It is our experience that the Otari 5050 can suffer from speed variations, especially after sitting unused for a bunch of years. There are generally two or three possibilities that can cause the speed...
READ MOREReplacing front panel controls, VU meters, and VU meter bulbs in a Revox B77/PR99
One of the weak points of the Revox 10” machines is toggle switches that shear off if too much pressure is put on them, especially in a sideways direction. If a deck is dropped,...
READ MOREAkai Reel to Reel – Summary
Akai made many quality reel to reel tape recorders from 1954 to 1985, and with the rare exception, Akai reel to reel tape recorders still work well today. As with many manufacturers, Akai made...
READ MORETeac/Tascam tape deck – Summary
Here’s the summary on Teac and Tascam reel to reel tape decks, based on servicing these decks for the last 40+ years. To start with, Wikipedia has a good summary of the origins of...
READ MORESony Reel to Reel – Summary
Here is my review of most Sony reel to reel tape recorders in two words. Just. Don’t. One of the earliest North American Sony reel to reels was the TC-102, a compact, mono, 2...
READ MORETape Frequency response comparisons between several tape brands
Disclaimer: This is by no means a definitive test between tape brands and models, however it does show some of the basic differences between the various formulations. Our test setup is a good working...
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Revox Tape Deck – Summary
Revox PR99 The Swiss company Revox made several excellent high end reel to reel decks, as well as higher end models designed for recording studios, radio and TV stations, branded under ‘Studer’. The Revox...
READ MOREOtari 5050 tech tips – Various Transport Problems
Transport Problems, Dead Capstan Motor, Dead Reel Motors, Only one speed working, etc. Equipment Needed Method # 1 and 2 Philips screwdriver DeOxIt D5, either in a spray can, or better yet, in the...
READ MOREOtari MX5050 series – Summary
The Otari MX5050 tape decks are a commercial grade RTR machine that was marketed towards recording studios, TV, and radio stations. Generally speaking, they were not designed for the home audio market, although many...
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