I had an Otari 5050-2 some years back but gave it to a friend of mine who started out with me right after the startup of Tape Project. I cut my reel to reel teeth there a learned a great deal. However, I could not afford to become a member at the asking price, but did continue to participate on their website because of all the wonderful people there. Later, I purchased a Tascam 32-2B tape deck due to it's ability to playback 15ips tapes and was switchable (IEC/NAB). More recently, I purchased a Tascam 42B deck which I love. By the way, none of these decks had good sound stock. Their internal electronics was just not good. I had an engineer/electronics tech build an affordable tube tape head pre amp that had to be priced under $1500 dollars. The Otari, as stated earlier, had the ability to play 2 and 4 track tapes at the touch of a switch. I had major (sticky shed) problems as I purchased 7inch tapes off Ebay. I eventually trashed about 30 tapes because of this problem. Neither of my Tascam decks will play 4 track tapes but not to worry, between Dr. Ed Pong (I have 2 of his outstanding tapes) and International Records who produce tapes that are really affordable I am satisfied. I want to purchase more tapes when funds are available. As a matter of fact, I have all but 2 of the tapes from International Records. The Otari as are the Tascam decks are built like tanks. The Tascam 42B has a very heavy and precision tape head block which I like. Both the Taascams were in excellent condition when purchased. The 32-2B was $550 and the 42B was $800. With the new tube tape head pre amp I have not looked back. Just my 2 cents worth 
Thanks for letting me share
Thanks for letting me share
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