What is the best Reel To Reel machine ever built?


Everyone who has listened to master tapes or dubs knows about the well balanced sound they provide. But it is also important to have a fine tape recorder or playing machine to enjoy the tapes' qualities in a good system.
Maybe my question was raised once before but the relevance of the topic is now greater as the tapes are back to more and more audiophile friends, especially those who are owning excellent phono chains.

I have seen many big & professional machines being recently offered and sold on e-bay, Audiogon and other platforms and I am discussing within a small group which machine is really the "holy grail" among the R2Rs. So why not here. I am interested in findings.
thuchan

Showing 14 responses by c1ferrari


Hello Eckart,

Sam, oh yes you are a lucky owner of a A820. May I ask you and Mike if are using the A820 at 30 ips?
I have some 30 ips, half-track, half-inch master dubs around. Also, I have some 24-track master tapes that I imagine were recorded at 30 ips...Hmmm -- maybe, a Studer A827 in the future?? Hehe :-)

Vbr,

Sam

Alright, MIKE!!

First, there was the tribute to vinyl...
and now...
the R2R arsenal :-)

Of course, there is Ki's pantheon to analog reel tape!

I have a Studer A-820 ;-)

Eckart -- how're you doing?

Hi Eckart,

I haven't any direct experience with either the Nagras or MCI's, but I'm quite interested in the Nagras for location recording.

-Sam

Some really choice gear, above :-)
Eckart, do you have some 1/2", half-track analog reels??
Looking forward to the pictures!

Vbr,
Sam

Johnss,
I still do some live to 2 track work, mostly hi rez digital, but sometimes still lug along a hi speed analog half track.

ALRIGHT! What mics, pres, and mixer are you using for your location gigs?

Best regards,
Sam

Acknowledged and agreed, Ralph!
That's why I'm looking for a Nagra IV-S ;-)

Very best regards,
Sam

Wow, that's one hell of a story, Lewm!
I'm glad I had the opportunity to enjoy it, vicariously :-)

Best,
Sam

Eckart,

It's tough to remain cool around so much HOT gear ;-)
Certainly, central A/C plays a vital role in keeping me stable, haha.

Vbr,

Sam
Eckart,
Neumanns, especially the tube-mikes are great for recording. I also have good experiences with the Studer mixers, if they are checked and in a good condition.
Recording on Tapes is wonderful, even at home!

Very cool...I want to do this, too :-)
Which Studer mixer are you using and how is it configured?

Thanks,
Sam

Thanks, Eckart!

I'll send you some images of the Esoteric P-0s manual...it's in Japanese :-)

-Sam

Hi Brad,

I didn't know you repped GML...I'll have to give you a call within the next few months :-)

Regards,
Sam