Reel to Reel Tape Decks

Where's Albert P? I see he is/was working on a reel to reel project.

Try this site: http://www.angelfire.com/electronic2/vintagetx/

The fellow who runs it is very helpful.

Robert

So wha' kinda baby toy you'd like?
Something that plays 1/4" stereo(4trk) with two heads and two sides or something professional 1/2" or even 1" that plays only on one side?
The thicker the tape and the less tracks the better the recording and playback quality is.
If you want a true high-end one, you should take 2trk(one-way stereo) with 1" tapes...

Thanks for all the responses so far.

Marakanetz, I had planned on a pro or semi-pro 1/2" 15ips capable deck. I like the idea of a Nagra IV-S (or similarly-sized Stellavox) because of its size. I like the idea of an Otari MX5050 for its flexibility. I like the idea of one of the semi-pro Studer A/B77s because they are cheaper. I want to experiment with a truly high quality deck but probably want to start at the less expensive end of the spectrum.

I must admit, I did not know one could buy 1" tape decks. If possible, please give me a guide of where to start digging up info on these.

Thanks, T_Bone

Otaris are very good RR machines and 1/2" 2trk(one-way stereo) will be great enough for recording and playback.

Nowdays they're all vintage "toys" replaced by much more versatile digital hard disk units such as Alesis.

As to 1" machines you can also find them among Otari but they are too large and getting the bobins for such machine will definitely be a hassle while 1/2" you can still find in music stores such as Sam Ash Agfa or Basf.

The latest Otari is MX5050-BIII which comes either 1/2" or 1/4" 1, 2, 4 and multi-track.