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View Full Version : Revox A77 MKIII - Should I?

BroonsBane
04-18-2009, 10:07 AM
I have a chance of picking up one of these 2 track decks in a trade. Still not sure if the NAB hub adapters are included, reels etc. I'm told the deck has been recently professionally set up and is in perfect working order with good heads.

What are the pros/cons of this machine?
Scorpion8
04-18-2009, 05:14 PM
Well, the A-77 is a lot more rudimentary than the B-77 (call it less "polished") but as far as the internals and circuit topology I can't comment. If you're going to use it, I'd hold out for a better machine. If you're going to flip it, they certainly have some value. There's lots of ReVox fans around here who can comment better than me....
BroonsBane
04-19-2009, 07:27 AM
Thanks for the input Jim. Anyone else have anything to add? Anything? Beuller? Beuller?.......
jcmusic
04-19-2009, 08:01 AM
It is not as friendly on the eyes as is the B77, but the internals are almost identical. Great sounding deck if you can get past the look.

Jay
revcom
04-19-2009, 01:21 PM
From a fidelity standpoint, you would be hard pressed to tell the difference between the A77 and B77. The B77 has smoother and more gentle tape handling. I have two A77s, a Mk I and a Mk III. Both have been excellent decks for me. I have had the Mk I since new in the mid sixties and the Mk III for about three years. Parts and service are readily available. Google Revox and you will find reviews of both the A77 and B77. Good luck with your decision.

Poocho
BroonsBane
04-19-2009, 06:11 PM
Well, I'm definitely leaning towards acquiring this RtR, thanks all for your input, I appreciate it very much.
Nakdoc
04-20-2009, 01:12 PM
Uhhh, there is a huge difference between models at 3 3/4 ips. The A77 is midfi, but the B77 rivals Tandbergs. You cannot go wrong with any Revox, but if it is to be your only deck, I'd pass.
BroonsBane
04-20-2009, 04:12 PM
It would be my only RtR...
jbrainey
04-20-2009, 04:37 PM
Sound quality aside, I would go for a 4 track so you double or quadruple the recording/playback time on the tape. You can get 6 hours of playback @ 3 3/4 ips on a 10.5" tape. Good tape is getting expensive and a 2 track deck gobbles it up fast especially @ 15 ips. I would like to get a 2 track as a second deck to record and edit with only.
revcom
04-22-2009, 11:31 AM
The A77 and B77 have exactly the same specs for frequency response and wow & flutter and are within 1db on S/N ratio at both 3 3/4 and 7 1/2 speeds. If you are happy with having a two track machine, I would see nothing wrong with having that machine for my only recorder. I used my A77 as my only recorder for over 40 years before buying a second A77. Of course mine are 4 track however.

Poocho
Scorpion8
04-22-2009, 07:53 PM
So didja? Didja? Didja get it???
BroonsBane
04-23-2009, 05:00 AM
So didja? Didja? Didja get it???

No, I changed my mind.
jbrainey
04-23-2009, 06:01 AM
No, I changed my mind.

Well I hope you haven't given up on the format. You owe it to yourself to at least try it out. My suggestion is a used TEAC X-1000R. You get all the performance of a X-2000R without the inflated price. I think the only major difference is the "cobalt amorphous heads".
I love to record from CD and LP to R2R. I rarely use mine to playback prerecorded tapes. I have yet to find a prerecorded tape that sounds as good as my home recordings.
BroonsBane
04-23-2009, 06:44 AM
Well I hope you haven't given up on the format. You owe it to yourself to at least try it out. My suggestion is a used TEAC X-1000R. You get all the performance of a X-2000R without the inflated price. I think the only major difference is the "cobalt amorphous heads".
I love to record from CD and LP to R2R. I rarely use mine to playback prerecorded tapes. I have yet to find a prerecorded tape that sounds as good as my home recordings.

I have tried it out. 4 years ago I had an X-10, I really liked it but it needed an overhaul and I didn't have the funds for that. I sold it after using it for about 6 months.
RedGrant
04-24-2009, 08:58 PM
I love to record from CD and LP to R2R. I rarely use mine to playback prerecorded tapes. I have yet to find a prerecorded tape that sounds as good as my home recordings.

Hi, I'm planning to use my B77 for the same purpose. (When I get one)


How much improvement in sonic quality do you get over CD and LP when you record from them to R2R?

Folks at beoworld think you would get none! Their logic is GIGA.