Otari or Tascam Reel to Reels?

[fgonza2]

"Avoid 80-8 at all costs." Why? Though not very sophisticated, it had the most reliable transport of anything Tascam made later on. It also had the only re-buildable motors. When the motors go on the newer stuff, you are dead in the water. Replacement motors are long gone and have been since the mid-90's.

just my opinion, i have 2 TSR8s, one made in 1990 the other in 1991, both restored, one was in a flood. Spare parts for TSR8s and 38, 48s are relatively easy to find. Tape handling on the TSR-8 is simply the best in its category. Even the one in the flood, that was in pretty bad shape, i was able to get it running smoothly. I have not seen many machines burning motors, i have replaced the bearings and did an internal clean up, i have never seen a motor for those machines on irreparable condition. And still, yes they can be rewinded. The transport is extremely reliable, sure, it is microprocessor controlled, but gives no issues. Search the forums on TSR8 transport control issues and you wont find much. The transport on the TSR8 and 48 have tension servo control, takes really good care of tapes. You dont have that with the 80-8. Fair, i have not owned an 80-8, but know people in forums that complain significantly on these machines. The 80-8 was made at the end of the 70s, vs the 90s-mid 90s of the TSR8, so it is a newer machine with more modern electronics. Soundwise, i dont have the machines to compare, but, same track width. I doubt the preamps are better on the 80-8, but who knows. If i was on the market for an 8 track, your chances of getting a better machine with a brighter future are higher if you go with a TSR8 in my opinion.