M5050 II and III differences

[jimkjr]

Can someone please explain the major differences between the 5050 II 2-4 and III 2-4 if any,and do they really make an overall difference in use and sound quality?

Thank you
Jim

[jimkjr]

Surely someone out there familiar with the Otari 5050 has the answers these questions.I am needing the answers in order to make a final buying decision on which Otari to purchase.

[docb]

Mechanically the MX5050BII 2 and MX5050 BIII 2 are pretty much the same. Some say the III has better sounding electronics, but I have not made the comparison myself. I suggest buying the machine that is in the best shape of the two.

[Ki Choi]

For our TP playback purposes, they are very similar.  The III has "better" components in the audio board for certain.

Functionally, the IIIs do have better tape deck control with smoother operation even the feel of pushbuttons have been improved.  The III's reel turntables have the spring loaded spindles that can be used with more modern NAB hubs from other brands including the fancy Revox NAB hubs with multicolor metal flanges.  On the other hand, the hubs for IIs have to be Otari or VIF types for straight spindles.

The bigger difference between two models for audiophiles is - unless a III is ordered with the "P" option for 4 track repro head, it will only have 2 track record/repo heads whereas the II will have the 4 track repro head along with the 2 track record/repro heads in the standard headblock.

I like the sound of a properly aligned II as well as the III and can't tell much of a difference.  Thus it is my opinion that the choice comes down to preference of having the four track repro head in II or more modern control scheme on III with less emphasis on sonic characteristics between the two.

[jimkjr]

Thanks to all who have responded,especially to KI,the information was what I needed.

[bobschneider]

Note that the tape head blocks are interchangeable between the II and III.  So you can put a II head block, with the extra 4 track PB head, into a III, and get the best of both worlds.  That's what I have done on my machine which is now at Bottlehead for the tape path mods.

Otari head blocks come up pretty regularly on eBay.  Or you can add a 4 track BP head to a III block - the mounting space and wiring are already there, you just need to add the head and a switch.

[jimkjr]

Thanks Bob,was not aware of that possibility!