Nagra T for sale on Canuck Audio Mart - $7,000 CDN

Johnny Vinyl

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naturephoto1

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what's it missing Rich

It says nothing about CCIR equalization

Hi Steve,

I would presume at least the machine should come with the tape hub spindles which I do not see in any of the photos for the add. The machine wouldn't normally be expected to come with the meters? I know as I have indicated that I am ignorant about these machines.

Here is a link and some photos:

http://www.allegrosound.com/Nagra_T-Audio_AllegroSound.html





I know that you would not expect the reels as in this photo:



Is the Nagra T for sale only as a playback machine as it does not show the meters and assembly in the second photo above?

By the way, having done some checking on line at least several years ago, these machines seem to have been selling for as little as about $3,000 (Ki may have purchased) to around $5300.

Rich
 

Ki Choi

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May 13, 2010
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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.
 
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amirm

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It is so great to have your insight Ki. I feel like I am watching Antiques Road show experts talk about what something is really worth :).
 

c1ferrari

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Echo Amir's thoughts, Ki. I'm still searching for another deck...probably, Studer or Nagra. Say, do you have an ATR :confused:
 

Ki Choi

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Echo Amir's thoughts, Ki. I'm still searching for another deck...probably, Studer or Nagra. Say, do you have an ATR :confused:

Hi Sam:

To complete my madness, I do need to get an ATR-102 at some point but I did finally get an Ampex 351 from the same local studio. It reminds me of a 1960s stick shift hot rod...simple and powerful but no fancy controls. I also hope to interface the preamps to Studer head soon.
 
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Ki Choi

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How about a Telefunkun ?
tony ma

Hi Tony:

I got very close to buying a M21A from Slovakia... The seller didn't have an airfreight account to meet US regulation to ship the crate to me... I did finally come up with a solution but it was sold the day before... maybe next time.

However, I did acquire two Telefunken M15As (one for a NYC studio and one from Germany). They are both oxide-out configuration like the Studer A816 posted few months ago. It looks odd but I figured out a way to load the tapes normally, play and have it take up like a normal oxide-in non-German deck. If you thought Studers were built like tanks, you should see these things! They weigh more and built tougher. I also have the M36 you had posted elsewhere. The audio output connectors are Cannon military type. Let me know if you need the part number.
 
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c1ferrari

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How about a Telefunkun ?
tony ma

Hi Tony,

Thanks for the suggestion...I'm afraid I don't know very much about them :confused: Are they versatile? For example, can they be converted, easily, between 1/2" and 1/4" operation...can they be operated at 15/30 ips (maybe, 7 1/2 ips, too)...how easy to switch EQ's?

Then, of course, how about sourcing parts, care, and feeding? Very fortunately, I have access to a great Studer tech; however, other than looking to Germany -- I wouldn't know of an outstanding Telefunken tech :(

Curiously enough -- somewhat recently, I was shown a Telefunken deck (I don't recall the specific model) that arrived from Germany and had benefitted from a restoration. We opened the crate and I had a look, but no audition. I thought it priced high at the time considering recent eBay sales/auctions. It may still be available.
 

c1ferrari

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May 15, 2010
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Hi Sam:

To complete my madness, I do need to get an ATR-102 at some point but I did finally get an Ampex 351 from the same local studio. It reminds me of a 1960s stick shift hot rod...simple and powerful but no fancy controls. I also hope to interface the preamps to Studer head soon.

Good evening, Ki,

I simply must make a pilgrimmage :D to the House of Choi:cool: Then, I'll travel east to visit Tony:cool: I can identify with your description of the Ampex.
 

tony ky ma

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Aug 21, 2010
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Ki & Sam
A Telefunkun M15 is on the way to Canada from Germany, because we find out the sound quality of the M36 quite different to others, like Studer , Ampex or MCI, so my friend made the decision and say it will come with service handbook but in Germany again, maybe need Ki's help in future too because I know very little about Telefunkun, in M36 it is in DIN standard but list 50-3180 mu/sec same as NAB, so it play NAB pre-recorded tape OK, I have a itching hands in mods but in this machine I only re-wired the out put to the head-phone post and the rest of the circuit's workmanship is so perfect telling me " don't touch" , I don't know how the M15 can sound yet but from M36 I can guest if Telefunkun like a man then Studer is a lady
cheers tony ma
 

Ki Choi

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Hi Tony:

I have had the M15As for a while but haven't spent quality time with them yet due to my day job... If your machine is also coming from Germany there are few things I had discovered that might apply to your M15a as well:

1) There is a good chance its headblock will be oxide-out configuration. Let me know when you know for sure. I will share my work around solution.
2) It will come with AEG reel adapters instead of the CINE or NAB reel adapters. Fortunately, the CINE type spindles are still available and can be ordered from Germany although a bit expensive. After replaceing the AEG reel adapters with CINE type, you will also need the Revox NAB hubs like other Studers.
3) You will need to convert input voltage from 220VAC to 120VAC. In the manual, there are no specific instructions for input voltage change but you can see the AC input transformer primary winding in the schematic to figure out the correct set up.
4) I hadn't spent enough time to study its I/Os fully but you will also need to convert signal I/O connectors that are much bigger than the standard balanced connectors. I would suggest you de-solder the Telefunken inputs and output connectors and make a simple replacement bracket and use the Nuetrik connectors.
5) The manual shows external remote module with pushbutton for Stereo/Mono or CCIR/NAB selection. One of the console type photos in the manual shows the remote module permanently mounted right next to the M15A. Thus there must be connections available to add a IEC/NAB switch but haven't quite figured out the details yet.

Hi Sam:

You are always welcome to visit my house (if I haven't been kicked out by then). ;-)
 
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c1ferrari

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...from M36 I can guest if Telefunkun like a man then Studer is a lady
cheers tony ma

Brilliant simile, Tony! Every audiophile will relate to the example of a relationship with an inanimate object :eek:

You know I'm playin' ;)
 

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