Killer vintage 70's, 80's reel to reel to add to my setup.


Hey everyone. Looking to add a Killer vintage R2R from the 70’s, 80’s to my current analogue setup that includes the Luxman PD444 and Victor TT-101 tables. I like the looks of the 70’s, 80’s but want to hear what you suggest. I’ll tell you right now, I know nothing about R2R and look forward to everyone bringing me up to speed with the basics and deck suggestions. Budget is around $4500. Thanks! Brent

128x128knollbrent

Something to play around with, that would be the proper role of a R2R machine if you did not already have a substantial collection of tapes.  A bit more of a hassle than a cassette machine, nut certainly nicer to look at in operation.

No true audiophile system is complete without a good reel to reel deck. Even if only to make recordings off your vinyl for background listening. There is nothing like tape.

I would get Studer A807 or 810, find a qualified technician to make it sound as it should and be happy. Yeah, that would be at least double the stated budget.

Well, Otari would be my second choice.

You can find a lot of these recommended machines, including Studer A807, 810 and 80 machines on the Reverb site.  They do not sell things for cheap prices, but, they are generally fair.  It is worth window shopping there.

I don't know if I would say that a system is not complete without a good R2R deck.  If one is satisfied playing a relatively small selection of music, and insist on really topnotch performance when playing those few selections, then maybe, a high end machine is justified.  How high?  Why not insist that only an ATR 100 series machine will do?  

Just looked at the ATR 100. Amazing piece of history. But for the look and ability I'm going for, I believe Sony, Technics and Akai are the front runners. I like the looks of the Pioneer but don't see a deck that stacks up to the above mentioned.