Otari MX-5050 BII

Ki Choi

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May 13, 2010
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I like and recommend Otari MX series machines as one of the high value options in getting into playing two track 15 ips tapes.

Judging from the photos, the machine didn't suffer major abuse (no significant razor marks on head cover - though I see other marks) and $300 is good price IMO considering the money won't buy two new pinch rollers from Athans for Studer A820...

Although at $300 purchase price you can afford to remove the headblock and send it to the master, John French for relap, it would be ideal if the seller can show you close up of the heads or better yet confirm first hand the machine would sweep 20 - 20Khz at 15 ips with the MRL cal tape.

All in all, go for it especially if it's a local pick up!

Ki
 

flez007

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Aug 31, 2010
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It would also be a good idea to see a short video of how it packs, stops and plays tape below Ki's recommendation.
 

Johnny Vinyl

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May 16, 2010
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I had put in an offer (full price) and waited all day for a reply. I did this because I remembered Ki mentioning that he liked Otari and for the price I could easily get it properly serviced. Alas the unit was sold. I have a feeling it went for higher than the asking price. I'm a little disappointed, but now I know that if an MX comes up again that I should seriously consider it. This is the third time now a R2R has slipped under my fingers, so maybe it's the last and I'll get lucky next time!
 

Ki Choi

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May 13, 2010
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Seattle WA area
John:

One of the positive things about the Otari MX series machine is - there are thousands of them sold over the years. If you can be patient, you will find a clean one locally with little work needed to get it back to Otari factory spec.

There are several known issues such as burnt out VU meter lamps that can be replaced easily and sticky pinch roller pivot that can be remedied with a shot of WD40. The only things you can't do would be to relapping of the heads and audio calibration as long as its basic transport functions are correct. But if the machine is not from a radio station and ideally from a home studio with little use, you won't need to relap the heads or do the audio cal.

Ki
 

Peter Breuninger

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Jul 20, 2010
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I have a Otari MX 4C version and side by side, it had more clarity than my Technics 1520s for 7.5ips play back. I paid $700 for it 8 years ago if that helps.
 

Johnny Vinyl

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It all helps Peter. This would be totally uncharted waters for me so I'll take any info I can gather!
 

amirm

Banned
Apr 2, 2010
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My Otari came from Ki and it has worked perfectly for the last couple of years we have had it. :)
 

rbbert

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Dec 12, 2010
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Remember, though, that software will likely cost much more than the machine, even upgraded. And if The Tape Project is really scaling back, as has been rumored, there's very little of musical interest left (ducking the stones and missiles, but it's what I think)...
 

mep

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Apr 20, 2010
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Remember, though, that software will likely cost much more than the machine, even upgraded. And if The Tape Project is really scaling back, as has been rumored, there's very little of musical interest left (ducking the stones and missiles, but it's what I think)...

There are lots of 2 track 15ips tapes out there. Also, the 5050 has a 4 track head and can play all of the 4 track tapes that were ever made which number in the gazillions. Noise and all, 4 track tapes can still sound fantastic.
 

rbbert

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Dec 12, 2010
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There are lots of 2 track 15ips tapes out there. Also, the 5050 has a 4 track head and can play all of the 4 track tapes that were ever made which number in the gazillions. Noise and all, 4 track tapes can still sound fantastic.
Lots of 15ips 2-tracks available for purchase? Can you point me to some sources for these? As far as 7.5 ips 1/4-tracks, my opinion of their sonics is not great after about 40 years of listening on consumer decks like Tandberg, Revox and Technics. I need to visit RogerD to hear some of his on his better machines, but as yet I'm not convinced.
 

rbbert

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Dec 12, 2010
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mep

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Apr 20, 2010
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Lots of 15ips 2-tracks available for purchase? Can you point me to some sources for these? As far as 7.5 ips 1/4-tracks, my opinion of their sonics is not great after about 40 years of listening on consumer decks like Tandberg, Revox and Technics. I need to visit RogerD to hear some of his on his better machines, but as yet I'm not convinced.

