Over the past half-century,
I've enjoyed many reel tape decks,
(some more "real" than others)...
3M M56
Akai PRO-1000
Ampex 354
Ampex AG-440
Ampex MR-70
Crown CX-844
Magnecord 728
Nagra IVS/4S
Nagra T-Audio
OTARI MTR-15
Pioneer RT-2022
Pioneer RT-2044
ReVox A77
ReVox A700
ReVox B77
ReVox C270
ReVox HS77
Scully 280
Sony APR-5003
Sony TC-766-2
Sony TC-770-2
Sony TC-777-4
Sony TC-880-2
Sony TC-854-4
Stellavox TD-9
Studer A62
Studer A807
Tandberg 12
Tandberg TD-20A
Tascam 34B
Tascam 3030
Technics RS-1500
Technics RS-1520
Technics RS-1700
My all-time fave machine be the OTARI MTR-15
(not to be confused with other OTARI models);
it has more useful features than all others combined, is gentle on my precious 55-yr-old pre-recorded acetate-backed tapes as well as my own irreplaceable AllegroSound Point-Source Recordings™ polyester-backed master tapes, and has the best playback of them all; it also weights 101-lbs and requires a high-speed fan to exhaust the heat.
My fave machine for location recording (and winding tape) be the NAGRA IVS/4S with QGB 10.5-in reel motor-unit; small, light, no heat, no fan, no motor noise, no solenoids, no relays, no chips, is extremely gentle on tape, and will still be running long after all others have died; however, the Playback is not in the league of NAGRA's T-Audio or the OTARI MTR-15.
So what's an audiophile to do?
AllegroSolution™
We modify the NAGRA IVS/4S for use with
outboard playback electronics of your choice.
"Life's full of compromises; why compromise sound? "
AllegroSound
− Established 1973 −
"love what you listen with"
Los Angeles, California USA
Rick@AllegroSound.com
FOR SALE - TRADE 
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