Ballfinger vs Mataxas vs Analog Audio Design

[Zeotrope]

Has anyone seen and heard products from the 3 companies currently making new R2R machines?

Curious to know how they compare from those who have experienced these companies’ products.

 

[Lee]

I seem to recall a recent story about Audio Analog getting U.S. distribution. I will see if I can find it but I have not heard these recent decks outside of United Home Audio.

 

[MylesBAstor]

Has anyone seen and heard products from the 3 companies currently making new R2R machines?

Curious to know how they compare from those who have experienced these companies’ products.

Brian Tucker is the US AAD importer.

PRO AUDIO LTD (U.S. DISTRIBUTOR)
Brian Tucker
proaudio@comcast.net
(847) 561-4008

 

[astrotoy]

I searched the internet and got a price of 10K Euros for the Analogue Audio Design TR-1000 playback only, and 13K Euros for record/playback from an article in Dave Denyer's Reel to Reel Rambler from December, 2021. This appears to be a wholesale or initial retail price, so the price probably is higher. It is still quite a bit lower than the Ballfinger, much, much lower than the Metaxas, which both offer playback only and record/playback versions. All three look like they are new machines and not rebuilt from existing machines.

Given the different distribution/dealers, I think it would be difficult to directly compare the three machines. Hopefully it will be possible.

Larry

 

[Zeotrope]

The Ballfinger M002P retail price is about 14K EUR + VAT.

Leaving aside the looks, the Metaxas build quality seems subpar relative to the price. But I haven’t seen one so it’s just from looking at videos. I generally don’t like bearings or wheels secured by visible screws. But I don’t want to take away from the fact that it’s great to have a new R2R machine available in the first place.