Convinced of what? I'm not telling you or anyone else that 7 1/2 ips tapes are world beaters in sound quality. All I'm saying is that the tapes made from a really good sounding master will still sound really good. Don't be a Debbie Downer.
 

Johnny Vinyl

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May 16, 2010
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Remember, though, that software will likely cost much more than the machine, even upgraded. And if The Tape Project is really scaling back, as has been rumored, there's very little of musical interest left (ducking the stones and missiles, but it's what I think)...

In my case, I'm more interested in doing direct needledrops as opposed to buying $200 and $300 pre-recorded tapes. That's not to say I wouldn't do so on occasion for something really special, but that's not my primary reason. One can fault me for that and say why get into R2R to begin with if you're not going to buy what offers you the best possible quality, but I don't see it that way. You see, to me it's about the music first and that doesn't necessarily (to me) have to mean the best possible quality in any or all of the formats I choose to participate in. Vinyl is my format of choice in acquiring the best quality I can get, not tape.

Despite my love for having extended listening sessions, I would also like the ability of putting on a tape that I recorded with high-quality vinyl as best as I can, and let it play. I think it would be really nice to make a compilation or have 2 LP's recorded back to back that I can just listen to without changing sides. And lastly, even if I had the resources to buy TTP tapes as a subscriber, I would still make my own. It's about enjoying my hobby and I like it just fine the way I've approached it!
 

microstrip

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May 30, 2010
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Lots of 15ips 2-tracks available for purchase? Can you point me to some sources for these? As far as 7.5 ips 1/4-tracks, my opinion of their sonics is not great after about 40 years of listening on consumer decks like Tandberg, Revox and Technics. I need to visit RogerD to hear some of his on his better machines, but as yet I'm not convinced.

I would not say lots, but surely more than I can afford ...We should remember that there are a few other sources than the Tape Project. Although they are not releasing famous recordings and artists, they record very nice music, beautifully played and expertly recorded.
 

microstrip

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May 30, 2010
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In my case, I'm more interested in doing direct needledrops as opposed to buying $200 and $300 pre-recorded tapes. That's not to say I wouldn't do so on occasion for something really special, but that's not my primary reason. One can fault me for that and say why get into R2R to begin with if you're not going to buy what offers you the best possible quality, but I don't see it that way. You see, to me it's about the music first and that doesn't necessarily (to me) have to mean the best possible quality in any or all of the formats I choose to participate in. Vinyl is my format of choice in acquiring the best quality I can get, not tape.

Despite my love for having extended listening sessions, I would also like the ability of putting on a tape that I recorded with high-quality vinyl as best as I can, and let it play. I think it would be really nice to make a compilation or have 2 LP's recorded back to back that I can just listen to without changing sides. And lastly, even if I had the resources to buy TTP tapes as a subscriber, I would still make my own. It's about enjoying my hobby and I like it just fine the way I've approached it!

John,

Although I love my tapes and my A80's, just for needledrops I would rather invest in a DSD recorder such as the Korg MR2000s. I have been playing a few, recorded from a direct cut LP, and they sound really good - far better than any other version of the same recording in any other format.
 

Johnny Vinyl

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May 16, 2010
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John,

Although I love my tapes and my A80's, just for needledrops I would rather invest in a DSD recorder such as the Korg MR2000s. I have been playing a few, recorded from a direct cut LP, and they sound really good - far better than any other version of the same recording in any other format.

I've heard excellent things about that Korg unit, but I respectfully have no interest in pursuing such an avenue. To me digital shall remain on my PC which is not used for high-quality playback, but instead more for background.
 

rockitman

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Sep 20, 2011
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The currently available reference machine imo is the UHA Phase 11 deck. One package, SOTA sound. The other and more expensive route...a fully restored A80 RC with heads wired out to a stand alone pre.
 

Johnny Vinyl

Member Sponsor & WBF Founding Member
May 16, 2010
8,570
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The currently available reference machine imo is the UHA Phase 11 deck. One package, SOTA sound. The other and more expensive route...a fully restored A80 RC with heads wired out to a stand alone pre.

Christian - While I appreciate your input, that's not the market I can play in. That's just my reality.
 

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