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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
scar972's avatar
scar972
225 posts
 
Orpheus10, yes Ive also read that you can determine the year it was made by the 2nd and 3rd number of the serial, 1985 would be 185xxxxx.
The Technics RS-1500 you have is a really nice deck, I twice made attempts to buy but lost out. The only thing missing for me on that deck is the lack of IEC equalization which has become the standard on these master copies.

scar972's avatar
scar972
225 posts
 
jnovak - I know Sony made some nice ones back then but I just haven’t come across many. Studer and Ampex are still regarded as the best out there.

Revox announces a new reel deck due Q1 of 2017!
http://1001hifi.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-new-2017-revox.html?m=1
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Scar972, after I discovered how easy this deck was to work on, I called Panasonic and found that I could get any parts I wanted. The only Ckt boards I've seen of this quality were in industrial equipment; they built this deck to last, and be repaired if it didn't last.

I replaced all the transistors and the capacitors with "Black Gates"; they were expensive and meant to last, but you can't get them anymore. Although I want another deck, I'll never part with this one. I'm not familiar with IEC equalization?

I had a Teac that had a tape position for EE tape, and I really miss that tape. I still have one or two reels left, that are mixed up with the rest of the tapes, and I can no longer tell it by sight, but when I hear it, I know it by sound; it's spectacular. What I didn't know is the fact that you don't have to have a deck with that EE position. I wish I had bought it by the case when it was available.

I'll make sure the next deck has that IEC equalization.


Happy listening.
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

I must be some kind of reel to reel freak; they all look so beautiful that I want everyone I see. Now I understand why some people have so many. For sure, now is the time to buy, and it's going to take the masses forever to catch on and run the prices up.

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfP0u64-xGI


Enjoy the music.
c1ferrari
464 posts
 
Orpheus,

I think prices have already gone up on decks.  Moreover, the prices on tapes -- some of unknown or dubious provenance -- has gone up...unquestionably.
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