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Is there an 'Audiophile' Reel-to-Reel Machine for Under $1,000?

I inherited my dad's home made reel-to-reel tapes and would like to start trying one or two or so of today's 'audiophile' tapes or 'high end' tapes at home.

I currently listen to records - mainly UK and USA classic rock, pop, reggae, electronica, folk and movie and TV sound tracks. 

Is there an obvious 'audiophile' reel-to-reel machine(s) to consider for under $1,000?   Thank you in advance for your thoughts!

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tomic601
13,111 posts
 

The speed / format ( track ) question as mentioned only once above is KEY…

The venerable Revox A-77 was good enough for The Band and Bob Dylan… 

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superhonestben
209 posts
 

I have had Teac, akai, Revox, pioneer. Currently have Akai and revox.

look for the smaller Akais.  they sound very good, revox sounds very good, so does pioneer, heard Sony is nice, Teacs to me sound mediocre, well built but to my ears Akai and Revox sound much better, Revox will be more $$ too.

inna
7,625 posts
 

Revox in good condition will be over $1k.

westcoastaudiophile
393 posts
 

Would recommend Akai GX-4000D, which is smaller tapes machine.. in good condition, maintained, it will run for years w/o issues! 

dynacohum
666 posts
 

I have used Pioneer, Sony, and Revox machines, and all were excellent, (and the Revoxes were not better than the others). These were all 10.5” reel machines.  The Technics direct drive models have an excellent reputation too. I doubt any of these will be under a $G though.

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