What is the best Reel To Reel machine ever built?


Everyone who has listened to master tapes or dubs knows about the well balanced sound they provide. But it is also important to have a fine tape recorder or playing machine to enjoy the tapes' qualities in a good system.
Maybe my question was raised once before but the relevance of the topic is now greater as the tapes are back to more and more audiophile friends, especially those who are owning excellent phono chains.

I have seen many big & professional machines being recently offered and sold on e-bay, Audiogon and other platforms and I am discussing within a small group which machine is really the "holy grail" among the R2Rs. So why not here. I am interested in findings.
thuchan

Hi Brad,

I didn't know you repped GML...I'll have to give you a call within the next few months :-)

Regards,
Sam
Wonderful old post and yet not one of you mentioned Telefuken! They made incredible studio machines, with excellent build quality that ran at 30ips.  

N.
Mark Levinison’s John Curl Modified Studer
30 inches per sec speed
2 inch, two track tape
Huge stand!

Will never be beat!
Heard it play back 2nd generation Levinson Jazz tapes.
No better sound IMO!
I remember levinson building maybe modifying is more accurate a half track 1/4 inch tape deck back in late 79 or 80, but can't remember what is was based on. I remember trying to find one to listen too.  No one had one.
Can't for the life of me remember what it was based on? ReVox or maybe TEAC? I have the brochure somewhere.