Should I buy 'em?

[panner]

I've recently come across some gear for sale by a widow of a recently expired recording hobbist. Most of the equipment is cheap (a Realstic 10-band eq for example), but some of it caught my attention. Among the attention grabbers is a Teac model 5 console (discussed in another post), a Teac 80-8 1/2" reel to reel recorder, and a Tandberg TD20A 1/4" reel to reel.
I'm not sure if these work, but I'm pretty confident they were used until the death of the deceased. I've done some shopping around on the web and have found these recorders, if in good shape, to sell for around $500.
Like I stated in my other post, I plan on building a DAW, but wonder if a good ol' analog recorder would compliment it well. Should I buy one or both? If I did it would probably only be the 8-track since I'm not planning on mixing down to tape. I've heard that ananlog tape is good for recording drums, but I figure since I'll have to run it through my soundcard, its going to become digitized anyway.
So, give me some advice. What should I offer as far as price is concerned given that they're in good shape and it would be a good idea to make a purchase. I'd like advice from both those who are diehard analog and those who are sort of digital minded.
Thanks

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Panner Panner on the Wall:

Don't take a big fall. New technology, whether analog or digital, is NEW TECHNOLOGY. Not that the stuff you mentioned isn't good equipment; it's old. How much cigarette smoke is in it? Boubons/gins/etc. spilled on it.

So, if you're getting into recording, might as well opt for new stuff.

I have never liked second hand; new is good. Research and shop and buy new unless you really know the person and the equipment.

Green Hornet

 

[virtual.ray]

The 8 track is a Tascam,I believe.It's the 1st 8 track they made and if it were me,if it doesn't come with the DBX noise reduction unit that was an extra option I would pass on it 'cause without it it's a noisy beast.As for the Tandberg,I used to own one and if it's in good shape and properly biased for the tape it's using,it's a great little machine.Matter of fact,if you're not interested I might be depending on whether it's 2 track or 4 track and which speeds it runs at.Just about any modern console will be at least a little better than the TEAC,and some will be much better for not many more bones.

 

[regebro]

Mixing outboard equipment and computer recording is troublesome and expensive. To use the 8-track with the computer you need an SMPTE-sync, which is not expensive, but makes it effectively a 7-track, and you need to have an soundcard with 8 inputs.

Personally I don't see the point of it. Choose your direction: dedicated or PC, and go full out on that.

And Green: Who cares if it's old? If its good, it's good, no matter how old it is.

 

[panner]

Thanks folks. I'll try to get back to you virtual.ray if I decide not to get it. I think the Tandberg had either 15 ips or 17 ips on it. I'm not sure--don't know how many tracks either. What should I offer for these dinosaurs if I decided to buy them? I'm going to try to test some of it out when I get a chance, but assuming all is well,... how much?

 

[virtual.ray]

I really don't know,but one way to find out is to try to get your hands on Orion's Blue Book for music equipment.It lists prices for used gear in mint,excellent,good and fair condition.