Reel to reel tape decks

[jcmusic]

Hi JJK:

Some of the modern tapes (ATR or RMG...) played at normal volumes, the tape "hiss" is not an issue based on my experience.

Matter of fact Dolby or other noise reduction system is not needed either.

YMMV

Ki

I agree with Ki on this, I have found pretty much the same results!!!

Jay

[CIGARBUM]

Sure do appreciate all the help you guys are giving but it's all pretty much Greek to me. Still not sure what I will do with this thing, maybe buy some pre-recorded tapes or record a bunch of favorites, don't know. If no one has anything they have and want to get rid of them is there some place to purchase a good machine at a reasonable price and been checked out by someone who knows what they are doing.

Mikey, thanks for the offer, I am finally getting rid of a lot of stuff that isn't serving a purpose around here. Chris will be picking up the Belles soon and that wil be about it. Almost hate to get rid of the Belles, with the changes, they rock.

Cigarbum

[fini]

I am certainly no expert, but I have always owned a reel to reel. I currently have two a Tandberg 64 ( I think thats the model) and newer Sony 10 inch model. Yes its older technology but the reproduction is magnificant. I prefer it to cds for sure and by a large margin. That beind said, unless you have a lot of recorded tapes it is kind of a hassle. New tape is getting harder to find, although I do remember seeing that some company has started making it again. There is a reason why a number of artists still choose to record on reel to reel.

Of the recorders there are plenty to choose from Teac and Tascam, Sony Akai, Panasonic, Sansui, fostex, etc. I would do some research as to the ones that parts are still available for. There are a number of places that specialize in restoring them. Lucky for me, up until a while ago there were a couple of guys who did it locally because these things are like tanks and weigh a ton so shipping is an issue. You might want to give this guy a call and see what he would recommend.

http://fieldengineer.homestead.com/

That Tandberg deck is a beauty, Josh. The styling goes right along with Thorens 124s, and Bolex projectors from the 60s.

[Frank1938]

Well Frank I would love to have you over to my place so you could listen to my two decks, and try to hear the hiss that pretty much doesn't exist.

Jay

Wouldn't the price range of $500-750 pretty much rule out the machines you have? I was just trying to stay within his price range. Thanks.

Frank

[garyeanderson]

I guess my price is a bit steep on the Tandberg 12-41 maybe if I put $50 on it I wouldn't have to find room in the closet. needs weork and a new home[]

http://forums.klipsch.com/forums/t/142197.aspx

I am certainly no expert, but I have always owned a reel to reel. I currently have two a Tandberg 64 ( I think thats the model) and newer Sony 10 inch model. Yes its older technology but the reproduction is magnificant. I prefer it to cds for sure and by a large margin. That beind said, unless you have a lot of recorded tapes it is kind of a hassle. New tape is getting harder to find, although I do remember seeing that some company has started making it again. There is a reason why a number of artists still choose to record on reel to reel.

Of the recorders there are plenty to choose from Teac and Tascam, Sony Akai, Panasonic, Sansui, fostex, etc. I would do some research as to the ones that parts are still available for. There are a number of places that specialize in restoring them. Lucky for me, up until a while ago there were a couple of guys who did it locally because these things are like tanks and weigh a ton so shipping is an issue. You might want to give this guy a call and see what he would recommend.

http://fieldengineer.homestead.com/

That Tandberg deck is a beauty, Josh. The styling goes right along with Thorens 124s, and Bolex projectors from the 60s.

[LarryC]

Just be aware that the Tandberg is a one-motor machine, which means a much slower fast-forward and rewind speed than in a typical 3-motor unit. They have complex belt and pulley arrangements that may need some tinkering.

A vintage deck should be thoroughly checked out before buying. I tossed my 64 many years ago after it developed severe flutter and I didn't try to track down a specialist mechanic. Of course, that's after I bought a used Revox A-77 to replace it.[]

[SSnyder]

Sure do appreciate all the help you guys are giving but it's all pretty much Greek to me. Still not sure what I will do with this thing, maybe buy some pre-recorded tapes or record a bunch of favorites, don't know. If no one has anything they have and want to get rid of them is there some place to purchase a good machine at a reasonable price and been checked out by someone who knows what they are doing.

Mikey, thanks for the offer, I am finally getting rid of a lot of stuff that isn't serving a purpose around here. Chris will be picking up the Belles soon and that wil be about it. Almost hate to get rid of the Belles, with the changes, they rock.

