Most PRACTICAL, yet good sounding REEL to REEL ???


I occasionally find pre-recorded reel to reel tapes in my local thrift stores and garage sales and am thinking it's crazy not to pass them up.

So what I'd like to know is - What deck would you experienced R to R'ers recommend as:
1. Reliable
2. Good to excellent sonically
3. Not too pricey, as this is only experimental for now
4. Still repairable locally when need be

(Pretty much in that order of importance.)

I assume that a Teac would likely top this list for combined score on all three, but know zilch about which models, etc. Any comments would be appreciated.
opalchip

Showing 1 response by kftool

Johnnyb53.

Your interest in a reel to reel machine can lead you to some of the best sound you will ever glean from the audio spectrum.

Albert is right on regarding the Technics machine-- if you can find one.

I was lucky; bought a 1500 machine for $600, the asking price, 3 hours after it was listed on Audiogon. $120 shipping from Utah and the unit was pristine. 2 weeks later another showed up on Audiogon for $600. I saw it at 6 am, a few hours after it had been listed. I bought it without realizing that it was to be shipped from Mexico. The shipping cost was almost equal to the purchase price.

When you decide to go reel to reel you need a back up. I have no regreats. I bought them both because of The Tape Project.

Purchasing the Technics VS1500 machine doesn't grant you a path to audio nirvana, there are costs to upgrade to present standards. Not necesary unless you get crazy about audio. Check the posting for Albert Porter, and see what the love of music can do to you.

Relax, Listen, and enjoy the evening. Ken