How much should I pay for a Revox B77?

[acidbasement]

There are some surplus Revox B77s appearing at an auction sale in my area soon. I assume that they work, but that they will need some maintenance. I want to use one or more of them to add some warmth to the sound of my PC-based recording studio. I have not done a lot of research on different makes of reel-to-reel recorders, nor have I determined by any means that I need to have a B77, to the exclusion of all others. I am simply looking for a bargain.

So, I ask you, my fellow audio heads: in your opinion, what would be the approximate upper limit of a bargain price on a B77?

Thanks,
Iain

[Nanook]

whether in great shape or needing repairs. seems like upto USD $700 would get you a great machine (search ebay). Check out others from Teac (and Tascam), etc.

Personally I'd love to own one, but don't really need one.

[janusz]

Hi Iain,

Depending which version of revox b-77 you have in mind. There are quarter and half track decks with lower (4.75 and 9.5cm/s, LS version), mid (9.5 and 19cm/s) and higher (19 and 38cm/s, HS version) speeds.

The advantage of revox is its very stable transport system, reliability and easy access to heads. The disadvantage is that no bias setting/calibration is available on the front panel. High bias EE tapes cannot be recorded properly without modifications.

For near mint quarter track b-77 mk II you may pay about $500 or even more. If you are lucky you may buy it for much less.

cheers,

[acidbasement]

Thanks to you both. In my wildest dreams, nobody will bid against me, and I'll get all five for a song and dance. Wish me luck!

[EC8010]

You'd do much better going for a real professional machine like a Studer A80. They are big beasts and sometimes broadcasters can't even give them away, but their sound quality is far superior to a domestic B77.