Tape Trail

Best sounding R2R decks, not expensive ones

99.18.130.185

oldglide

I'm not sure whether or not this subject has been discussed before. Of all the normal use consumer R2R machines, Teac, Sony, Akai and all their OEM family members, which ones sound the best? Rules: An original retail of less than $500-$600, no machines using 10" reels, no recording at 15 ips. unless they fall into the price category. Assumption: All have been properly aligned, both mechanical and electrical. Thanks in advance.

Follow Ups:

Ampex A or F series - michael22 18:32:52 04/15/12 (0)
IMO nothing comes remotely close to the tube Ampex consumer decks: the A series (A-121 etc), the 960, 1260, and the F series (F-4400 etc). The mechanics on these units are iffy at best and they will likely need some TLC to work properly but they're available cheap and many early models will play both 2-track and 4-track tapes. The tube electronics are superlative. Another alternative is the 600 series, like the 601-2. A bit pricier, but the mechanics are more robust than the A series.
RE: Best sounding R2R decks, not expensive ones - mcgjohn@yahoo.com 10:37:20 04/10/12 (0)
before posting such a comment, it may be worthwhile to explain the rationale or logic in your thinking on imposing a cap of 500-600 dollars new retail and limiting it to 7 inch machines. Offering this added info may help others provide you with a relative answer.

There are likely some 7 inch machines that would fit that ticket, but keep in mind many of the higher end 7 inch machines also exceeded your imposed new price point.
Teac 2300 series - Dave Pogue 05:08:36 04/06/12 (0)
I have the A2300SD (Dolby) model. A really nice sounding deck for the money although it won't touch my Otari.
RE: Best sounding R2R decks, not expensive ones - grhughes 17:27:43 04/05/12 (0)
The Ampex F44, The Tandberg 64X both tube electronics, The Uher 4200 and 4400 (the discreet silicon transistor model before IC model) take only 5 inch reels but parts are getting hard to find. Ray
"The gift of imagination is a gift of the Gods imparted to a few who receive innumerable kicks in the a$$ their entire life." Le Corbusier (Charles-Édouard Jeanneret)

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