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Vintage Tape (Audio), Cassette, Wire and Magnetic Disc Recorders and Players Open-reel tape recorders, cassette recorders, 8-track players etc.

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Old 9th Apr 2010, 4:55 am   #1
rayr0683
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Default Favorite of my open reel decks???

Hello All,
I have 4 Reel to Reels, all have been fully restored and working to factory specs or better.....Any of you own these decks, and your opinions of them versus eachother. I have 2 Tandbergs...TD20A, and TD20A-SE both restored with new heads and all, working perfectly. Next is a TEAC X2000R....also working perfectly, and lastly an AKAI GX-747 DBX....also working perfectly. Of all these decks, which do you rate as best to worst in sonics, build, and design?

Thanks, Ray
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Old 9th Apr 2010, 10:08 am   #2
Roger13
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Default Re: Favorite of my open reel decks???

Hi Ray.

I'm sorry to say that I have none of the machines you mention, but I am seriously jealous of you regarding the AKAI GX-747 DBX.

All my machines are 2nd/3rd division machines. However, they all sound great so I can only imagine what your Akai sounds like in full flight!

My list: Sony TC377. Sony TC630. Akai 4000DS. Akai 4000D. Phillips N4504. A couple of little Tandberg mono machines in various states of repair, and two virtually immaculate little Thorn mono machines from the sixties + one 'under the weather' at the moment. Hard to choose a favourite as it is a close call between the Phillips and the TC377.

Nothing compares to open reel does it?

Regards,
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Old 9th Apr 2010, 10:08 am   #3
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Default Re: Favorite of my open reel decks???

Hi Ray.
I must say I've always had a soft spot for reel-to-reels. My first was a Ferguson 3224, back in the late 60's. A cracking little domestic, single-speed machine, and my friend Pete has just brought his to me for repair!
I'm not overly familiar with those you listed but I used to repair the odd Tandberg at work, and I always thought how nice they were.
My faves over the years were a Ferrograph series 7 and a super Revox B77, neither of which is still with me. I now have a Ferro series 6, a late one.
In my tape collection I have an EMI pre-recorded tape of The Shadows which sounds absolutely incredible, crisp and clean. Love 'em all!
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Old 9th Apr 2010, 8:17 pm   #4
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Default Re: Favorite of my open reel decks???

Hi,
That's a difficult question as I like all mine for different reasons, if I had to pick one though it would have to be the Grundig TK14 for its compact build and ease of operation.

At last count I am the proud owner of the following (in no particular order of preference) -

Tandberg Series 15 Two Track (late model with spring loaded hubs)
Elizabethan LZ29/L
Akai 4000D
Akai GX4000D
2x Grundig TK14 (one is awaiting collection so isn't here yet!!)
Grundig TK18
Fidelity Argyll Minor 4
BSR Minor 222
Pye 9123 (Clone of the Philips N4308)
Miny "Miniature" (777?) Recorder

Regards
Andrew
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Old 9th Apr 2010, 8:44 pm   #5
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Default Re: Favorite of my open reel decks???

Hi Ray,

With those four reel-to-reel beauties you have there, you must have one seriously big listening room! What do you have them connected to in the way of amplification and speakers?

Looks wise I'd rate the AKAI and TEAC as more professional than the simple and somewhat basic Tandbergs. In terms of build quality I can't comment on the AKAI and TEAC; the Tandberg, if mine is anything to go by, is OK but let down by poor quality soldering (dry joints especially). When its going though, the Tandberg produces lovely sounds, and I would not be without it.

My Tandberg R-to-R feeds into Tandberg 3000 series pre- and power amps and then KLH-1 speakers (with bass analogue computer), and takes its source from a Denon DP 60L/DL 304 for vinyl, Tandberg 3011 Tuner, a Meridian 208 CD player or Nakamichi CM-300 mics.

Dave
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Old 9th Apr 2010, 10:30 pm   #6
rayr0683
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Default Re: Favorite of my open reel decks???

Hi Guys,
Thanks for the interest in my post. WOW....Ive never heard of some of the brands you guys mention here. And I have been a reel to reel buff for years, about 25 years....mostly back then all I had was old Webcor Tube units..or Wilcox-Gay....Hitachi....I forget some of the other smaller brands, Lafayette...

Anyway.....while I was single I put together the best system I could, with what I could afford. I have had several AKAI GX units, same with TEAC, and TASCAM. But these are my babies now. Id have to say, since I know a Tandberg Expert, and had them fully restored, new heads and all...that they have the sweetest sound. These were the very last Open Reel decks Tandberg ever made....they sold for close to $2000.00 new, in USA.

