MX-55 or a 5050 Mk III?

[Harry Hasbun]

I could use some help with a table top deck.  I have a chance to pick up one of either of these.  Both look good, cost about the same but not knowing a lot about either is there a consensus on which would be better for the TP tapes?  Both are two track quarter inch decks.  Thanks so much for any help. 

[ironbut]

Hi ----, I think you may have better luck asking this question on the TapeOp forum. I know that there are several members there that have MX-55's and 5050's (I'm not sure if you'll find one that has both for a direct comparison) and first hand knowledge is always best. Another forum you might try is GearSlutz.com.
http://messageboard.tapeop.com/
BTW, you can insert you real name in the users control panel (for instructions see the Forum Rules forum).

[ceved]

Please check out the Otari threads in  'Reel to Reel Tape Machines' which is the topic just below this topic on the Forum topic menu.
Look for the Otari subject lines.

[joeljoel1947]

Both are great but do you mean Mk. 3 or BIII for the second listing?  Big difference there!  One is a console B!! and one is a stand-up model, which is the current one they sell.

BTW, The MX-55 is cool in that it does 30 IPS.  I have a MX-5050 BII, a MX-5050 BIII and a MX-5050 Mk.3 console if you need help with those---all great machines!