Well the thing you need to know here is that his other machine is an MM-1200, which, at its essence, uses the same class A discrete amplification and transformer coupling as the MM-1000 which is the same as the AG-440 series. That was such a popular amp design for its sound that, yes, when everybody else was running to opamp-based amp designs in their tape machines, Ampex was still sought after for "that sound" when when a key reason for "that sound" was the decade old "passe" design. Many still consider the MM-1200 the best sounding open reel tape machine. Alex has set his up really nice with a Flux ME play head and all the rolling guide mods. The MM-1100/1200 is kind of like an MM-1000 in a smaller package...same great taste with half the calories, and servo tension control upstream of the capstan. There are certainly differences enough in the transport that some could and do argue that the MM-1000 is a better sounding machine, but awesomeness is in the ear of the beholder. Its a tough argument when the amp design is essentially the same. You can take an amp card out of a 440 and put it in the MM-1200.
Anyway, Alex has plenty mojo-makin' gear left after the MM-1000 goes.