CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

[Moose]

I am thinking more and more about getting back into reel-to-reel. Many, many years ago I owned a Teac 10 1/2" RTR with 3 3/4" and 7 1/2" speeds. Now I'm looking for something better. I also used a DBX 224 encoding/decoding box with the Teac and I was considering that, if I did get back into RTR, I might try to find a DBX unit. But I don't know what to look for. I know I don't want a 224; while it accomplished its purpose it was not without a penalty. Playback sound quality between the slower speed and the faster speed was considerable. I'm hoping that DBX has improved their encoding/decoding processes and there are better units than the 224. Maybe something in the professional line?

Any suggestions for DBX?

[zaphod]

the 224 was dbx type 2. also compression/expansion algorithms but for the consumer market and not what the pro models use (that being dbx type 1). unfortunately type 1 really only worked with 15 ips or higher.

mating the deck and the dbx unit was really important. if i were you i'd look for a r2r deck that had onboard dbx like some of the later model technics or akais. that way you know it's a good match between NR and deck.

[zaphod]

in cooincidence, this popped up in my ebay browser this afternoon

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200189001778

which is a nice machine, i just can't rationalize an eighth reel 2 reel. i must be slipping.

[Moose]

[zaphod]

oooooh, otari. very nice. i was looking at 4 channel otari's when i was thinking of adding quadraphonic into my HT via the 5.1 analog inputs on my pre/pro but then realized that i would be paying whacks of money so that i could pay whacks of money for overpriced quadraphonic tapes. you just won't believe what a vintage DSOTM on quad reel costs

which model of otari 5050 did you get? and how are you handling the +4 vs -10 issue of broadcast vs consumer gear?

[Moose]

[rod]

I can't believe the coincedence. I was reorging my A/V rack just last night and I pondered at my AKAI GX-77 for a long time. Then I decided to turn it on and see how it sounded. I barely remembered how to load a reel but it's pretty easy with this thing. Anyway, I can believe that this thing loaded and rolled just like the day I bought - quiet as a mouse. The sound is still amazing.

I keep it because it adds a lot of weight to the bottom of my rack, and there is no way I could even entertain the notion of dumping such a fine work of engineering. Compared to today's disposable electronics nothing compared to that unit in it's day, and maybe even now.

Still can't figure why anyone would what one of these, let alone 8. Maybe I should post in the the buy&sell based on what I see them asking on e-bay. Is there actually a demand for them?

[zaphod]

well, lessee....

i have a 4 track pioneer 707 and a 2 track reVox B77 upstairs
downstairs i have a 4 track teac 2340 and a 2 track Tascam32
in "storage" i have an Akai GX400D pro (2/4 track switchable) that needs belt work

at the office i have an Akai GX270D (that still to back to Curt for a tweak) and Grundig portable that i can't get working and uses batteries that no longer exist

so 7 in total. 5 work really well, 1 needs belt work and 1 is beyond repair.

darned if i can rationalize that 8th one

[AnalogRocks]

[AnalogRocks]

[zaphod]

3v odd shaped. kind of like the proportions of a AA, but closer in size to a C cell battery. labelel DUPLEX 3V No 270.

2 1/4 x 1 13/16 in size. the unit takes 4 C cell batteries and 1 of these weirdos. there is an rca input for power (yep, RCA) but i haven't sourced a power supply that will match it (laziness).

i've attached a picture of it with a std. C cell