Hi Guys:
Few comments... There are two versions of the T Audio. The one for sale in Canada is a non-TC version and is an older model. A simple way to distinguish the newer model is to look for the numeric keyboard in the control panel that is the TC version (last photo Rich showed).
Although it is still possible to operate the machine for record and repro without the VU meter panel, it seems there is a higher demand for having the meterbridge (– looks nicer?). The way DocB at the Tape Project uses the meterbridge is just as a means to hold the Tube Repro amp. As soon as the heads are direct wired to the outboard preamp, the VU meters don’t work. Even without the VU meters on the meterbridge, there are two small LED meters on audio cards that you can monitor 0, +3, and +6dB (from top of my head) for recording.
If the machine was configured with a VU meterbridge originally, and it was separated, then one must make mods to get the machine to record. It will playback fine without the missing meterbridge.
As it was pointed out by Rich, the T is missing the CINE reel adapters. This is a big issue since they are not available from Nagra anymore and the last pair that came up on eBay got sold for ~$400 if my memory serves me right. Ideally, the machine needs a pair of the original Nagra NAB metal adapters like the ones shown in the last photo.
It is also missing two of the head shields (out of three). They are removable and can be lost easily.
The more important issue is the EQ settings. The Nagra T Audio has separate EQ boards for speed and EQ type. What I can see from the fuzzy photo is that the machine for sale is configured for two speeds (out of possible four) 15 ips and 7.5 IPS but both speeds are in NAB EQ (standard in North America). Thus, the seller’s claim regarding playing Tape Project tape in its current set up is not quite correct. One would need to make mods on two 15 ips EQ boards to have IEC (CCIR) EQ or obtain two new EQ boards (not available…). If one of you buys this machine, I can supply the documentation to make the mods for IEC EQ.
The machine seems to be very clean and had not been abused. Although it is missing the stand (I have extras...), if the seller is willing to demonstrate the machine for all of its working modes, it should be a ok buy. It also comes with the deck cover which is nice. Furthermore, even with all the things that are missing, as long as one can source the CINE reel adapters (min), it can be modified to have direct head wiring rather easily for an external tape head preamp solving all the EQ issues.
The first Nagra T Audio I got locally was belonged to Mr. Glenn White whose claim to fame was he'd set up SOTA audio system for Beatles when they played in Seattle in the 60’s, and was an audio professor at the University of Washington. Unfortunately, Glenn is in his twilight years and in a nursing home. Since the acquisition, I have made lot of new friends in the area who were very close friends with Glenn and have told me stories of some of the interesting symphony recordings he had made using the very machine. I got it with the VU meterbridge for $3000. It was one of the better purchases I had made.
On the other hand, I bought a same Nagra T Audio non TC version as above. It ended up costing me ~$7500 and I lost it in a sad saga I reported here few months ago.
Last word...if any of the future Nagra T Audios come up for sale and can't be verified for its basic transport operations and known to have any issues...other than cosmetic...stay away. My two cents for the group for today.