Akai or Tandberg

[Mikemaxcel]

Can`t decided which one to choose between Akai GX-630D Pro and Tandberg TD-20A.This is my initial step into the reel to reel so experient suggestion is welcome that I may not make a wrong choice and to regret there after.

[Dave Cawley]

I'm not sure I would go with either? Are they both in the same condition? both 2 track? both 7.5 and 15ips?

Regards

Dave

[Mikemaxcel]

I think Akai is a 2 tracks stereo with 19 + 38 cms.and Tandberg would be a 4 tracks
stereo with 9.5 + 19 cms.

[Dave Cawley]

In that case, they are almost completely different?

Dave

[DaveInVA]

As they are both different speed and track formats it also would come down to what you want to use it for. The Akai with the 2 track format and higher speed might be overkill unless you want to do live recordings etc. The Tandberg I've owned that model and its a very nice sounding unit but parts can be tough to get if it breaks. The Akai has glass heads and if they've been treated nicely they will last a long time. Some Akai parts can be tough to get also however.

Dave

[braxus]

I think soundwise the Tandberg would be hard to beat. Many say the TD20A reel to reel deck was one of their best decks. I'd go for that. There is a Tandberg tech in New York who could work on the deck if needed.

[Kent T]

For 1/2 track Stereo machines, I prefer either Otari MX 5050 B II or a ReVox B 77. For 1/4 track, I prefer the ReVox B 77 or the A series Teac machines. *reelspin*

[Mark J]

For 1/2 track Stereo machines, I prefer either Otari MX 5050 B II or a ReVox B 77. For 1/4 track, I prefer the ReVox B 77 or the A series Teac machines.

Coming from almost "Mr. Tandberg" I'm surprised the ¼-track recommendation is the Teac. I understand the Revox is a great deck, but the Tandbergs also sounded good.

Could you tell us more about your choice of Teac over Tandberg?

[Kent T]

My choice comes from the viewpoint of easily obtainable parts and service for most tapeheads here. I love the Tandberg TD20A a lot. But parts for most people here are very difficult to obtain as is knowledgeable service. For Norwegians and other Scandinavian countries, that is much less of a problem since more of these decks were sold there. The TD20A is one of the best sounding open reel decks made for consumer/semi pro use. And that's 1/4 or 1/2 track Stereo. We have 2 of this model ourselves and many spare parts to keep ours alive and service knowledge.

[Mark J]

Thanks for that Kent. I was worried there for a bit thinking sound quality was the number one criteria. Since the unit working is more important in your recommendation, I'm ok with that. My 10x has been a great unit for the years I have owned it (since new) and I know I like it better than the sound of the Teacs but then my unit works. When it doesn't that is completely different and will be looking at the Rosetta Stone Norwegian so I can get parts for my unit.


Mike, is that TD-20a really a slow speed unit? It came standard with 19 & 38 and I'm sure it could be ordered with the 9.5 & 19 speeds. Just checking.

[TandbergRay]

Hello,
We also have 2 models of each of the Tandberg TD20A, and the TD20A-SE units here in USA. Nick in NY, the Tandberg Tech. has many parts, and extreme knowledge in the TD20A and TD20A-SE along with all Tandberg Audio......Im sure more were sold in Europe, etc...but we had a fair share here in USA as well. And Yes, the sound is unbeatable, till maybe you go into Studio Machines, say a Studer..and both Speed Models were sold here as well. Along with the Track Format of Heads, 2 track and 4 track. Ray





My choice comes from the viewpoint of easily obtainable parts and service for most tapeheads here. I love the Tandberg TD20A a lot. But parts for most people here are very difficult to obtain as is knowledgeable service. For Norwegians and other Scandinavian countries, that is much less of a problem since more of these decks were sold there. The TD20A is one of the best sounding open reel decks made for consumer/semi pro use. And that's 1/4 or 1/2 track Stereo. We have 2 of this model ourselves and many spare parts to keep ours alive and service knowledge.