General Asylum: REVIEW: Revox A77 Tapedeck by stereophile mark@pinballsareus@aol.com

Model:	A77
Category:	Tapedeck
Suggested Retail Price:	Originally $499.00 U.S.
Description:	Reel-to-reel tape recorder
Manufacturer URL:	Revox
Model Picture:	View

Review by stereophile mark@pinballsareus@aol.com ( A ) on January 11, 2004 at 19:35:41
IP Address: 205.188.209.77

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for the A77

I Just purchased a revox A77 mark 4 reciently, it wasn't working due to the fact the machine had not been in operation for several years.Major cleaning, lubrication and adjustment was required. I Always dreamed of owning a revox, because my father back in england had one. He had the G36,
which he had aquired through a gentleman that had brought it into my fathers shop for repair and decided it wasn't worth fixing. I Myself have used numerous reel to reel machines, but however have never come across a better sounding, convenient to use machine as the revox A77. When it is in operation it is exceptionally quiet, which i like, theres nothing like a quiet piece of machinery while you are listening to a nice piece of music.
Its also nice to see revox stuck to the basics in its frontal design, i dislike very much when the front of reel to reel is taken up by gaping great vu meters. I Have used studer decks before in my recording studio days, they always proved to be superior to anything else around, they are like the rolex of reel to reel.
During my review of the A77 i recorded a series of recordings, i found that no matter the content of music the revox performed beautifully in every aspect. I Used several different hifi sets to accomplish this, I even ran it through some cheap marantz stuff and it sounded great. Its just one of those units that you can hookup to anything and it sounds good.
I Won't bore you with specifications as any good audiophile knows them anyway, i would like to sum up the review by saying that the Revox A77
is by far one of the best reel to reel decks ive ever had the pleasure of using/owning so far. So if you are a die hard open reel man like myself
don't waste your time GET A REVOX!!!!

Product Weakness: Like any open reel deck it requires regular Maintenance, this might be annoying to some, but not for me. Changing the reels can also get painstaking, but if you are not up for this buy a cd player/recorder.
Product Strengths: Beautifull design, easy to use, all parts still available, convenient size (not a tank, like some machines). An icon in the world of stereophonic design.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	mcintosh 240, mc7270, marantz 2500
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Mac C24, harman Kardan citation 1 and hafler preamp
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	lynn sondeck, luxman cd, macintosh reciever
Speakers:	Tannoy Churchhills, bose 901 series 2 , wharfedale dovedales 1960's model
Cables/Interconnects:	monstercables
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, mozart, liberace, rock ,World beat, R&B , Opera and my favourite Stan Getz
Room Size (LxWxH):	20' x 17' x 10'
Room Comments/Treatments:	Hardwood floors, plaster walls, area rug and minimal furniture, mainly only hifi housing furniture and a t.v Amazing room for acoustics.
Time Period/Length of Audition:	5 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	LG Surge protector plus
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	bryston.4b preamp bryston 4b poweramp klipch Tangents B&W DM110 too much other stuff to list.

Product Weakness:	Like any open reel deck it requires regular Maintenance, this might be annoying to some, but not for me. Changing the reels can also get painstaking, but if you are not up for this buy a cd player/recorder.
Product Strengths:	Beautifull design, easy to use, all parts still available, convenient size (not a tank, like some machines). An icon in the world of stereophonic design.