What was your reel-to-reel history?

[Barry]

Nothing has been posted here for about a month now, so to keep this place running I thought I would ask what tape machines Members used to use before they reached the dizzying heights of Studer, Otari and Sony.


I'll make a start, but my journey is comparatively modest.

In 1969 I started with a Collaro tape deck for which I built a Mullard-designed Sterns valve recording/playback pre-amp (the one with a 'magic eye' recording level indicator)

https://www.radios-tv.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/wpforo/attachments/666/8030=1086-R-R-3-small.JPG

This was a 3 motor design and was supplied by Collaro on an OEM basis to other domestic consumer electronics manufacturers, such as Elizabethan.

I recorded a few tapes, but didn't use it much, so gave it all away to a tape enthusiast.


At the same time I had access to, and use of, the Akai 4000 and Tandberg 3000 machines. I thought the Tandberg to be the superior machine.



The next machine (around 1978) was a Brenell tape deck for which I built some solid-state record and replay electronic designs that had been published in Wireless World magazine.

https://www.radiomuseum.org/images/radio/brenell_engineering/stb1_2284454.jpg

Again a 3-motor deck, the Brenell was well regarded, but IMO was not much better than the Collaro. Like the Collaro this set up didn't last long.



Move forward to 1979, I was given a Ferrograph 632 two track machine using all triode electronics.

https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAxM1gxMDI0/z/DoUAAOSwFqpbbfBa/$_86.JPG

Built like a battleship and displaying some British design 'quirks', this machine was put to much use, recording plays, poetry and spoken word off the radio. However it hasn't been used since I moved to using cassettes ; and now the rubber idler wheels have perished. Replacements have been bought, but not fitted as I can't see how to do it, so the machine now resides in the cupboard under the stairs.


A year later I bought a Revox G36 (736) from a colleague at work for £25.

https://www.stereophile.com/images/styles/600_wide/public/768.revox_.jpg

A superb machine, which not only could take 10.5" diameter spools, but used push buttons for function selection, as distinct to the clunky and heavy action of the Ferrograph. The frequency response was wider, though the connectors used on the Revox were very poor quality and not up to the standard of the 1/4" jacks of the Ferrograph.

Despite the superiority of the Revox, I didn't get on with it and sold it on.


I then was given a Uher Report 4400 portable tape machine, complete with microphones.

https://www.radiomuseum.org/images/radio/uher_werke_munchen/report_stereo_4400_1147190.jpg

Again this was not used much as I didn't really want a 4-track machine and the size of the tape spools that can be used is limited to 5". I thought I might use it to make 'field recordings', but never got around to it, so I gave the machine away.



Finally in 2008 I achieved an aspiration of mine: a Nagra IV-S portable tape machine.

https://theartofsound.net/images/barrydhunt/021.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/R0r2SF1d/021.jpg

Despite being limited to 7" diameter spools, and having a few operational quirks (deliberate, given its intended use in the field), I use this machine to replay the tapes I had made on the Ferrograph.

Apart from a brief flirtation with acquiring a Studer C37, something I eventually resisted due to scarcity of spares and doubt that it would be used it to its full capability, that's my reel-to-reel history.

What's yours?

[Light Dependant Resistor]

A Teac A3300SX , and before that a Teac A2300SX I made some good recordings on it including from ABC FM BB King Live in Perth Western Australia, which I subsequently transferred to minidisc then hard disc recorder,
the recording I still enjoy immensely today.

[Firebottle]

Fascinating Barry, plus being given some machines.
I only have a Grundig TK847, although I have got it working after being in a damp environment for a long time, it is really only an ornament.

https://www.radiomuseum.org/images/radio/grundig/tk847_hifi_stereo_924009.jpg

[Ali Tait]

No real history for me, got a Tandberg TD20A a few years ago- a complete punt from Ebay for £250 I think it was. I was expecting to have to do a complete rebuild on it, all it needed was a new belt, otherwise was in great shape so that was a real bargain.

Next up was a Pioneer RT909 which I swapped a DAC for, a lovely looking machine but not the equal sonically of the Tandberg.

