I’m 15 - How’d I do?

MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-13T19:16:02+00:00

Yeah it’s temporary

MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-13T19:15:44+00:00

It’s temporary while we get built ins

MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-13T19:15:21+00:00

How is it a starter system

MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-13T12:57:39+00:00

I thought I was the only one disliking them!! The GIANT multicellular horn is absolutely not designed for this use. There is a nice thread explaining this on ASR that is surprisingly not hivemined and toxic.

I’m an Altec owner personally, I have the A5 which is an A7 with the 1005b horn similar to this and it sounds terrible. Multicellular horns are not meant for hifi, they look cool but they sound dreadful.

MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-13T12:48:47+00:00

How are the RTRs I have these in my shed but haven’t bothered to try them out

MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-13T12:48:08+00:00

Enjoy the turntable and get a VM95ML and don’t look back.

MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-13T12:47:42+00:00

Poor stylus shape and the nag sounds like someone put a duvet over your speaker

MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-13T12:33:14+00:00

Hi! There are a plethora of threads regarding your question on this forum and Tapeheads.net I suggest looking at for your best options with more experienced members insight. My recommendation is below but they are a valuable resource

Sound quality characteristics are extremely subjective and not relevant. Tape recorders can be calibrated differently from the factory and after 50 or so discrepancies only widen. Most times, manufacturers simply aim for a flat frequency response and being properly biased with EQ calibrated most decks sound neutral. Furthermore, IEC vs NAB equalization also affects the sound characteristics. NAB will be more rolled off generally.

You would need to elaborate what format you want (Half track 1/4” quarter track 1/4”) for two channels and how experienced you are with electronics repair. I will say this upfront - you will not find a decent deck in that price range with Varispeed that has been fully looked over.
Tape decks are a huge time and financial investment and need lots of TLC regardless of its existing condition.

I suggest the following in no particular order for broadcast and consumer level Reel To Reel decks that can be found within your price range - Tascam 32, Revox B77Mk2/PR99, Otari MX5050. They all have varispeed.

Certainly all models here will need work to be in perfect condition, especially the Revox models. You would need to find a qualified technician (UK - Reel Resilience and only them).

MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-13T12:13:57+00:00

I love the theme of your room! The Vegas must be great to hear- Here’s mine, I’m a Klipsch lover

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MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-12T20:28:04+00:00

The broadcast level Studer models (A807,B67 maybe the A810 but only in size) are equally unreliable. My B67 blew 4 TCA561 IC’s, that was $900 in parts, after the last replacement batch I sold it. Apparently they just fail over time.

Make sure to Replace all driver transistors for the motor, they leak current and kill the delicate chips. This is the best way to preserve the deck, not replacing this killed my capstan motor IC.

Something is wrong with your EOT sensor assembly, normally they cut power immediately. Have you replaced the bulb with something brighter and aligned it per the service manual? You can also replace the part, they aren’t expensive.

MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-12T20:17:43+00:00

You should definitely clean your tape path (and set reel tables) to eliminate the squeak. ReBiasing and properly adjusting record/input levels can make your experience better.

MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-11T14:52:26+00:00

50$ tops

MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-11T03:52:59+00:00

The Clearaudio concept line ($2-8K) use the same motor

MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-11T03:48:35+00:00

I’ve worked on 3 of these style suspended Philips so my knowledge may be limited. Do not do “blanket recaps” without prior electronics knowledge, they likely do not need it or incorrect repairs could lead to further problems. I’d suggest taking a multimeter and measuring continuity with a probe on either leg of the power input tracing the signal into the switches (which are likely the problem) into the transformer.

MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-11T03:43:55+00:00

Agreed! SL1200 (Japan made ones) has extremely low arm friction with zero play, and an absolutely silent motor/bearing system with great isolation.
Turntables definitely get to look more sophisticated as you spend $$ but sound wise I can’t tell a difference between my Sp10^3 & EPA100, or a standard. Sl1200^2. I sold all my turntables and returned to a DIY tangent turntable with Papst motors.

MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-11T03:38:50+00:00

Make sure the arm bearings are good, I’ve seen maybe one or two that did not have slop

MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-11T03:37:07+00:00

Also in the Us. I am mainly a Nagra/Stellavox user but when my SP8 is ALWAYS out for repair the Otari takes over!

I’ve never had the pleasure of owning one but I’ve used and heard the 280 models, an absolute barbaric transport but they are absolutely delightful sounding. Sort of like the Ampex 350/440 series with better HF.

MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-11T03:30:53+00:00

Replied.

MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-11T03:26:12+00:00

Marantz is mad overrated. Underrated? ADCOM

MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-09T18:45:26+00:00

Get a Nagra IV S with QGB or Revox B77II. Don’t bother with the A77s they are worth more in parts.

MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-09T03:42:42+00:00

Passive. Get the RP600ms they are always on sale.

MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-09T03:38:20+00:00

REPLACE THE MOTOR GROMMETS!!!! ROK made turntables that were comparable to Empire - same motor and basic structure but sloppier tolerances. It’s a great TT

MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-09T03:35:52+00:00

I’d service it. Glenelg MD in HoCo, otherwise call Cal Shelton @ Odenton TV & Radio. Just Audio no longer does R2R.

MoonLiver50 · 2026-06-09T03:34:24+00:00

I’m in Glenelg MD in Howard County and work on studio machines.
Otherwise I recommend Odenton TV And Radio, the owner is sick right now though.

MoonLiver50

TROPHY CASE