Studer B-67 Back On Track

[rbwtapeinterlink-Bob]

The gentleman who was initially interested in selling his B-67 for $500 is now wanting to lower the price. Since there is an obvious major defect he is taling $300 for it as-is. Can I get some feedback fellas? The heads are in excellent shape and the outward appearance of the machine is awesome. It does not come with anything other than the cart it rides in. Thanks everyone.

Bob W.

[rbwtapeinterlink-Bob]

I was up late last night after the neighbors celebrated and welcomed in the new year. I had an opportunity to look at what has transpired since I began my treck to purchase the Studer B-67. I must admit I've learned a great deal due to comments from Tape Project folk and the tons of research I've been able to do. Actually, the fact that the B-67 I was interested in purchasing had problems worked out to be the best thing that could have happened. It forced me to really look at this machine's history as well as other machines. Because of the assistance I got here and the research I've done I believe I'm  able to make better decisions regarding the purchase of a tape deck.

Someone here mentioned early on that I should call some radion stations and see if any still have recorders available. I plan to begin to do that on tomorrow morning. There are about 150 stations (AM/FM) including college stations that I can contact. However, I will keep an eye on the B-67 the gentleman wants $300 for. If he is willing to come down lower than that figure I will be willing to listen. My concern presently is to purchase a high quality machine I can afford and sounds good to my ears. That's the ultimate goal for me now. Thanks again guys for steering me onto the right pathway. I think I'm good to go now.

Bob W.

[ironbut]

I'm one of those guys that never throws gear away and I even get attached to them so I seldom sell them. Even though I've seen some machines that are almost free, I have to think about where I'll keep it for remainder of my natural life. It sounds like you've been in this hobby long enough to know where you fall on the Bauhaus>Pack-rat continuum.
One of my personal philosophies on these matters is " There can only be value when you get what you want". I'm thinking about buying a Studer somewhere in the future myself. But I realize that if I can afford it, it's going to take an investment of time, energy and money to get it to the point that it will surpass my Technics in performance. So, just like you, I'm trying to learn as much as I can about the different models and what professionals opinions of these are. In the meantime, I'm still improving the RS1500 and learning about magnetic recording in general. So,.. 820 2ch, 80rc/80vu,or 812/810 which one would fit my needs the best?  I just don't feel like I could make an informed decision at this point. My style on decisions like this is slow and,.. well, just plain slow!
So, if you bought the B67, put a couple of grand into and that's what you really wanted. You got a lot of value for your money. If you ended up putting under $1k but it's not what you really want, it's a bad deal.
Getting my RS1500 running great and buying one of Doc's repo amps has been an incredible value for me. One of the great things about having one of these repo amps is that whatever Studer I decide to get, I know that the last thing I'll need to work on is the repo electronics. I have no doubt that even the best stock electronics in any machine out there is easily beaten by the Bottlehead repo amp.

[docb]

Gosh, I'm blushing. Thanks for kind words Steve!

I would say that there are really three basic paths to take.

The simplest is get an Otari MX-5050BII, Technics RS1520 or other "prosumer" level machine, leave it stock and make sure it runs as well as possible. A B67 might fall into this category along with the A77/B77/PR99. From what I have seen I would lean toward the Japanese machines over the Revoxes.

The next step would be generally to do what Steve has done, with a medium priced deck modded to use  outboard electronics. The deck could be a Technics, Otari, Tascam, a broadcast level Studer like an A807 or A810, maybe a Revox B67, B77 or PR99, etc. You could use our Tube Repro like Steve has, and for less dough the Seduction is a step up from stock too. A little known fact is that the Magico room that got best of show from the folks at TAS at CES 2007 had a Seduction kit, not a Repro. At this level you want to choose a deck strictly for it's mechanical transport, as that is all you will use, and it accounts for about 50% of the sonic character of a tape playback system.

I think that if you are going to go beyond that it's probably time to bite the bullet and go for a full on studio machine with good electronics - basically an ATR100 from Mike Spitz or a better Studer (A80, A820) gone through by John French with the best electronics you can get - Aria, EAR, or maybe our Repro. This will cost a pretty big chunk of money, but it will be money very well spent.

[rbwtapeinterlink-Bob]

Steve and Doc,

Thank you for your comments and continued support. This hunt for at least one other tape recorder has been an experience. As you note, it is time consuming but very rewarding. By asking questions here you guys have chimed in with perfect comments every time. And by the way, I also got another email from Richard Hess who has referred me to a lady he knew that worked for Otari back in the day. I am looking to hear from her regarding the Otari MTR-15. It appears from all of the research and information I have gotten the Otari and the Sony APR-5000 are both excellent music making machines (my words) with exceptional tape handeling abilities. They are said to be on the order of the Studer A-810. However, Sony has long since stopped supporting their recorders. Now, my burden will be to travel to the radio station and get a close look at the two Otari's. Mr. Hess has asked me to also look at the Sony because he has a number of these recorders and love them dearly. I will do that for him as best as I can and communicate my findings.

I can't help thinking that I never thought I would be so tied into this quest for another tape recorder to go with the Tascam 32-2B that I have presently. This recorder is in perfect shape and will be ready to go when I unpack it at my new location. I plan to make a serious bid to sell my home starting at the end of this month. I am looking to be successful.

I have a great love for music especially the human voice. My desire to hear large scale choral works knows no bounds. Of course I can't leave out great jazz and big bands. I've got some Ted Heath big band stuff I can't wait to hear. I love this stuff and want to hear it reproduced the best way possible. The best way possible is via an outstanding tape recorder with the addition of one of Doc's repro amps. That's my desire. This is a good journey I travel because I've learned so much on the way. I would not trade the experience. Thanks again guys for your valuable input and continued support.

Bob W.