[Spectral Morn]

First was a big Akai, then a Revox A77 mk2, which arrived damaged, its still sitting in a repair shop. Then a Revox B77mk2 which I picked up in person in Scotland, when there were cheap day return tickets via the ferry. Then a fully serviced Revox A77 dolby model. After that I stopped and lost interest, the reel to reel madness abated. I don't need what I have or use them, maybe time to move some on to someone local to me.

[Made in 1968]

I used to be a Reel to Reel nutter. Some utter junk & some great machines..

Akai - 4000/4000DS/1800SD/GX-210D
Sony - TC-366/TC-366-4/TC-377
Chilton - 100S
Tandberg - 6000X/X10D/9000X/3300X
Revox - G36/A77/PR99
Ferrograph - 722/724/super Seven/Logic Seven
Teac - A3340/A3440/X3
Tascam - 38-8/BR-20 [My old studio machines]

Edit: Forgot the Uher 'Royal De-Luxe'' Loved that machine, the Vu's were awesome but the fascia was printed in german :D

[struth]

Still got one of the Akai 4000 models.. it works but could do with some tlc.... Just gathers dust now alas...

[Made in 1968]

Grant the Akai 4000's were popular in the 70's with Cine fans adding sound tack.. The Sony 'TC-366' Machines were what i bought to replace them but did not sound any better till i got the 'TC-377'. The Ferrographs were an utter nightmare & an expensive one.. I think the best machines i had were a toss between the 'PR-99' & The Tascam 'BR-20'. If i had a choice again between those two it would be the Tascam.. However R+R are something i would never ever entertain again.. That 'G36' I managed to fully rebuild at great expence but no better than the 'A77' i cant remember who i bought it off on AOS, could have been Darren..

I bought the Teac 'A3440' 4 track machine cos Depeche Mode used one on stage in the early days for their Drum tracks :lol: Believe it or not i sold that cos one of the VU bulbs blew & you had to literally dismantle the machine to replace it which i had no intentions in doing so, so i flogged it complete with the matching Multichannel DBX 'RX-9' unit for £100 :rolleyes: Before that i had the 'A3340' That i bought cos the early Human league used one :mental:

[topoxforddoc]

My Grandad's old mono Grundig R2R, which he used in the early 70s - probably a TK8. I remember him using this, and me setting up the reels for him.

Move onto the 00s
Revox G36 standard speed, then I get hold of a
Revox G36 High Speed and a
Revox A77 mk IV
ALL SOLD ON

10s
Studer A 807/II from Blackadder
Sony APR 5002 - refurbished by Lodgesound (Stewart Emmings)
Sony APR 5003 - from a recording studio in Andover

2017 after Stewart Emmings untimely passing at 49, I was bequeathed his
Otari MTR12 (ex Church Studios)
Studer A820 1/2 inch 2 tr (ex Simon Heywood)

I have all the Studers, the Otari and the Sonys, along with all the extras, which Stewart encouraged me to get - AMUT-2MA PPM meters with mono/sum function, 2 Dolby 363 NR units with Dolby SR and A, Alice Matchpak to let me match and balance up the inputs/outputs from single ended to XLRm plus a whole load of MRL test tapes. I bought a Ferrograph RTS2/ATU later. Last year, I also bought a fabulous Sound Technologies ST1510A analyser from Fred Thal in the USA.

[337alant]

I love tape decks and the sound of tape so definitely a Tapehead :mental:

Sharp something or other in the 70s?
Teac 3440
Akai GX 225
Revox A77, B77mk1 2T HS, B77 mk2,4T LS
Revox PR99 Mk1, PR99 mk2
Otari MX55N x 2
Teac X1000
Tascam BR20 X 8
Technics RS1500
Studer A810
I still have 19, I sold the Akai and the Sharp:D:rolleyes:

Alan

[Primare]

My first R2R was a portable Panasonic RQ-102s reel-tape recorder. I received it at the age of 7 or something. I still have it but needs some maintenance/repair.

https://i.imgur.com/lYQ1GoFh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/n5yPY5n.jpg

Later on I was listening to my dad's Unitra (forgot the model and have no pics). We didn't have a cassette tape deck or boombox for my biggest regret. I couldn't exchange tapes with my buddies:)
And some 4 years ago I returned to tapes after more than 20 years of absence. Now I have two working Pioneers - RT 909 and RT 707.

