Otari MX5050 2SHT

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mwhouston

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I looking to buy a Otari MX5050 2SHT. Can some one tell me how good or bad these recorders are and what the 2SHT stands for?

Was there anything special about this model? Was there anything especially bad about this model?
 
mwhouston said:
I looking to buy a Otari MX5050 2SHT. Can some one tell me how good or bad these recorders are and what the 2SHT stands for?

Was there anything special about this model? Was there anything especially bad about this model?
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New or used? If used it'll all depend on the use and care it got. If new you have a warranty to cover you for a while. In any event Otari originated from TEAC engineers so figure the quality is there.
 
Lance Lawson said:
New or used? If used it'll all depend on the use and care it got. If new you have a warranty to cover you for a while. In any event Otari originated from TEAC engineers so figure the quality is there.
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Used. Can you buy new Otaris?
 
The 2SHT is an older model. It's one that has the 4-track playback head for playing stereo tapes. Other than that it's a pro 2-track (half-track) mastering deck. It has four heads total -- half-track erase, record/sync and repro, plus the playback only 4-track head like a home stereo reel-to-reel would have. It was popular in radio broadcast. The 4-track playback head made it very versatile in that environment.

As always it depends on the condition of the particular unit you're considering. If the heads are badly worn it’ll cost a pretty penny to have those relapped or replaced. The most common problem with these decks involves the relays on the rec/repro cards. They should be replaced with a sealed type, and last time I looked Otari sells them in their parts department.

~Tim
:)
 
Beck said:
As always it depends on the condition of the particular unit you're considering. If the heads are badly worn it’ll cost a pretty penny to have those relapped or replaced. The most common problem with these decks involves the relays on the rec/repro cards. They should be replaced with a sealed type, and last time I looked Otari sells them in their parts department.

~Tim
:)
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So what you're saying is that as long as the heads have not gone 2SHT it's a good fine?
 
Muckelroy said:
So what you're saying is that as long as the heads have not gone 2SHT it's a good find?
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Yeah, pretty much.

Personally I like the newer MKII and MKIII units better, but Otari never really made a dog with the MX5050 series.

The heads are a great indicator of a machines overall condition. Generally speaking if the machine hasn’t been used enough to wear out the heads, the rest of the machine should be in good shape.

Of course other parts could be bad if the thing was dropped or something, or if the heads have been replaced already. But if you have an all-original machine the heads will tell the story. If the heads are good usually the only thing you have to concern yourself with are the drive belt and pinch roller.

:)
 
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