Need Some suggestion in choosing suitable Reel to Reel : Revox,Philips ?

[liemjerry]

Hello friendly friends,

Need some suggestion, advise in choosing 1 of three Reel to Reel Deck Machine for first experience in R2R Deck..

1. Revox A77 MK IV (A77 MK4)
thete's no reel bobin include, Power cable not original one, just machine in wood case, very good cosmetic and functionality condition, no issues. Price USD570

2. Philips N4520
comes with 2 reel bobin (quantegy 456, and ampex reel), 2 NAB, cosmetic condition and functionality is ok, no issues. Price USD715

3. Revox PR99 MK1
Very beautiful condition and functionality. Comes with unit, original AC Powercord(1), Original AES/EBU cable connector from Revox to RCA (2), Reel Bobin no brand (2), NAB adapter (2), some 2 track tapes
pre-recording (home recording, jazz). Very pristine condition. Price USD929

I want some suggestion, advise which is better for me that is newbie in reel to reel/open reel deck and wants to be seriously knowing, learing this machine ?

Which one have good market price if I sell this machine to upgrade to another model?

Which one have easiest maintenance, many parts on ebay, etc..good community to learn for ?

Which one have more durability ?

Which one have the best sounding output ?

Many thanks for all the suggestion

 

[4-2-7]

Well first off we might need to move this thread to Dollars and Sense to talk about prices and new listings.
And you being in Indonesia we would not be able to search around your location for deals.

Revox is a very well established company in the open reel world and would have the most parts and serviceability.

3. Revox PR99 MK1
Very beautiful condition and functionality. Comes with unit, original AC Powercord(1), Original AES/EBU cable connector from Revox to RCA (2), Reel Bobin no brand (2), NAB adapter (2), some 2 track tapes
pre-recording (home recording, jazz). Very pristine condition. Price USD929

This would be my choice out of what you posted.

You might also want to look at Otari MX5050 BIII 2, or Otari MX5050 BII 2.
These decks where used a lot in home, studios, schools, radio stations and there is just a huge number of them out there and for good reason.
Here is a Youtube search link for Otari MX5050, I skipped sub model numbers just so you can see they used this base deck in many many configurations. It was like they could build it to what you wanted, you'll see 8 tracks, 4 & 2 track, 1/2" & 1/4" tape, all speeds from 3 3/4 to 15 ips.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Otari+MX5050

 

[liemjerry]

Well first off we might need to move this thread to Dollars and Sense to talk about prices and new listings.
And you being in Indonesia we would not be able to search around your location for deals.

Revox is a very well established company in the open reel world and would have the most parts and serviceability.


This would be my choice out of what you posted.

You might also want to look at Otari MX5050 BIII 2, or Otari MX5050 BII 2.
These decks where used a lot in home, studios, schools, radio stations and there is just a huge number of them out there and for good reason.
Here is a Youtube search link for Otari MX5050, I skipped sub model numbers just so you can see they used this base deck in many many configurations. It was like they could build it to what you wanted, you'll see 8 tracks, 4 & 2 track, 1/2" & 1/4" tape, all speeds from 3 3/4 to 15 ips.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Otari+MX5050

Thank you and sorry for posting on wrong subforum

Ok, My choice (now) is limited into 3 option above, so by your advise, I am concerning to Revox PR99 MK1, this will be my first priority, can you explain the advantage of PR99 MK1 especially?

I plan to use for home recording, record from CD, Vinyl into R2R, using the music / songs I like and about sound quality, will The PR99 MK1 be the winner of all? even VS Otari ?

Thank you

 

[4-2-7]

Thank you and sorry for posting on wrong subforum

It's the right forum if we don't talk about things for sale.

The PR99 MK1 be the winner of all? even VS Otari ?

I don't know about the PR99 MK1 that much but it's a very nice deck.
IMHO I Think the Otari Serviceability, Modifications that can be done, and the versatility of it being a professional deck more than a home unit out weighs the PR99 MK1. There is a reason there is so many, there is a reason the aftermarket supports it, there is a reason they get turned into high end decks to play the best prerecorded tapes available. Sure it's not a flashy silver face, that's because it's a professional tool to do a job and do it right for a long time without costly repairs. The best I can explain it, it's a work horse, that can be modded and grown into for not much money.

Here read this
https://tapeproject.com/machines/

 

[liemjerry]

It's the right forum if we don't talk about things for sale.


I don't know about the PR99 MK1 that much but it's a very nice deck.
IMHO I Think the Otari Serviceability, Modifications that can be done, and the versatility of it being a professional deck more than a home unit out weighs the PR99 MK1. There is a reason there is so many, there is a reason the aftermarket supports it, there is a reason they get turned into high end decks to play the best prerecorded tapes available. Sure it's not a flashy silver face, that's because it's a professional tool to do a job and do it right for a long time without costly repairs. The best I can explain it, it's a work horse, that can be modded and grown into for not much money.

Here read this
https://tapeproject.com/machines/

Need review/little review anyone who use Revox PR99 MK-1..
maybe anybody use here..?

I know, Otari is 1 of most admired R2R Recorder/deck brand..but unfortunately, there's no offer now, so I'd better skip for a while

 

[blhagstrom]

A) Do you know how to maintain a tape deck and or know a qualified service person?

B) If A is no, buy the one that works the best at this time and start learning how to maintain them and or service them.

C) If B is difficult or impossible, don’t buy a tape deck.

 

[liemjerry]

A) Do you know how to maintain a tape deck and or know a qualified service person?

B) If A is no, buy the one that works the best at this time and start learning how to maintain them and or service them.

C) If B is difficult or impossible, don’t buy a tape deck.