https://i.imgur.com/4jHq0MHh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/eDwuD85h.jpg

[337alant]

Teac 3440,

https://live.staticflickr.com/5459/17762091772_dd1a94897b_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/t4zn4A)IMG_2351 (https://flic.kr/p/t4zn4A) by Alan Towell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/), on Flickr

Revox A77,

https://live.staticflickr.com/8872/17309163520_61313b2d91_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/snxZgN)IMG_2341 (https://flic.kr/p/snxZgN) by Alan Towell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/), on Flickr

Revox B77 Mk2

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49390312962_26ca80871f_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ifsgj3)Revox B77 mk2 (https://flic.kr/p/2ifsgj3) by Alan Towell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/), on Flickr

Revox PR99 Mk2

https://live.staticflickr.com/5327/17404669276_d1924639f8_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/svZtNL)revox pr99 mk2 (https://flic.kr/p/svZtNL) by Alan Towell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/), on Flickr

Teac X1000

https://live.staticflickr.com/8104/29686229512_2bb2f2b6c2_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MegFMj)IMG_2751 (https://flic.kr/p/MegFMj) by Alan Towell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/), on Flickr

Technics RS1500

https://live.staticflickr.com/5603/32087024696_e9639eff21_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QTqoxJ)IMG_2885 (https://flic.kr/p/QTqoxJ) by Alan Towell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/), on Flickr

Studer A810 / Tascam 122 mk2 below

https://live.staticflickr.com/7596/28486842665_d80220c679_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KphvRK)IMG_2674 (https://flic.kr/p/KphvRK) by Alan Towell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/), on Flickr

Orati MX55N

https://live.staticflickr.com/7716/17496637795_8348d182cb_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sE7QQT)IMG_2347 (https://flic.kr/p/sE7QQT) by Alan Towell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/), on Flickr

Tascam BR20

https://live.staticflickr.com/5684/20932124039_b6f7f69088_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/xTGBdk)IMG_2537 (https://flic.kr/p/xTGBdk) by Alan Towell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/4503/26242953229_59b93d18d4_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FYZZGR)Tascam BR20 (https://flic.kr/p/FYZZGR) by Alan Towell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/), on Flickr

Alan

[Made in 1968]

Loverly the BR20 arnt they. I found it a better to use machine than the Revox, you agree?

[337alant]

Yes agree, the BR20 is a breeze to use and very gentle on the tape
Great sound as well

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsZFU2leAAI

Alan

[Made in 1968]

Anyone know anything about those German Ballfinger R+R machines?

[RobbieGong]

Super collection Alan !! Love how everything looks so clean and in great order as well :clap:

[topoxforddoc]

Possibly my favourite machine - Sony APR5003v - gentle tape handling, nice transport, software driven calibration with multiple presets and excellent sounding stock electronics - what's not to like?

https://i.vgy.me/irlcBJ.jpg

[Alex_UK]

Never owned one, but love the look of them. Another one for the bucket list that will likely go unfulfilled!

[topoxforddoc]

APR5003 in full flow - click on link for video

https://i.vgy.me/hYJSfE.mp4

[337alant]

Looks and sounds fantastic Charlie :eyebrows:
That Sony is one I chased for a while but never managed to get one
One day maybe

Alan

[337alant]

Anyone know anything about those German Ballfinger R+R machines?

Only what you can see on their web site
I think they look fantastic and if I had that sort of spare cash I would buy one

http://www.ballfinger.de/tape-recorder-m-063-h5

Alan

[topoxforddoc]

Anyone know anything about those German Ballfinger R+R machines?

At first glance they may seem very expensive, but you must remember that a R2R machine is way more complex than a turntable. Creating a top class tape transport, which allows the tape to cross the heads at a constant speed without flexing or wandering across the head, is very challenging. You only have to look at the massive compiex castings on a Studer A820 or A80 to realise that getting the chassis absolutely stiff and stable is difficult. Compare that to the consumer machines using pressed steel to hold the reel tables stable.
The pictures of the Ballfinger casting show that they are trying to get this crucial bit right. The first customers have received their machines, which is a good thing. Nothing worse than vapourware. One just has to hope that they keep going and that the owners can access spares and service for as along as Studer owners have managed to keep their machines going.

