Page 128 - Hi-Fi_News_-_December_2020 video

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F R O M T H E V A U L T
FROM THE VAULTT
RIGHT: The lineup (clockwise l-r) – the
Pioneer RT2022, Revox B77, Sony
TC766-2 and the Technics RS-1500 US

Reel-to-reel

Hi-Fi recorders

News Martin Colloms hears four
Jun 1978 top-quality open-spool decks

Each month
HFN will bring he last year or so has seen to £850 for the Technics and £950 NAB, while the consequent relative
you an article the emergence of a new for the basic Pioneer assembly, these reduced treble on replay endows
from our vast generation of high-quality units are not strictly comparable, the IEC machine with a couple of
archive of Topen-reel tape decks, of although their relative performances decibels less replay hiss.)
features and which four are investigated here. As are nonetheless interesting. Both Technics and Sony decks
reviews from the price span ranges from £500- All four recorders subscribe to have a second built-in replay head
yesteryear £600 for the Sony and Revox models the ‘professional’ format, namely which allows the replay of ¼-track
a 26.5cm diameter maximum reel stereo tapes, which is an important
capacity with at least two high point for the purchaser with an
speeds (19 and 38cm/sec), and established tape library. The Pioneer
a two-channel half-track format will also play ¼-track tapes, but less
on 6.25mm (¼in) tape. However, conveniently via the interchange of
strictly speaking they should complete head-block assemblies. But
be called ‘semi-professional’, as this substitution also allows the deck
although they are essentially capable to record in the ¼-track format and,
of master quality recordings, they indeed, if a second preamp/control
do differ from true studio machines unit is employed, full four-track, four-
in several respects. For example, the channel working is possible with the
input and output connections of Pioneer model. Versatility is clearly
professional machines are generally the keynote of this unusual recorder.
balanced-line with Cannon or similar
type sockets. In contrast, the review REMOTE CONTROL
models are all unbalanced, with All the decks have solid-state or full
phono and DIN-type inputs and relay control of transport functions,
outputs, plus lower line levels. with the required modes selected
The Revox B77 reviewed is by light-action buttons that are
the ‘high speed’ version with IEC duplicated, if required, by cable-
equalisation, while the Pioneer connected remote control units. The
deck may be switched to operate in delayed logic systems incorporated
either IEC or NAB record/playback EQ also allow sequential and random
standards at the higher speed. The actuation of any function except
Technics and Sony are both fi xed in ‘record’ (for which the usual
NAB. (IEC equalisation allows a little interlocks are provided), without
more treble boost on record than confusion or any tape mishandling.

128 | www.hifi news.co.uk | DECEMBER 2020