Revox A77 vs B77

Love those Revoxes!

I have an A77mkIVD, B77HS 1/4track, PR99mkII and an A700 (Okay, so I got carried away buying Revoxes..lol). The A77 and A700 are totally different machines, but something about them I really like! I restored the A77 and, using Tinman’s advice, worked my way through the A700 and those are my favorite Revoxes.

In terms of sound, they all sound good–but the A700 really sounds good to me at all speeds (3-3/4ips is surprisingly good) but I take the A77 with me when I play music somewhere–it’s a neat packaged machine and “portable.” When recording with the A77 vs the others, you really have to watch your meters (the meters work in Play and record on the dolbyized model) because it will distort if recorded too hot.

I “rock” the reels (press the opposite fast wind button before stop) on all models except the A700 due to it’s dynamic braking (none of my other Revox machines have that “Studer-istic” feature). Never had any brake issues on any of them. Running them with the wireless remotes are a joy!

Sidebar:
My A700 needs new rubber bands/rings that go around the tape rollers because with scotch 206, both rollers sometimes stop during fast wind and at 15ips. Those who know the A700 know that you have BIG problem if that right roller stops during fast wind and you press stop!!!!! SNARLLLLLLL!!!!!! Total tape destruction! But if it stops during play the machine will try to stop itself or click/recover–very irritating. Only does that with 206 tape, but I’m scared to put a counter belt on there because I don’t want to impede that roller.