[337alant]

Super collection Alan !! Love how everything looks so clean and in great order as well :clap:

Thanks Robbie
They are not like that when I get them of course and its a challenge getting some of them fully functional and calibrated, but once done they are very reliable.
When you look inside most of these R2R players are very well engineered and robust
Which is why it costs a fortune to design and build a new one today as Charlie says above


Alan

[337alant]

https://i.imgur.com/4jHq0MHh.jpg


The Pioneer RT909 is certainly a beautiful machine isnt it :stalks::eyebrows:

Alan

[Ali Tait]

It sure is, worth having one just to look at. :-)

[Ali Tait]

Is that yours Alan?

You done much fettling to it?

[337alant]

Is that yours Alan?

You done much fettling to it?

No Ali it was posted by Primare, I haven't even see one in the flesh before TBH
How is yours ?

Alan

[Ali Tait]

Fine as far as I know lol, it's in storage. It looks great and seems fine operationally, just never sounded as good as the Tandberg, so don't know if that's just how it is or it needs looking at.

[Made in 1968]

Those thin on the Ground black Pioneer 'RT-909' were loverly..

[Ali Tait]

Aye they are, never sold to the public originally.

[Barry]

Have to admit there is something attractive about them:

http://www.ballfinger.de/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Tape_Recorder_M063_H5_Front_Black_Silver.jpg



But I would much prefer a Studer A80 or a Telefunken M15A.

[Made in 1968]

A '909' with the '707' VU's would have looked great.. Just something about the sidesways VU's thats gives me the horn

:eyebrows:

[Barry]

A '909' with the '707' VU's would have looked great.. Just something about the sidesways VU's thats gives me the horn

:eyebrows:

Which is why I alway fancied a Brenell STB-2 using the Mk.6 deck. (as used by John Lennon and Soft Machine)

https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/pict/352533415939_/Brenell-STB-1-Reel-to-Reel-Tape-Recorder-plus-free-Brenell.jpg https://audiogold.co.uk/app/uploads/2017/07/IMG_2315-e1500470753506.jpg?w=640

[Made in 1968]

My old Uher 'Royal De-Luxe' used those VU's.. They are well ace.. Lenon used the older Brennel i think & Ferrographs..

btw: could those Brennels be upgraded to a Stereo unit like the Ferro 6 could?

[Barry]

My old Uher 'Royal De-Luxe' used those VU's.. They are well ace.. Lennon used the older Brennel I think & Ferrographs..

btw: could those Brennels be upgraded to a Stereo unit like the Ferro 6 could?

I nearly bought a Uher (Royal) machine in the late '70s.

Yes, provide the heads were changed and the Brenell Hi Fi Stereo Tape Link unit used.

http://files.websitebuilder.prositehosting.co.uk/fasthosts2593/image/tapelv1.jpg

https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NzY4WDEwMjQ=/z/M4gAAOSwJ71aY0T1/$_86.JPG

[Barry]

This Thorens TM 1600 tape deck looks nice. Not sure how you record with it; I can't see any level meters, unless the LCD display changes to, say, two bargraph 'meters' when the record button is pressed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHg7TN4qboU

[Shovel_Knight]

This Thorens TM 1600 tape deck looks nice. Not sure how you record with it; I can't see any level meters, unless the LCD display changes to, say, two bargraph 'meters' when the record button is pressed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHg7TN4qboU

It's a player, not a recorder. When they show the tape transport, you can see there's only one head.

[Made in 1968]

Wernt Revox gonna bring another out at one point?

[Barry]

It's a player, not a recorder. When they show the tape transport, you can see there's only one head.

So $12,000 and no record facility! Not for me then.

[Barry]

There's also the UHA Ultima machine - but boy do they look 'kitsch':

https://www.unitedhomeproducts.com/the_uha_phase12_tape_deck.htm

[Shovel_Knight]

So $12,000 and no record facility! Not for me then.

It's for people who are buying $500 "master tapes".

[Barry]

Be interesting to see if it comes to market, unlike the proposed reintroduction of the TD124 turntable.

