Messages

1

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: which machine to get?

« on: February 04, 2009, 12:17:02 PM »

Get the Otrari and be done with it, you won't be sorry.
It is the best bang for the buck out there right now.

Jay

Who is the best trustworthy source for them?

2

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: which machine to get?

« on: February 04, 2009, 06:50:41 AM »

Yes, I want to play Tape Project tapes as well as be able to record some of my vinyl.

3

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: which machine to get?

« on: February 03, 2009, 10:11:50 PM »

I think that no matter how far you think you want to go up the ladder of tape machines, it's a good idea to have a little more patience than your run of the mill audio purchase. There's a lot to learn and unless you have the money to hire the best to get your machine running perfectly, it's better to start small and work your way up.
 I'm not sure about the rest of the members here, but I love fooling around with these things! I really think that if you don't learn some basic adjustments and repairs on your machine, you're missing out on some of the fun. I've made my fair share of mistakes but nothing that I can't get right eventually (knock on wood).
Of course, everyone doesn't have this particular screw loose and there's nothing wrong with taking a more plug and play approach.

Yes.  What are your thoughts on a Teac 4300?  I know of one from a VERY trustworthy person....quality?  Sound?

4

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: which machine to get?

« on: February 03, 2009, 05:21:45 PM »

  Name sound familiar. Would you be from the M/L forum?

 The Technics decks are wildly popular, partially because they're great machines, but perhaps equally so because of their use among the tape project crowd. Tough to get parts for, as anything that appears on the auction site commands big prices. Good decks can be had, though.

 I've seen quite a few Otari decks, most were beat to all heck. That being said, the people that were using them really liked them. They have some nice features and found their way into many a small studio. I'd like to find a clean one for the audio room.

The ATR is a different story. Expensive from the get-go, and likely even more so to maintain. Used machines often need considerable work...nice ones sell quickly. Then again, I've seen some rough 102's sell quickly, for prices that would knock you out of your seat.

Tj

That's me!  Hmm. 

5

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: which machine to get?

« on: February 03, 2009, 03:29:44 PM »

Thanks for the reply.  I went through the thread as you suggested.  WOW!  I might have missed it but....I've come up with that the Otari, Technics 1500 and ATR-102 seem to be the recommended units.  What about Technics?  Is there a comparison anywhere?  I know it's subjective (as all HiFi is) but am curious to know if say the Otari will get you 85% of the ATR or what the main sonic differences are.  If money was a non issue I would probably get the ATR.  So, I want a reliable unit that I can enjoy for years even if I were to upgrade.  Thoughts/models? 

6

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / which machine to get?

« on: February 02, 2009, 05:25:56 PM »

I'm new this...

My question is what machine should I get?  Obviously reasonably priced but something that I can upgrade if I wanted to.  Also, will it sound "better" then digital in the stock format (no upgrades)?  I know it doesn't take much in vinyl to sound more appealing to me so I was wondering about this..


Thanks-