Cigarbum

Nestalgic feeligs to satisfy is vallid but>>>>>>WARNING DOCTOR SMITH most pre--recorded open rel tapes are retchid quality >>>>HI speed dupes and most later one at 3 3/4 inch per second>>>>>>>early two tracks another story but costy and by now fifty year old brittel break then what do you o?

taprecording records is nosense>>>>just play darned record

To repeat......................unless you a libary of tapes to playback, no point

EXCEPT NESTALGIC WHICH IS VALLID BUT COSTLY TO SATISFACTON

[LarryC]

So no one likes the big old Crown stuff of old?

I was VERY impressed with it -- a 3-motor machine with great sound and lightning FF and rewind. I don't know why it faded from view, but it's been a long time since I've seen or heard about one. Crown apparently pioneered electromagnetic braking, which excels in my Revox -- http://www.crownaudio.com/crntime.htm

[fini]

They have complex belt and pulley arrangements that may need some tinkering.

Just like the Thorens!

[LarryC]

Just like the Thorens!

Well, I am grateful to Basis for making my TT life simple -- push a button on the motor to start it, and use a pencil (fingers are greasy) to shift the belt between the 33 and the 45 rpm guides on the pulley (here, the belt is on the lower/smaller 33 rpm guide; the 45 rpm guide is just above on the pulley). No tinkering needed here. The only other control is the visible power button (this model is very upscale from Gary's and mine. but works the same way).

[CIGARBUM]

You guys are about to talk me out of my need for a reel to reel tape deck. Maybe I just buy an old junker that doesn't work, put it on the shelf so at least I can look at it now and again. Should be able to find a non-working of about anything on E-Bay.

Cigarbum

[LarryC]

Is this in your price range? http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?misccass&1296794781&/Revox-B77-Reel-to-Reel

[Frank1938]

Maybe I just buy an old junker that doesn't work, put it on the shelf so at least I can look at it now and again.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Pioneer-RT-707-Reel-Reel-Tape-/180595713414?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item2a0c57e586

Price is about right for a display model. []

Here's one checked out and ready to use. Not a bad price and has all the knobs and buttons you requested. Excellent feedback rating also.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Pioneer-RT-707-Reel-Reel-Tape-Recorder-w-NEW-REELS-/320627985639?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item4aa6eacce7

Frank

[NCSharkDriver]

I'm with USNRET, I had a TEAC X2000R for about the last eight years of my Air Force service. I sold It just before I retired - never had a problem with it and you're right CB, uber-cool to watch operate and just cool looking. The only ***** I had with it is that I spent WAY more time recording tapes than I ever did listening... and I did a lot of listening (before marriage, kids, etc).

I've seen them on CL occasionally for under $500. If you want one, be patient, it will show up. Here's one -

http://wilmington.craigslist.org/ele/2100278586.html

[jcmusic]

Well Frank I would love to have you over to my place so you could listen to my two decks, and try to hear the hiss that pretty much doesn't exist.

Jay

Wouldn't the price range of $500-750 pretty much rule out the machines you have? I was just trying to stay within his price range. Thanks.

Frank

Frank, That price range would rule out the Studer for sure but, I paid $400 for the Otari and put another $300 in it my choice it didn't need it; and now I have two awesome and reliable decks.

Jay

[LarryC]

My Revox A-77 has deeply impressed everyone who has ever heard it, and it's the best sound source I own! I bought it in the mid-1970's for $500, and I believe it would easily get that now.

That's why I brought the later model B-77 to your attention. Just find out if it's in good condition, and if you'd get your money out of it.

Larry

[JL Sargent]

My Ampex RTR will do 15ips. After making many recordings at different tape speeds this is the only speed for me. I would also suggest a machine capable of handling the larger 10" reels. Certainly not for everyone but I do enjoy recording/listening to it.

[CIGARBUM]

Well, I have made up my mind of what I want to get. After much reading and listening to you guys, the winner is the Revox-77. I want to find one that works and I won't have to have any work done on, up here in the mountain sticks that will never happen, so that being said I guess I am correct that the Revox has higher speeds and will take the 10" reels.

Keep your eyes open for me, if you see one that is working, I haven't had real good luck exscept from the forum, on electrical stuff, they it works perfect, when I get it, it don't work at all

Thanks again for all the input,

Happy Holidays to all

Cigarbum

[USNRET]

Here's 1 on agon

AgonRevox

(I Changed browsers to make linky thing)

[Mike Lindsey]

And one on the bay... here's the one you want!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mint-REVOX-STUDER-A77-4-Track-Stereo-taperecorder-/290506505358?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item43a3897c8e

I wonder what this one will go for.

Mike