Studer 810 vs. Revox PR99 MKIII

[labosh]

hello everyone!

I'm in a doubt, to buy a Studer 810 for 3000 Euros, or Revox PR99 for 1000 Euros.
Both are as described from the seller in Near Mint condition and serviced.
Studer has butterfly heads (used 1-2mm), and Revox (2mm).
I heard that Studer 810 colours the music a bit - but that he is also more present in the HI range, wider and louder?
Is the price difference of 2000 Euros really worth ?

thank you !!

[ironbut]

Hi labosh,

Happy holidays!
IMHO, you'd be better off saving the 2000 and putting it toward an outboard tape preamp.
3000 euros is a lot of money for an 810 in todays market and any difference in sound quality from a PR99 would be small.
On the other hand, for the price difference, you could purchase one of the tape head amps on the market and find someone to to modify the 99 for direct output from the heads to the outboard tape head amp.
Another alternative would be to modify the existing electronics of the PR99 as outlined by Arian Jensen.

http://laocaudiosociety.com/tech.html

[labosh]

thank you once again  for your suggestions!

happy holidays!

Labosh