[Primare]

The Pioneer RT909 is certainly a beautiful machine isnt it :stalks::eyebrows:

Alan


It sure is, worth having one just to look at. :-)

Alan,
Ali Tait,

This Pioneer RT 909 is quite a looker to my eyes at least. At the same time I like its sound as well.
I have bough it in non working condition and a very serious maintenance was done. All rubbers, caps, engine replaced. Adjusted to factory settings and for new LPR 35 tape. Delivers a lot of pleasure:reel:

Alan,
Your R2R collection is impressive!

BR,
Ivo

[337alant]

Ivo, glad to here it sounds as good as it looks
Did you do any of the upgrade mods to it?
"Matrix" has a whole section on Tapheads.net for the RT-909, definitely worth reading if you haven't already seen it :eyebrows:
http://www.tapeheads.net/forumdisplay.php?f=147

BTW thats quite a collection of Pioneer gear you have there in your signature would like to see a picture of all that stacked up

Alan

[Made in 1968]

Im not sure wht to make about all these re-introductions of old classics, surely the original thing is the attraction, Retro fad does my head it.. A lot of this is happening in the Synthesizer market, With Korg re-introducing the ARP 'Odyssey & their classic 'MS-20'.. Roland re-introduced the 'Jupiter 6' a bit back & a whole hoast of classic synth modules [System '100M' & '500'] Ive had a few but dont give me what the originals did..

[topoxforddoc]

Today's work - Sony APR5002 - archiving a production master of ELO "Out Of The Blue"

Digital rip using Prism Sound Lyra 2 at 192/24 AND tape duplicate onto new tape stock (LPR90) with Dolby SR on my other Sony APR5003

https://i.vgy.me/SaFxue.jpg

[Ali Tait]

Ivo, glad to here it sounds as good as it looks
Did you do any of the upgrade mods to it?
"Matrix" has a whole section on Tapheads.net for the RT-909, definitely worth reading if you haven't already seen it :eyebrows:
http://www.tapeheads.net/forumdisplay.php?f=147

BTW thats quite a collection of Pioneer gear you have there in your signature would like to see a picture of all that stacked up

Alan

Thanks Alan, useful information.

[Made in 1968]

Luverly that Sony

[topoxforddoc]

Luverly that Sony

It sure is. My two Sony APR 5000 series machines are probably my favourites - gentle tape transport (albeit forced guidance rather than precision guidance on the Studer A820), really flexible software driven calibration with 3 presets for each tape speed (3.75 thru to 30 IPS) and great stock electronics.

[Primare]

Ivo, glad to here it sounds as good as it looks
Did you do any of the upgrade mods to it?
"Matrix" has a whole section on Tapheads.net for the RT-909, definitely worth reading if you haven't already seen it :eyebrows:
http://www.tapeheads.net/forumdisplay.php?f=147

BTW thats quite a collection of Pioneer gear you have there in your signature would like to see a picture of all that stacked up

Alan

Alan,
There are no modes on my Pioneer RT 909.
But a serious maintenance is done: all caps and rubbers changed, engine changed, cleaned and greased, adjusted to factory settings, aligned for LPR 35.
You can see more pictures of my Pioneers here:
https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?60185-Vintage-Pioneer-system-in-Sofia&highlight=Sofia
BR,
Ivo

[337alant]

Fantastic collection there love it :stalks::eyebrows::D

Alan

[337alant]

Back on track here is my Studer A810 playing a bit of Bowie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7aHH_EFG8A

V7aHH_EFG8A
Alan

[Made in 1968]

Nice Al..

Noticed the Tascam '122' I used to have a '133'. I love bobbin VU's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOwNMP_oMvs

[337alant]

Nice Al..

Noticed the Tascam '122' I used to have a '133'. I love bobbin VU's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOwNMP_oMvs
Hi Andrey yes very nice those 133's
The Tascam 122 mk2 & Mk3 are a very seriously good cassette deck best I have owned so far.
I also recently bought a Tandberg TCD 440A cassette which is also supposed to be very good but I need to fix some faults and calibrate it before I can here it at its best
https://www.google.com/search?q=tandberg+440a&rlz=1C1GCEA_enGR836GR836&sxsrf=ACYBGNQ_1eMYiDrfSaKudX86xZ0TOgMghg:158028721 4120&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=Ax6jONxoPeBArM%253A%252CFSVkz7aOCR3PeM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kSuouK6n9hIyxEIUeZU7JRnecAvrw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiotKnQtKjnAhXFepoKHWWrAT0Q9QEwC3oECAoQG g#imgrc=Ax6jONxoPeBArM:

Alan

[Made in 1968]

Aye those Tandbergs were great but the sideways entry for the cassette used to do my head in..

