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Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: J-Corder decks vs. A810

« on: March 28, 2010, 01:29:47 PM »

The Revox PR99, B77 and A77 transports are virtually identical. Tape tension is unregulated.  Studer transports (including the A700) are quite different in design (from the Revox models) and all utilize servo-controlled tape-tension.  Servo-controlled tape-tension (when working properly) makes a significant improvement in sound quality and head-wear characteristics.

The majority of Studers, however, I've seen in my shop are exceedingly old and quite worn-out and typically do not meet their wow/flutter specs.  Often many times what the unit had new out of the box.  Most customers, BTW, were unaware of this fact.  Only a few of those units are repairable due to the complete absence of OEM replacement parts.  That being said, EMI chose the Studer A-80 to play back the Beatles master tapes for the recent remastering project.  One can safely assume, thought, that it had installed in it all-new, custom-manufactured: tape guides, motor & guide bearings, heads, and audio electronics.