I have a Tascam 22-2... It's sounds pretty good, but I find it a little too "meaty" sounding for my taste... What I want is a tight sounding deck... something more hi-fi, yet affordable (if possible)...
My 22-2’s sound great, but they are tweaked better than factory spec, and I’ve replaced the 4558 record op-amp with a better performing model. If you are able, change out the 4558 to a 4580, or better yet an NE5532.
I would choose the 22-2 over the A77.
If you want something more versatile you can’t beat the TASCAM BR-20.
All things being equal, calibration and tape selection can be the difference between liking the sound of a given machine and not. If you haven’t tried it yet I recommend EMTEC or RMGI SM468 for a crisper sound.
thank you, beck... I'm using 457 tape, and my machine is not modded. It's smearing the sound a bit too much for my liking. but anyway, I'll play it by ear... see what happens in the future.
If by "smearing" you mean a lack of highs then could it be that perhaps you're pushing the levels substantially above 0db or maybe the heads are too worn or that the 22 is not callibrated / aligned correctly, either the pervious owner messed with it or it just plain went south as far as factory spec? From what I recall, the 22-2 is a fine sounding recorder, with plenty hi fi.