A) Yes, I have qualified Service Technician for Reel to Reel Recorder Deck here

 

[jlb2]

In addition to blhagstrom's excellent remarks, Let's not forget to take into account the supply of spare parts. For example, an Otari in Europe is a big no-no because of the impossibility to find parts. I don't know the situation in San Francisco but I am very pessimistic re. Indonesia. OTOH a Revox (at least the A77, B77 and PR99) is a comparatively safe bet: they were used by the thousands by amateurs and professionals alike, used (for the most part) standard components that are still available, and the official Revox network is still active and selling parts. Since you have a qualified service technician, it would be a very good idea to ask him.

Another important point, that you haven't mentioned, is what you plan to do with this deck, and with what other equipment you will interconnect it. You don't necessarily want to have a very expensive recorder if you only have an occasional need for it, and playing prerecorded/archive tapes calls for a machine that can play the same speed, track layout and equalization, not necessarily the best machine around. And then there is the question of the tape budget...

 

[liemjerry]

In addition to blhagstrom's excellent remarks, Let's not forget to take into account the supply of spare parts. For example, an Otari in Europe is a big no-no because of the impossibility to find parts. I don't know the situation in San Francisco but I am very pessimistic re. Indonesia. OTOH a Revox (at least the A77, B77 and PR99) is a comparatively safe bet: they were used by the thousands by amateurs and professionals alike, used (for the most part) standard components that are still available, and the official Revox network is still active and selling parts. Since you have a qualified service technician, it would be a very good idea to ask him.

Another important point, that you haven't mentioned, is what you plan to do with this deck, and with what other equipment you will interconnect it. You don't necessarily want to have a very expensive recorder if you only have an occasional need for it, and playing prerecorded/archive tapes calls for a machine that can play the same speed, track layout and equalization, not necessarily the best machine around. And then there is the question of the tape budget...

Yes, I have friend and also he is electronic technician that quite qualified and take an attention for servicing vintage audio such as Reel to Reel machine, he is also have skill in some brands..I don't know but Revox is familiar for him.
For parts, we are in Indonesia usually find on Ebay, such that is reference for quite good quality in replacing any parts for vintage audio.

A few months ago, I visited to my audio friend, and He was playing songs from Nat King Cole on his reel to reel tape and I was so amaze about the sound quality, he use 2 track machine and playing will until today.
We were talking so many things about reel to reel/open reel deck, especially about sound quality, 2 track, 4 track, and so on..

well said...so many conversation so I decide to buy one of R2R, 2 track if any for recording from my Vinyl / CD to this reel to reel tape and enjoy everyday, especially the favourite jazz artist/music cames from 70-80-90 era. The use of this deck is for my private listening, connecting my existing audio system, not for professional use.
Since my friend also told me that 2 track tapes is rarely to find, different from 4 track tapes that I can buy easily on Ebay for instance. So, when collect 2 track R2R, we must invest 2 track tapes first..so we can record again and again on several tapes, because we musn't erase previous recording when we want to record new song on it..

so that's my need and purpose, and I am interest now with Revox PR99 MK1..like I said above

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Thing to know about the ReVox machines. PR 99 is 1/2 track Stereo only, either 3 3/4-7 1/2 IPS or 7 1/2 IPS-15 IPS. Most pre-recorded tapes are not this format. Also, balanced in/out. This machine was designed for broadcast station use. Especially tape based automation systems. A 77 Mk IV is available in 1/4 track or 1/2 track Stereo, low or high speed. For most pre-recorded tapes, you need slow speed, 1/4 track Stereo. Philips I do not recommend. Much scarcer parts, rubber belts which turn to goo, too plasticky build.

 

[biscuithead]

Thing to know about the ReVox machines. PR 99 is 1/2 track Stereo only, either 3 3/4-7 1/2 IPS or 7 1/2 IPS-15 IPS. Most pre-recorded tapes are not this format. Also, balanced in/out. This machine was designed for broadcast station use. Especially tape based automation systems. A 77 Mk IV is available in 1/4 track or 1/2 track Stereo, low or high speed. For most pre-recorded tapes, you need slow speed, 1/4 track Stereo. Philips I do not recommend. Much scarcer parts, rubber belts which turn to goo, too plasticky build.

I have a 1/2 track Otari. What is the most common use for 1/2 track? I’m a tape newbie

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Most common uses for 1/2 track Stereo. Broadcasting use in radio/TV. Recording studio mixdown master use. Better signal to noise ratios are why, not to mention ease of tape editing. Also used by demanding home users who want higher signal to noise ratios and easier editing.

 

[liemjerry]

Thing to know about the ReVox machines. PR 99 is 1/2 track Stereo only, either 3 3/4-7 1/2 IPS or 7 1/2 IPS-15 IPS. Most pre-recorded tapes are not this format. Also, balanced in/out. This machine was designed for broadcast station use. Especially tape based automation systems. A 77 Mk IV is available in 1/4 track or 1/2 track Stereo, low or high speed. For most pre-recorded tapes, you need slow speed, 1/4 track Stereo. Philips I do not recommend. Much scarcer parts, rubber belts which turn to goo, too plasticky build.

Is that 1/2 track Stereo has the same meaning as 2 track ?

 

[liemjerry]

Most common uses for 1/2 track Stereo. Broadcasting use in radio/TV. Recording studio mixdown master use. Better signal to noise ratios are why, not to mention ease of tape editing. Also used by demanding home users who want higher signal to noise ratios and easier editing.

for easier editing and sound quality, would you choose 2 track RTR ?

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Is that 1/2 track Stereo has the same meaning as 2 track ?

It is. I use and prefer 1/2 track Stereo but have a machine with a 1/4 track playback head also.