'234' was good too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe9NbPfWPh0

[Barry]

It sure is. My two Sony APR 5000 series machines are probably my favourites - gentle tape transport (albeit forced guidance rather than precision guidance on the Studer A820), really flexible software driven calibration with 3 presets for each tape speed (3.75 thru to 30 IPS) and great stock electronics.

Can you explain the difference between the two?

[Barry]

Aye those Tandbergs were great but the sideways entry for the cassette used to do my head in..

'234' was good too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe9NbPfWPh0

The Nakamichi 700 machines used sideways cassette entry.

https://www.hifiengine.com/images/model/nakamichi_700.jpg

[Primare]

Alan,
This is a nice room full of toys and vinyl.
And the R2R looks like another level:thumbsup:
Ivo

[400v on the anode]

Aiwa TP1002
Telefunken Magnetophon 75
Grundig TK23
Telefunken 201
Akai 4000DS*
Revox A77*
Philips N4450
Akai M7
Akai 1800SS*
Ferrograph series 4HS
Ferrograph series 3*
Ferrograph SP7*
Revox A700*
Machines marked * I still have and use regularly except the Ferrograph series 3 and the Akai 1800SS both of which need work.

[337alant]

Impressive collection Graham
I was offered a Ferrograph S7 last year, lovely looking machine and my mate at work had one in the 70s and it was the first serious HIFI R2R I had seen and heard, but turned it down, just a bit to old for me and not much in the way of spares.
I still use a Ferrograph distortion analyser for my R2Rs calibration though and it's a cracking instrument

https://live.staticflickr.com/780/32484033514_4b0ce2ab0d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ruvarm)IMG_2957 (https://flic.kr/p/Ruvarm) by Alan Towell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/), on Flickr
Alan

[Barry]

Ferrograph made some good gear.

https://live.staticflickr.com/780/32484033514_4b0ce2ab0d_c.jpg

Shame the name Ferrograph has all but disappeared (and for a magnetic tape recorder, is was a well chosen and clever name), and now only remains as a manufacturer of dot-matrix displays.

[WOStantonCS100]

I grew up with my dad's Magnecord just like this one:

https://s1.qwant.com/thumbr/0x380/b/9/e89e440e834069df4f9c2299a6ad745d059491d1066d2b83b7 da9d7d96d60b/maxresdefault.jpg?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi %2FoqLMydIsb8g%2Fmaxresdefault.jpg&q=0&b=1&p=0&a=0
(I actually purchased one just like it during my personal dive in which was not a good idea. It needed a lot of help, considerably more help than I was willing to layout finances for so it had to go. I am okay with that just being a fond memory.)

He then graduated to a Teac x-1000R (still has it):

https://s2.qwant.com/thumbr/0x380/6/0/783ba0caedf05038fa80868c7453c54591ca7aff817eb84af2 c9eb4d28820b/2b9ea43c898dd39bcb4f7ffc9963acc8.jpg?u=https%3A%2F %2Fi.pinimg.com%2Foriginals%2F2b%2F9e%2Fa4%2F2b9ea 43c898dd39bcb4f7ffc9963acc8.jpg&q=0&b=1&p=0&a=0

When I finally dove in personally I bought two Teac X-10R's (still have both)

https://s2.qwant.com/thumbr/0x380/7/3/494d3dd07fa1a2e99848023bd69a1312c2a430dd88036b3667 58c71adb2ba9/a371a33569c9fb252a94c4b240569fe9.jpg?u=https%3A%2F %2Fi.pinimg.com%2Foriginals%2Fa3%2F71%2Fa3%2Fa371a 33569c9fb252a94c4b240569fe9.jpg&q=0&b=1&p=0&a=0

And then two Revox PR99's (still have both). This is one with my own "custom shop" reels (quite old picture):

https://theanalogdept.com/images/spp6_pics/Biff_technics/biff007.jpg