Revox Reel to Reel........

[R-2-R]

This question is for all the Revox reel to reel experts out there in AK land:

(4) Four different models of Revox reel to reels:

A77

B77 MKll

B77 MKl

PR99


Which one out of these four is considered the best? Basically what is the main difference between them? Especially Between the B77 MK11 & B77 MK1?

Many "thank you's" in advance to those who respond.

 

[KentTeffeteller]

The B 77 Mk II in a half track Stereo high speed model would be the best or a PR 99 Mk III in same. A note, the last B 77 Mk II units were sold as Studers and the last ones were made in 1996.

 

[bobschneider]

My understanding is that the main operational difference between the B77 and B77 Mk II is that the Mk II had the fine speed control built in, while the original B77 needed an optional external control for fine speed adjustment. I suppose there could have been some minor internal circuit differences as well. But at this point, unless you need the fine speed control, the condition of the deck is going to make a bigger difference than whether or not its a Mk II.

BTW, I have a B77 Mk 1 half track high speed, and can confirm that it's an excellent deck.

 

[GPS16]

This question is for all the Revox reel to reel experts out there in AK land:

(4) Four different models of Revox reel to reels:

A77

B77 MKll

B77 MKl

PR99


Which one out of these four is considered the best? Basically what is the main difference between them? Especially Between the B77 MK11 & B77 MK1?

Many "thank you's" in advance to those who respond.

From what I did when I suped up mine. The control card is different. It is ROM based and not a dedicated IC. There is an enhancement to the high power kick (on the take up motor) you get when it is put into play. The MK1 had only 2 settings (fast/slow). The newer MK2 has 4 settings so it takes into account reel size aswell. The power Supply was different but I don't think that will make much difference. Also some changes to the Audio PCBs. I did some surfing on the usual site!!!! As I am in the UK, I got a replacement front panel, Control PCB, the Varispeed PCB and the reel size switch from Germany. They were installed and the missing wiring added. I now have a MK2pretty much. The capstan motor was cleaned and relubed. The reel motors were removed and new bearings fitted. All electrolytics/Tantalum Beads were replaced. That was how I passed the long winter evenings during 2003/4. Now have a cracker of a machine. 3 3/4 - 7 1/2 speed 4 track machine. It took over from a RT707 which I have had from leaving school back in 1979. The heads on that are shot and now one of the brake bands has snapped. The PR99 seems to be the professional version which may need to be on a studio desk (if it has no meters).

Hope this helps.

 

[LAB3]

A older gentleman in the UK I purchase German tape from said a 2 track machine made better recordings and to try to find a B model that was a 2 track 15 ips. My 1975 model A-77 Mk IV Dolby 4 track 7 1/2 and 3 3/4 does Ok for me. It was my Dad's so I am a 60 year old novice at R2R as I have a thread about German tape and a list going on what tape to avoid on these machines.

 

[GPS16]

A older gentleman in the UK I purchase German tape from said a 2 track machine made better recordings and to try to find a B model that was a 2 track 15 ips. My 1975 model A-77 Mk IV Dolby 4 track 7 1/2 and 3 3/4 does Ok for me. It was my Dad's so I am a 60 year old novice at R2R as I have a thread about German tape and a list going on what tape to avoid on these machines.

I wanted a 4 track 3 3/4 - 7 1/2 speed machine to take over from the RT707 as said before. A 2 track machine does give better recordings as the tracks are twice as wide. The noise floor is much reduced on the quiet bits. I would say that 15 IPS is really for the 2 track machines as it is difficult for a 4 track machine to do it justice. Later on I aquired a 2 track A700 which does all 3 speeds. It is a 2 track machine and when you look at the gizzards of that machine...... My!! It is a beast!!!! What ever you play on that it is a privilege to be listened to!!! If I can find another one, I would like to get a 4 track version but they are like rocking horse p**!!

For tape I mostly use Maxell XLI, Basf LPR35 and Basf 911. I have mostly the Maxell so I have set up the machines for that. The others are not too far away.

Have fun.

GPS16

 

[Tinman]

GPS16,

You CAN just add a 4 track head to the A700. The hole for the switch and mount for the extra head are already there.

Or..... find a spare 4 track head stack, since it unplugs.

Marc

 

[LAB3]

GPS16,

You CAN just add a 4 track head to the A700. The hole for the switch and mount for the extra head are already there.

Or..... find a spare 4 track head stack, since it unplugs.

