Fostex vs Tascam machines

[gilwe]

As I was browsing the threads dealing with the different reel-to-reel machines, I found that the Fostex machines tend to cause more problems over the Tascam. Are Fostex known of being unreliable ? Generally, is Tascam considered higher quality and reliability ?

 

[longsoughtfor]

Tascam Rules!

 

[plexi]

That depends, I`ve used a Fostex G24s a couple of years without a single problem, and I also have used a Tascam 85-16B for over a year too, both are exellent decks!

Amund

 

[Han]

I still own them both. The Fostex G is electronically better and the sonics are superior to the Tascam MSR (the Tascam sounds very good)

Tascam is mechanically superior to the Fostex. A Tascam is built like a tank. I've used and sometimes still use an MSR24S and it never have let me down since (new in) 1992.

 

[gilwe]

I don't understand... does that mean the Tascam Sounds better ? and which is mechanically better ?

The Fostex B16 I posted on the other thread is actually a G16.

How does the G16 compared to the MSR16 ?

Thanks.

 

[Han]

No, it means the Fostex can sound a tad better than the Tascam, but the machine must have a decent head and must be aligned as good as possible.

The Tascam machines (MSR) will give you no problems and the sound is also very good.

 

[muttley]

I've had excellent results with the Fostex E-16 analogue. Now a days you would be shopping for the one with the least wear-tear that you can find. These things are not being produced anymore.


da MUTT

 

[Herm]

I love my E 16 but it does have one little problem,

The counter quits when reel speed gets going fast when im in
rewind or fast forward, So you kinda have to guess where to stop
it.

 

[gilwe]

a very good point muttley ! (considering an avarage recording head costs more than the machine itself...)

 

[Han]

I love my E 16 but it does have one little problem,

The counter quits when reel speed gets going fast when im in
rewind or fast forward, So you kinda have to guess where to stop
it.

Remove/unscrew the roller guide on the right side of the machine.
On the back of this roller are the black stripes and on the machine you'll see a small kind of led thing. There might be some dust or dirt.

 

[muttley]

Gilwe; if possible go and audition the machine in person, look at all the wear items, heads, guides, rollers, etc. In this point in time, its not so much as brand, but condition/hours.
Take your time in this endever, and get the right one.

Han; thanks for that valuable tip.



da MUTT

 

[Herm]

Yea i tried that along time ago but didnt have any luck it still does
it.

I cant justify sending it to someone to fix and I wouldnt know
where to start so I guess its jus something i will have to put up
with.

This is my 4th fostex reel to reel and that is the first time I have had any kind of problem with any of them so I guess in the span of 12 years I cant complain and say they make a bad machine.
I have had 5 teacs though and had problems with 3 out of the 5
so for me the fostex machines have been the most reliable.