Approachable Reel-to-Reel deck

[amirm]

Hi guys.

I am contemplating getting an entry level R2R deck. This will be going into our showroom so can't be the big studio jobs like Studer and such. Ideally it would be something we could mount in our racks and one that would look cool just sitting there . My idea of cool looking is a deck like this Technics which I used to lust after when I was going to college:

What do you suggest? One of the consumer decks like above?

I should note that I used to repair these things in the 1980s so working on them is not an issue. But do need to be able to find one reasonably easy on ebay and such rather than waiting to find one in some remote part of the world .

Appreciate any advice.

 

[Steve williams]

Hi guys.

I am contemplating getting an entry level R2R deck. This will be going into our showroom so can't be the big studio jobs like Studer and such. Ideally it would be something we could mount in our racks and one that would look cool just sitting there . My idea of cool looking is a deck like this Technics which I used to lust after when I was going to college:

What do you suggest? One of the consumer decks like above?

I should note that I used to repair these things in the 1980s so working on them is not an issue. But do need to be able to find one reasonably easy on ebay and such rather than waiting to find one in some remote part of the world .

Appreciate any advice.

Amir

there are many R2R's listed now on ebay. My only concern is whether the unit you buy is functional or needs repair. The Technics is a good one as is Akai, Tandberg, Revox etc

Once again you have a great resource in your neck of the woods with DocB from Bottlehead and the Tape Project. Any machine that you buy from Dan you be sure will be operational and you will also get it CCIR eq'd

 

[Doc B.]

Amir

there are many R2R's listed now on ebay. My only concern is whether the unit you buy is functional or needs repair. The Technics is a good one as is Akai, Tandberg, Revox etc

Once again you have a great resource in your neck of the woods with DocB from Bottlehead and the Tape Project. Any machine that you buy from Dan you be sure will be operational and you will also get it CCIR eq'd

Thanks much for the plug, Steve. Amir, I'll mention that Jeff Jacobs of J-Corder is nearby as well. PM me and I'll be happy to offer whatever assistance I can.

 

[microstrip]

I should note that I used to repair these things in the 1980s so working on them is not an issue.

It is a pity you do not have space for a Studer A80. I am restoring two A80's (very slowly...) and it is a wonderful machine to service. With an A80 you will be able to replace all wearable parts in the next 20 years, even electronics - e.g. just discrete transistors and 74SL family ICs in modular cards, no fancy microprocessors.

 

[Bruce B]

If you want something rack mounted, I'd suggest a Studer A810. You know you want a Studer... there is no substitute!

If you settle for a Technics, make sure you get one that is not "all show" with "no go"!

 

[amirm]

If you want something rack mounted, I'd suggest a Studer A810. You know you want a Studer... there is no substitute!

Funny you should say that. I go to my chief designer who has a recording studio on the side with the idea of R2R and he tells me he has Studer A-80 RC in storage which he spent $10K refurbishing! How is the A-80? I worry that it looks too industrial to put in our showroom but let me know how you think it compares to the Technics.

If you rack mount the 810, do you need extra room for the spooks? Unfortunately our rack has walls on the sides so we can't accommodate anything going past it. So with the Technics I am thinking of a stand-alone table.

If you settle for a Technics, make sure you get one that is not "all show" with "no go"!

Gotcha!

 

[amirm]

Oops, didn't see microstrip's post. So what is the consensus? If average audiophile walked into the store who is not one of you, would the A80 impress him as well as the Technics. Yes, this is a place of business first, and hobby second .

 

[Ki Choi]

Here's what you need...only few miles away...ready to sing...looking pretty...

Ki

 

[amirm]

Oh, it is the gold one! Tempting. Tempting!!!

Ki, pls send me a PM with the details....

 

[Bruce B]

Oh, it is the gold one! Tempting. Tempting!!!

Ki, pls send me a PM with the details....

If this one belongs to Ki, you better jump on it!

 

[Ki Choi]

Hi Amir:

PM sent. Actually it is in Camero Yellow finish. According to Jeff at J-Corder, it is one of two he made and only one with blonde wood sides.

Thanks Bruce for your vote of confidence!

Ki

 

[c1ferrari]

If you want something rack mounted, I'd suggest a Studer A810. You know you want a Studer... there is no substitute!

Ha! Go on with your bad self, Bruce!!

 

[c1ferrari]

Hi Amir:

PM sent. Actually it is in Camero Yellow finish. According to Jeff at J-Corder, it is one of two he made and only one with blonde wood sides.

Hey, where are the stripes?? Hey, Ki...how're you doin'?

 

[R-2-R]

R-2-R for display....

The Technics RS-1500 model(s) are an excellent choice for a displayed reel to reel as long as you also could find the matching reels for it? But I wouldn't put a customize model, over-kill on the looks (just my opinion here). Might I also suggest the Tandberg TD20A SE reel to reel, which would also make an excellent displayed model also with its matching reels? If both of these are unobtainable, then I would try the (black) TEAC X-2000R with its matching reels (which seem easier to find)? All three of these decks are eye-catching when "fully loaded" (kind of like the covers of Playboy magazines!). Just about any reel to reel with its original reels on display makes it look appealling to the consumer that is why when the advertiser would show pictures of them they were always complete with their matching reels. Keep us posted and lets us know what your choice is. Just my half-cents here.

Orlando,

 

[Mike Lavigne]

Amir,

when you come over to listen to my 3 tt's , you can also listen to RTR. i have a totally stock Technics RS-1500 (purchased 3+ years ago from Jeff before he was J-Corder) that we can compare to the big Studer and to my vinyl to get a context of performance.

a properly operating but still stock RTR deck like an RS-1500 does have quite good relative performance for the dollar compared to almost anything assuming you have some decent tapes to use. pre-recorded 7 and 1/2 ips 4-track tapes are (relatively) cheap and availible; although their perormance is all over the board. Tape Project tapes (15ips 1/4" 2-track) will sound very good even with an un-tweaked deck, although they are spendy.

of course; a deck with tape path mods as well as improved output electronics will be incremetically better yet.

in any case, you know you need analog!!!

 

[amirm]

in any case, you know you need analog!!!

Funny you should say that. No sooner than I mention getting a tape deck for the showroom and my main sales guy says, "how about carrying turntables!" Here we have a company called "Madrona Digital" and before we even open, we are talking about doing so much analog!

Mike, I love to take you up on the offer of learning the ins and outs. I will PM you and see what works out as far as getting together. Much appreciate the advice everyone. Next job after picking the deck would be getting a few demo quality tapes!

 

[Steve williams]

getting a few demo quality tapes!

It's called The Tape Project and call Bruce Brown. Both neighbors of yours

 

[c1ferrari]

Funny you should say that. No sooner than I mention getting a tape deck for the showroom and my main sales guy says, "how about carrying turntables!" Here we have a company called "Madrona Digital" and before we even open, we are talking about doing so much analog!

amir,

I just checked out your website...WOW!

 

[amirm]

amir,

I just checked out your website...WOW!

Wow in a good way or bad way???

 

[c1ferrari]

Wow in a good way or bad way???

Wow in a GREATway