My system consists of Audio Research SP9 Preamp, Nakamichi RX-505 Cassette deck, VPI HW-19 MK.IV Turntable, with a ZETA Tonearm/VanDenhul Silver Wired, and Amps are my weak link, Im using Adcom GFA-555's.....big sound, and affordable, but my speakers deserve much better. The Speakers are ALON/NOLA IV's....they are very big, 125 lbs. a piece, and were $3500.00 USA new....however I traded in some equipment to reduce cash amount. Now Im married, with 3 kids, and cant hardly afford this stuff. I am on disability, which sucks, and cant afford much of anything anymore. I have a Sont WM-D6C Professional Recording Walkman, fully restored as well. Im a Real Analog Guy....noy very digital at all, though I have an Ipod, and stuff, not my favorite.
I use Grado Signature TLZ, and Shure V15V-MR-LE, Audio Technica AT-OC9- ML/II and Denon DL-110, and a classic AT-20SLa phono Cartridges, forgot a Goldring 1012GX also. Those are all my Phono Cartridges.

One of the last things I been looking for, hoping to find one on the affordable side, was a Sanyo M4440 Walkman. It was my very first listening to a Walkman, in 1982....it blew me away! But in 1982, many of the Walkman's had a special button called a Hotline/Talk-Line.....which was a button, that when pressed, would allow a microphone to send amplified ambient sounds around you, to the headphones, thus muting the music, so you didn't have to Stop the Tape. It was a neat feature, but disappeared from all of the walkman's within a year after 1982. It was the very beginnings of the walkman's. And I didn't have a good system at home, so they were great. Again, Analog all the way. I miss those days. The Sanyo M-4440 was my very first walkman. Its not near the quality of my Sony WM-D6C, but had that neat Talk-Line Button...LOL.

This is turning interesting to me, as I never heard of some of the brands you guys own, in Reel to Reels....My Soft Spot as well!!!!

Ray

Last edited by Michael Maurice; 9th Apr 2010 at 10:42 pm. Reason: removal of quote of preceding post!
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Old 9th Apr 2010, 10:55 pm   #7
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Default Re: Favorite of my open reel decks???

Hi Ray, This is my collection so far.
Akai 1710
Sony TC 500A
Sony TC 270
Philips N4307
Stella ST 458
Grundig TK18.
'Homebrew' With a collaro Studio Deck.
All the above work and have been restored.
The one's below are yet to be worked on.
Grundig TK60
Grundig TK46
Grundig Tk14 x2
Grundig TK23
Elizabethan LZ29
Elizabethan Essex.
That is all for now. I would like to get an elizabethan LZ34. So if any one has one they would like to part with, keep me in mind please.
Bumblebee.

Last edited by Bumblebee; 9th Apr 2010 at 11:05 pm. Reason: Forgot to add.
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Old 9th Apr 2010, 11:01 pm   #8
Michael Maurice
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Default Re: Favorite of my open reel decks???

A lot of the machines listed are British and or European so may not have been available I that brand in the USA.

Stella is a clone of Philips.

Collaro was marketed in the USA as Magnavox.

My first tape recorder, well actually it was my Dads was the Korting, (pictured left), then an Akai 4000DS which proved very unreliable and then Revox.

I have in my collection

Korting MT157
Korting MT127
Akai 1710 Valved
Akai 3000D
Philips which needs an overhaul
Revox A77 4 track Dolby
Revox B77Mk2 HS 2 track
Revox A700

Michael
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Old 10th Apr 2010, 8:42 am   #9
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Default Re: Favorite of my open reel decks???

Hi again Ray.

I can't believe I forgot to mention my 'pride and joy' - A Ferrograph 631 which has seen a bit of life but is now working (almost) perfectly. It has a few age related foibles but is responding to some TLC. I'm looking forward to finalising the mechanics & electrics so that I can get to grips with restoring it to it's former cosmetic glory.

What is it about these old Ferrographs? They look like they were built from a Mechano set but give so much owner satisfaction. (In fact, if you take a peek at the hinge mechanism of the head cover I'm sure that really IS a piece of Mechano... ).

Regards,
Roger.
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Old 10th Apr 2010, 5:19 pm   #10
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Default Re: Favorite of my open reel decks???

Hey Roger and guys,
Its great to be a part of this forum, You guys have all my favorite musicians. The Brithish Bands are simply the BEST!!!!! I am a huge Pink Floyd, WHO, Kinks, Beatles, Clapton, Richard Thompson......and on and on.....all the best guitarists ever. And Im including Hendrix in that, he was alot of noise to me, I like Clapton, Page, Beck, Townshend, and even Richard Thompson much better than Hendrix. The britich Invasion perfected Rock and Roll. Our bands saw and followed.