Marc

Marc
Will he have to align the heads then? I was reading about a "Tone" tape for Azimuth head alignment. I was looking for one and they are hard to find and expensive for R2R machines. I wanted to Bias my Revox to Maxell UD tape. I can purchase it over here for a lot less $$ than ordering German tape from the UK.
Louis

 

[KentTeffeteller]

And if you like the A 700, you'll love it's big brother the Studer B 62 even better. The B 62 has better electronics. Both share the same transport. Few A 700 decks were sold, it cost much more money new than a A 77.

 

[Tinman]

Marc
Will he have to align the heads then? I was reading about a "Tone" tape for Azimuth head alignment. I was looking for one and they are hard to find and expensive for R2R machines. I wanted to Bias my Revox to Maxell UD tape. I can purchase it over here for a lot less $$ than ordering German tape from the UK.
Louis

I took a complete head with it's alignment base out of a spare B77 head assembly and just screwed it to the A700.
Then you add a toggle switch where the hole is (for the switch) and wire it up. In my case, after checking alignment on the 4 track head, it didn't need it. Surprise! Talk about exact tolerances!

In any case, it'll be very close as-is. Since it's a playback head only, you could earball it with a known tape if no scope or alignment tape is available.

I have made alignment tapes with my Studer A810 in the past. I use the full track headblock to do this, and a good day of getting it set up perfectly. Not MRL, but works just as well. ( I have MRL tapes as a reference )

AND I can run 4 speeds! 3 3/4 to 30ips.

Marc

 

[GPS16]

GPS16,

You CAN just add a 4 track head to the A700. The hole for the switch and mount for the extra head are already there.

Or..... find a spare 4 track head stack, since it unplugs.

Marc

Thanks for the information. I would like to get a fully functioning 4 track version as the renovation/refurb is my hobby. From what you said the extra head would mean replay only. I feel that the electronics in the A700 is better than the B77 as it is closer to a Studer B67. I wonder how many domestic machines mix the bias onto the audio with a Ferrite transformer!!!! If I could get another one and refurb it to a 4 Track I would be a well happy bunny!!!

A spare 4 track head block has been considered but I am aware of the calibration which would be required following a swap. A compromise but at the end of the day it will not do.

I do use the machine alot. I tend to tape from the radio and also if I have any vinyl which gets played alot, that will be taped to preserve the LP. If a play is recorded 4track OK. A decent concert and the 2 track comes out!!!!

As you can tell.... I am no stranger to a glass or two of wine and some munchies whilst having a nice listen!!!

Thanks for the info.

GPS16

 

[LAB3]

Thanks for the information. I would like to get a fully functioning 4 track version as the renovation/refurb is my hobby. From what you said the extra head would mean replay only. I feel that the electronics in the A700 is better than the B77 as it is closer to a Studer B67. I wonder how many domestic machines mix the bias onto the audio with a Ferrite transformer!!!! If I could get another one and refurb it to a 4 Track I would be a well happy bunny!!!

A spare 4 track head block has been considered but I am aware of the calibration which would be required following a swap. A compromise but at the end of the day it will not do.

I do use the machine alot. I tend to tape from the radio and also if I have any vinyl which gets played alot, that will be taped to preserve the LP. If a play is recorded 4track OK. A decent concert and the 2 track comes out!!!!

As you can tell.... I am no stranger to a glass or two of wine and some munchies whilst having a nice listen!!!

Thanks for the info.

GPS16

Why a 4 track? If 2 track records better. More songs on both sides of Tape?

I have a 4 track and was told the 2 is cleaner..................as the A-77 4 track I have is the only 10" R2R I have ever listened to. So all is just what I read.
Got the two 7" Akai really cheep to play back 70 or so 50 year 7" tape late parents made. Still learning Pop's old Revox.

 

[Wilburchubs]

It took over from a RT707 which I have had from leaving school back in 1979. The heads on that are shot and now one of the brake bands has snapped. The PR99 seems to be the professional version which may need to be on a studio desk (if it has no meters).

Hope this helps.

Sorry to hijack the thread,but if you ever consider breaking the rt707 for parts...Im in the UK and have 2 of these,a spares machine would be very handy

 

[GPS16]

Sorry to hijack the thread,but if you ever consider breaking the rt707 for parts...Im in the UK and have 2 of these,a spares machine would be very handy

Which parts did you have in mind?
Where in the UK are you?

GPS16
In sunny Manchester!!!

 

[steerpike2]

The B77 Mk2 is different in the 'edit' lever too; the magnetic head shield closes in edit mode on the Mk1, and stays open on the Mk2.

 

[Wilburchubs]

Could do with a pair of meters,mine are ok,but have been faded by sun on 1 machine..bit picky i knowGet to Manchester quite a bit,from Sunderland myself.
Thanks!