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Reel to Reel tape decks


Reel to reel tape decks; I recall going with my wife, in the early 70's, in search for a new washer and dryer. This was when "Tipton", a major appliance store sold everything, including reel to reel tape decks. They were just flat out beautiful; I could picture one in my luxurious listen room done up in mahogany; tables, chairs, woodwork, everything. (in my dreams)

            http://www.theverge.com/2015/10/5/9409563/reel-to-reel-tape-retro-audio-trend


As a matter of fact, there was a Pioneer deck just like the one you see pictured on this link, at that time; presently I have a Technics 2track RS 1500.

I noticed they mentioned a Teac X-2000R. Sorry folks, I don't recommend that one. I bought mine new, and it lasted for a good while, but it was not repair friendly. Even if you get a new deck, it has to be repair friendly; it's not like the old days when you could find a tech to put your specs back in harmony.

I also owned an Akai; it took months to get parts when it was new. How long do you think it would take now?

Technics people were a dream to work with; after I bought my used reel, I called them for new parts, no problem; I bought everything I could replace, that's why mine is still up to snuff. Plus it's repair friendly; I worked on mine a time or two. I'm a tech, not specifically a reel tech, but I do have the repair manual.

Inna, you evidently did your homework; I wouldn't consider anything other than a 2 track, Otari, or Technics like the one in the picture, and Studer with out a doubt, but if you can not get it repaired don't buy it, what ever it is.

That Tascam sure looks pretty; I would buy it new, if the price was right. That $200, pre recorded tape is no good if your machine is not 100% up to specs.

You can record, and playback on your own machine, and get results that are 100% good, but you're taking a chance when you get outside tape that's prerecorded.

For sure, a reel to reel can top any turntable; good luck, have fun; and as I always say;


Enjoy the music.




orpheus10

Showing 2 responses by topoxforddoc

topoxforddoc's avatar
topoxforddoc
353 posts
 
I play my R2R deck more than my vinyl front end (Platine Verdier Schroeder Model2/Allaerts MC1B & Hadcock 228 Decca C4E fed into a TRON Seven Reference Phono Stage).

I have three 2 track 1/4 inch machines - 2 x Sony APR 5000 machines (an APR5003v and an APR5002) plus a Studer A807/II - all 15 IPS capable. I have about 45-50 15IPS "master tapes" - some original distribution masters, some proper studio safety masters, some Tape Project and some other carefully selected "safety copies" purchased from Florida.

It's very hard going back from R2R masters to vinyl, even when my record player is pretty high end. It's just rather expensive :)
topoxforddoc's avatar
topoxforddoc
353 posts
 
There are 2 manufacturers of new R2R tape - ATR and RMG/Pyral (now known as Recording the Masters RTM). A new US tape made by Capture has been mooted as well.

Essentially, the ATR tapes are similar to the old Ampex and Quantegy, whilst the RTM are the old Agfa PEM468, BASF SM911 and SM900 tape formulations (with long play variants LPR35 and LPR90 respectively for the SM911 and 900). I use the RTM tapes all the time (LPR35, SM911 and SM900); I have not had any SSS problems and the quality has been excellent.

If you are in the US, you may find that ATR is cheaper. However, I have heard reports of occasional SSS, although I have not experienced this myself.
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