As for the Ferrograph, I have never seen one. There is guy in another forum im in, called Tapeheads.net who has Lyric or Freid.....something like that, supposed to be professional like Nagra. I have seen nagra, in case you wanna see a movie that is GREAT for REEL TO REELS!!.....See "BLOWOUT" from 1981 with John Travolta, filmed right here in Philadelphia,PA USA. He is a Soundman for a movie company, and carries a portable Nagra Tudelski. But they show so many Reel to Reels, I cant name them all. You gotta see it, Mystery/Suspense. Great Flick. And Ive been to all the places in the movie.....Id like to know more about these decks I haven't ever seen, like you guys mention, even Elizabethan, never heard of them. I feel dumb, for all the years and forums I belong to. Ray

Last edited by Brian R Pateman; 10th Apr 2010 at 5:57 pm. Reason: Removal of unnecessary quote - again.
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Old 10th Apr 2010, 6:26 pm   #11
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Default Re: Favorite of my open reel decks???

Ray, I like the cut of your jib. Here's a quick snap of my Ferrograph 631 (series 6, 3 speed, 1 channel mono). It dates from 1964 IIRC.
There's a close-up of the famous logo on the head cover and the function selector. You'd turn the knob (clunk!) to the desired drive function and then pull the lever back to engage the drive. Press the red button to stop.
Ferrograph was a very British company that came to the fore in the 40's I think. Their 'Wearite' transport was used in many machines from other firms. In the late 60's they introduced a new machine, the Series 7. It had a new transport (but you could tell it came from the same place!) and was quite highly regarded. I think the firm folded shortly after this.
I'm no expert on Ferro, so I stand to be corrected.
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Old 10th Apr 2010, 6:43 pm   #12
rayr0683
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Default Re: Favorite of my open reel decks???

hey Andrew,

Very cool pics, thanks. Thats a cool looking machine, looks like a tank. What did you mean the cut of my jib? I dont understand. Ray

Last edited by Brian R Pateman; 10th Apr 2010 at 9:36 pm. Reason: Yet another quote removed. It is not necessary to repeat the preceding post!
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Old 10th Apr 2010, 8:26 pm   #13
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Default Re: Favorite of my open reel decks???

Sorry, an English expression meaning 'I admire your attitude' or similar. It's not been in general use for a very long time, but I like to use it.
Yes, the Ferro 6 is built like a tank, it weighs a LOT. I can stagger along holding it by the handle, but not very far!
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Old 11th Apr 2010, 7:39 am   #14
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Default Re: Favorite of my open reel decks???

Some years ago I took part in a short TV programme along with a collector who must have the largest collection in the UK , I have a VHS recording of the said programme but not the expertise to post . Should anyone feel inclined to undertake the posting I would be willing to loan the tape for the due process, assuming I can find it after all these years.
Does anyone know of a large collection in the UK?

Colin.
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Old 11th Apr 2010, 1:22 pm   #15
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Default Re: Favorite of my open reel decks???

Colin,

If you can, transfer the VHS tape to a digital medium and post on U Tube then post a link on here to it.

If you need help, post a request in Modern Technology and someone will try and guide you to it.

Or, if you can copy to DVD and send the DVD out, someone should be able to upload to You Tube.

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Old 11th Apr 2010, 1:45 pm   #16
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Default Re: Favorite of my open reel decks???

I don't have my collection anymore but I can't resist chipping in.

My favourite was the Dynatron "Specialist 1200" of 1964.
What was THAT! I hear you cry.
It was based on a Reflectograph deck with a single sync. motor drive, individual spool motors, three heads and separate record and play amps. three channel mixer etc. Not a production line job - all hand built. It weighed a great deal but was considered "Portable"
I used mine, on and off, for over twenty years, mainly for dubbing master soundtracks for 8mm movies.
I wish I still had it!

Cheers
MM
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Old 11th Apr 2010, 3:31 pm   #17
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Default Re: Favorite of my open reel decks???

The more people that chip in , the better the thread gets. Sounds Really Cool Maestro! I only know of the American Webcor Heavy Portables from the 60's, and maybe Ampex or Wilcox gay.....they were Tube/Valve units, with Speakers Built in, etc...I still have a couple, but mine aren't in tip top shape.

Ray

Last edited by Brian R Pateman; 11th Apr 2010 at 4:00 pm. Reason: Unnecessary quote of preceding post deleted.
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Old 11th Apr 2010, 10:27 pm   #18
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Default Re: Favorite of my open reel decks???

