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...
READ MOREFrequency Response Charts – What Do They Mean???
I own a couple of tape deck analyzers, that help me set levels and frequency response settings within each tape deck that I service. One analyzer is the Nakamichi T-100 unit that dates from...
READ MOREReel to Reel Table Replacement/Adjustment
A common occurrence with reel to reel tape decks is the shifting of the reel tables that the take-up and supply reels fit onto. If a deck is handled roughly during shipping, or if...
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Defective Hitachi Brand Transistors
Here’s something to be aware of… We’ve known that a number of Akai reel to reel tape decks suffer from bad 2SC458 transistors, and up until recently, we thought that only Akai decks were...
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Akai GX-77 Tech Info
The Akai GX-77 was Akai’s last, and top of the line 6 head auto reverse 7” reel to reel machine. It was manufactured roughly from 1981 to 1985, and is a unique tape deck...
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