dB) and consumer (-10dB) in one of these threads? Now where was it,. maybe you guys could help me out, I think it's under these red letters,.. yeah! Those are the ones,.. pick up those red ones by pointing your cursor and clicking and we'll see what's underneath 'em. http://www.tapeproject.com/smf/index.php/topic,197.0.html (http://www.tapeproject.com/smf/index.php/topic,197.0.html)
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As far as xlr to rca adapter cables for the Otari, give Blue Jeans cable a call. I am sure they can make you up a pair for under $30. Just tell them which pin is hot.
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Guys thanks for all the info. I was worried about the XLR connections but if they can be converted easily like mentioned then thats not a problem. I will try to pick up an Otari 5050 whick seems the best machine for me right now. Thanks for all the help and I will let you guys know when I get one. Thanks again,
John
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John,
There is a guy on ebay who sells a lot of Otari 5050 decks. He can do the direct tape head out for you before he ships it out to you. He did it on mine and all seems to work great. He is from Orlando Florida and is a retired Tech.
Mike
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John,
I have purchased three decks from the gentleman in Florida that I believe Mike is referring to.
If so, highly recommended.
Please contact me if I can be of assistance.
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Charles,
Yes, it is the same person. He told me that he has sold three machines to someone in the tape project. He recently added the direct tape mod to my Otari. He went from the back of the preamp board and ran two wires from there to two RCA adapters that he attached to the back of the deck. That way you can use the deck with or without the preamp.
Mike
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Sweet, can you guys tell me his name. I have been scanning Ebay for one for a little while now so If I see him on there I will ask him about it.
Thank you,
John
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bze47 is his Ebay sellers moniker.
He has a Tascam up for sale now under newly listed.
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Well got a Otari Mx-5050 BII yesterday. Its in prety good shape but shipping did a number on it. They cracket the plastic on the bottom by the foot. Its not a big deal. Ill just try to glue it back together. Now I just have to get some tapes and try it out. Does anyone know of a good place to get parts for this thing?
Thanks,
John
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The most straightforward approach is to contact Otari directly and based upon your location they will direct you to a dealer.
They are quick to reply.
In addition, in another thread on Otari I may have given contact info for a dealer in the East who was quite helpful.
I cannot put my hands on the info right now or I would be happy to provide.
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If you want to go cheap, I'd post a wanted to buy on some of the pro audio sites like GearSluts. There are tons of parts machines out there from studios and radio stations. They'd probably pay you to take one. Just make sure and get a part number (from the service manual) so you don't get one for an earlier or later model. There used to be a Nashville studio that was always parting out machines on eBay. I'll see if I can find that info (I think it was Mark's Studio Service or something like that).
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Chaps,
I know zip about reel to reels, but I'm thinking about getting a machine and this one (link below) is local to me.
Your thoughts?
Thanks in advance
Gaspode
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TEAC-X-2000-M-Mastering-Reel-to-Reel-Exemplary_W0QQitemZ330214645711QQihZ014QQcategoryZ109002QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
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If it were stateside I would bid on it myself.
A fine machine.