Colin,And others,
I find this an interesting thread and quite informative so thanks.
I remember the TV programme you refer to. Part of the" Collectors lot" series of progs' on channel four. I remember the other reel recorder collector also.I would have liked to have known more about him.
He had some recorders stacked on each step of the stairs !.
I also have a copy of the programme on VHS tape. But it might take some finding.. Not sure what the quality would be like now though.
How big is a large collection ? I have tried on a few occassions to count the number of recorders I have but then always come across a machine I had forgotten about. Some recorders I have kept in case one day,The part I want turns up to enable repair.
My favourite reel recorder has always been the Brenell STB1. I will have to take a picture of mine and maybe post a pic.
I also like the Uher portables.
I have a Teac X2000r, 3440, X1000m { the latter waiting for me to fit the belts I bought some time ago}.
Tandberg TD20A.Tandberg 3000x.Tandberg 3300x.Tandberg 15. Tandberg 2000.
3 x Sony TC399, 4 xTC377. TC366. TC 766-2 Nice looking recorder this one. Sony TC255.Sony TC 252.
Ferrograph 631 [ Damaged lid and no valves.} Ferrograph 633. 2 x Ferrograph super sevens, Making one good one out of the two.
6 x Ferrographs series sevens. Only two of these are probably worth fixing up due to worn heads etc.
5 x Various B & O M/cs.
2 x Philips Pro 12s plus quite a few Philips recorders needing attention. Usually belts.
2 x Reflectographs ,One with original valve amps and the other with electronics built by previous owner.
3 x other Brenell MK5s needing attention.
Akai 4000DB,150D,1720 ?, 1800SD , Akai 630D Lovely m/c this one but I need a head cover for it . Akai Universal ,This is similar to the later Akai 4000 series.
Sansui SD5050 Nice.
Heathkit stb 1.
3 Truvox ,a PD104 and a mono version. Pr99 ?.
Audiola,Probably japanese but no info on this deck but very similar to the Akai 630D mentioned earlier. Takes 10 1/2 inch reels and plays in reverse.quite fond of this one.
Kenwood 4066.
Pioneer 707.
4 x Revox A77s. One is 4 track dolby version. another is a 2 track version. These are good condition. one of the other two needs a reel table and the other although working has an intermittent fault and goes off,a gentle tap restores operation.
I am not fond of Grundigs but have a couple. TK14 TK60 the latter very old but full of valves and probably would need a lot of restoration, I probably will never get time....
Well, I didn't intend to go on and on but you don't have to read it
I haven't mentioned the various portables I have hidden away.
Also, To go with this stuff you need Mixers.Tapes.connecting leads Etc Etc. and time to play with 'em .
Regards Peter W.........Reelguy
pS, Just thought of a couple more
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Old 11th Apr 2010, 11:27 pm   #19
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Default Re: Favorite of my open reel decks???

Mine would be the BTR-2, huge, valve and very British, I currently have in my collection;
AEG Magnetophone and Tonschreiber Sb1,
ASC 6002
Ampex 602,
AKAI M7, 8, 9, 3000, 4000DS, 4000DB, 4000GX,
Belcanto,
Crown Imerial,
EMI Emicorder, TR50, TR51 (X3) TR52, TR90 (X2), BTR1, BTR2 (X2) RD4, RE321, RE301, L2a,b,c,
Ferrograph series 100G (X2), Series 2,3,4,7 (x3), 7YD, 7G, Super seven (X2), Logic 7 (X6),
Ficord, A1, 101, 202, 303,
Grundig TS945,
Uher 4000 report s, 4200 report stereo (X3), 4200 Report stereo IC (X3), 4200 Report monitor (X4)
Leevers Rich Series C MGM, D, E (X4),
Lyrec FRED, FREDA,
Miltuple Boosey and Hawkes, Wind up machines and wire recorders
Chilton 100,
Tesla Elfis,
Maihak MKK6,
Nagra III (X2), IV, IV-s, IS (X2) SN,
OTARI MX5050, MX55,
Perfectone PT2, PT8,
Philips EL3530, EL3510, EL3501 (X2 or the Pro51), EL3503 (X2) EL3509 (X2), N4450 X 2
Phonotrix 88,
Sony TC-399, TC440, TC777, APR2003, APR-5003, PCM3402, K8133,
Soundmirror BK401, BK411, Unusual protable,
Studer B30, C37, A80 (X2), A810 (X2), A807, B62, B67, C270 Studer A820 (5 on the way), A812,
Stellavox SP7
Revox A77 (X3), PR99, G36 MK I and MK II(X3)
Tandberg Series 2, 3, 64X
Teax X20R, X700R, X1000R (X2) X2000R (X3), A3300s
Truvox (Model escapes me)
Vortexion their first, CBL5, WVC


And thats the ones I can think of, there are many more hidden away.
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Old 12th Apr 2010, 9:39 am   #20
DOFFERY
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Default Re: Favorite of my open reel decks???

Very impressive collections , alas I don't collect now having disposed of my collection many years ago, just retain one or two machines, basically I can't move them?

Alas the VHS recording of the TV show is a no no, copyright problems!! Thanks for the advice however Michael.

The collector concerned had some 300 R/R. "then".

Cheers.

Colin.
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