Studer vs Otari

Which one format sounds better, IEC or NAB, and in what way ? Can Technics play and record both ? I guess, there was a reason why Ralph chose IEC but maybe not only because of sound quality.
I saw a deck somewhere on the internet, I think it was Studer, that had a switch between internal electronics and outboard playback head preamp, so it could be used both ways. I heard that Germans are quite into tape, though there are people everywhere.

Of course, directly off the head. Why do you need three tape head amps ? Just slightly different sound ? I suspected Ralph does these things, he also uses tape.
But I would start by using internal electronics as well. I took a look at ebay, both Orati and Technics can be had from $1k to $2k, condition not quite known and would certainly vary.
Yeah, blank tapes are probably around $50 a piece. I would not need many at once, and it is less expensive than Maxell Vertex cassettes. Still, a lot. That's why I call it a project, it's not just adding one more source component. In fact I would want to rebuild my entire system, and this would be huge. True, I could take it step by step over years but not too slowly or I'll get irritated.

orpheus10, thank you for the link, yes I remember that you have had your Technics for many years.
No, I don't know any open reel decks master technician, but I am sure I would find one. Theoretically, I could even ship to Germany or Switzerland.
Why do I not have one yet ? Sometimes longing is better than having. Is this the case of it ? Only partly. Big expenses - thousands - including tapes. Another source of hesitation - after hearing good master tape dub my turntable will sound like a clock radio by comparison. In addition, I really want to upgrade my Redgum integrated amp to Gryphon integrated within a few years. Again, thousands of dollars and even more of Danish krones. There are also complicated issues of family politics.and whether or not I am willing to finance these projects. I really dislike debts but I also dislike smaller savings. And finally, I cannot choose yet - Studer, Otari or perhaps Technics. My heart says Studer, my head says..Studer. What in me says Otari or Technics then ? Just the wallet, I guess.

Both Studer and Otari have only XLR balanced connections, something that would give me a headache and additional expenses. Neither my phono stage nor my amp has XLRs. Using even the best adapters, like Purist Audio, is not so good, Jensen transformers should be better but still would degrade the sound. I would not have this problem with Technics, it certainly would be the least expensive way to get into this. I would both seek out master dubs and record myself from vinyl, and even from cd player from time to time. Most of the time I listen to compilations with some notable exceptions and I don't enjoy moving the needle every 5-10 minutes.

I don't think Studer plays back quater track pre-recorded tapes but Otari does. Unless of course you have a custom headblock for Studer. Yes, outboard playback head pre-amp. That would be another project. I would probably start this by asking Ralph of Atmashere or Vladimir of Lamm to make me a tube one. Technics is excellent too. I would ship the deck for service if I had to, no problem.