Check out the new Tape Project website at tapeproject.com, now with online ordering. Inventory is updated every week, so stop by often to see what we have in stock.

Author Topic: Ampex MR 70 for sale  (Read 6004 times)

Offline ironbut

  • Global Moderator
  • leader in spreading disinformation
  • *****
  • Posts: 2503
  • rs1500>repro amp#1
    • View Profile
Ampex MR 70 for sale
« on: July 18, 2012, 12:22:09 PM »
Just wanted to give you guys a heads up.
One of the members of the Ampex list is selling his MR 70. Considering how unusual it is to find one, I thought I'd post this.
I only have the info he posted to the list so if you want any details you'll need to contact him (so don't bother asking).
Here's what he posted;

MR-70:  I bought this from the old Skinner studio auction in San Francisco back in the late '70's.  It was in the sound effects room, and clearly had not seen much use.  It was set up for 3 track 1/2", but I converted it to 2 track 1/4" using all factory parts.  Ampex was kind enough to give me all of the drawings for the guides and rollers, etc, so I guess it could be converted back to 1/2" if desired.  I still have the factory 3 track heads (which are almost like new), as well as the factory 1/4" heads (also almost like new) that are in the deck.  Play heads are all adjustable azimuth. I have a total of 5 sets of MR-70 electronics, all of which have self-sync amps, 4 have input transformers, plus two of the 60 dB nuvistor microphone  preamps.  I extensively rebuilt this in the late '70s, and it met all specs at that time.  Ten years ago several relays were dirty, and I would assume some fresh bearings and electrolytics would also be in order - I have not tried to power it up recently.  In the 30 years I have had it I've only put a couple of hundred hours on it, and since it was part of my home hi-fi for most of its life instead of in a studio, it might be the nicest original MR70 left.  Unfortunately it never had the factory roll around console - it is currently in a 300 console with overhead electronics.  Original manual, service notes, many spare tubes etc. included.  What's it worth, and how should I market it?

If you have a serious offer, PM me and I'll give you the email.
steve koto
 Sony scd 777es(R. Kern mods)> Vpi Aires>Dynavector XX-2mkll>Bent mu>CAT ultimate>CJ premeir 140>Magnepan 1.6qr(Jensen xover)Headphone Eddie Current Zana Deux>AT ad2000,HD800 ,Metric Halo ULN-2 (battery powered),
 HE Audio Jades

Offline steveidosound

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 484
    • View Profile
Re: Ampex MR 70 for sale
« Reply #1 on: July 18, 2012, 06:34:35 PM »
My "one that got away" MR 70 story is the one I missed from an old "Ampexer" by  a bit less than 1 hour via a classified ad in the San Jose newspaper sometime in the early to mid 90s.  It was cheap too ! When my friend and I got there he still had what we came to refer to as "THE LARGEST TAPE RECORDER IN THE WORLD", which was his completely home-brew ongoing project. We got the deck and some monitor electronics, but no record electronics IIRC. Pieces of the hardware are still in my friends garage somewhere. The actual deck plate was enormous. Perhaps 36" X 24" or even a bit bigger than that. It had all kind of little breadboarded circuits with tubes and transistors, some for logic control, some for audio. I think it was supposed to take 14" reels.
Steve Williams

you don't want to know what equipment I listen to...