Kryptik said:
I'm mostly curious, but what is out there for reel to reel multi-tracks. Are there alternatives to 30k studers, or are they the only ones who makes them anymore?
If you're looking for a brand new machine then you're gonna be spending a pretty penny. If you're looking for something of the same caliber as a Studer then you will have to buy a Studer. I own an Otari MTR90II (2" 24 Track) and I've used other 2" Machines: Studer, MCI, Sony, and Ampex in the past and the Studers are the Ferrari's of analog format machines. I'd say my used Otari is maybe a used Mercedes SL500 or used BMW M7 (expensive maintenance) - not to say servicing a Studer isn't inexpensive but if it's brand new and you change the oil every 5000 miles you'll be fine for quite some time.
It's best to find something used (depending on your budget) and keep a little money on the side for either re-lapping the heads or replacing them completely (JRF has a pretty good trade in deal - I work with them exclusively regarding my headstack). Other than that most format machines out there have individual cards for each track which can be easily replaced. It's as easy as adding/removing RAM or PCI components from your computer. I like to have a couple backup audio cards for my Otari just in case but I've been fine so far.
Otari, Studer, and some TASCAM's have parts that are easier to find than other brands (I know from experience that there are secondary mfg's that make replacement parts for my Otari - but it can become costly depending what it is).
I've owned my Otari for 8 of its 20 year life (it was built in 1985 with only one previous owner) and the only things I've had to replace were the swing arms (so far) and that cost me about $500. Any other "issues" is just general maintenance like calibration and light bulb replacement. My heads were re-lapped twice but I don't remember what it cost.
Again, the best for parts and lapping (or as they say "reconditioning") is JRF Magnetics.
I'm always leery of used equipment especially something so expensive, big, and sight unseen. If you can swing it you can get something through a broker. I bought my Otari that way and they gave me a one-year "used item" warranty. That didn't mean I had to ship it back for maintenance, all I had to do is get a service person to fix it and then I would send the bill to my broker.... it was a sweet deal. Sure, it cost a good 10 to 20 percent more than if I bought something off eBay used but anything I buy that has the risk of being a clunker before I receive it I'd rather pay the extra cost for protection. Plus the place I went through (proaudiodesign.com) makes sure everything is working before sending it out.... but like I said it's sometimes more expensive than eBay or alike.
Good Luck!
-- Adam Lazlo