Revox B-77 MK-II Reel to Reel Tested and Working

Revox B77 MK-II Reel to Reel

You are looking at a classic real to reel recorder from Revox.  

Specifically this is the MK II version and is in perfect working condition the view meters move accurately and swiftly and the playback function’s old engage with a solid reliable feel. The B 77 is a substantial upgrade over the A77.  And it is capable of 3 1/4 and 7 1/2 IPS speeds. Not only looks like a professional machine it is in fact a professional machine used in many recording studios over the years

This particular sample is in perfect working condition the VU meter bulbs are bright and clear and the playback audio is clean and sounds wonderful. While I have not tested the record functionality and there was no reason to believe there are any issues. The lower face plate is in very very good condition without any significant scratches or dents.   The surrounding case suffers  a bit from the same symptom as all other Revox equipment from this era where the paint has softened and is a bit sticky.   Also the record switch lever has broken but it still fully operable.  Every other knob and switch is intact and in great condition. I have clean the heads and oiled all the important parts.

Included in the sale or two original empty reals one aluminum the other plastic and the appropriate hub adapter. Also included is the power cord. I will professionally double box the unit to ensure safe arrival at your location.

Available for pick up in New York City or Ridgewood New Jersey. Please call 646-852-2073 with any questions.

Precision Transport

Professional recordists know that for long-term stability and performance successful tape transport design must begin with the chassis frame itself. No matter how smooth-running the motors and highly-refined the heads, since both are referenced to the recorder's frame, any long-or-short-term flexing or imprecise machining in the chassis will inevitably degrade performance. To achieve the required stability - at a weight compatible with home use - the Revox B77 uses a sturdy aluminium die-casting for the chassis, headblock, pinch roller and mechanism, and each mounting point is painstakingly machined for extraordinary tolerances. The Nextel-coated case around the transport provides a similarly sturdy layer of protection for the mechanism.

Precision Three-Motors Drive

Studer-Revox manufactures its own drive and winding motors so their characteristics can be optimized for recorder use. For example, when heavy reels must be started up from rest they must be fed initially with a higher starting voltage, which is gradually reduced via a triac circuit to normal running voltage. The entire operation must be entirely smooth or the tape could snarl or stretch. Studer motors and controls are one reason why our decks are so widely acknowledged to be the gentlest-handling you can own.

The capstan motor employs a precision-machined set of teeth at the circumference of its motor. As the motor turns, these teeth create a series of pulses that are read by a tachometer head and whose rate is compared against the frequency of a stable internal oscillator. In this way, even very slightest speed variations are immediately detected through a fast-acting servo system. To reduce wow and flutter even further, the direct-drive capstan shaft is machined to an accuracy of one one-thousandth of a millimeter, is hard chrome-plated and is artificially aged during the manufacturing process to ensure long-term stability.

Precision Heads and Electronics

Studer tape heads - from 1 to 24 track models - are world-renowned and are designed and build in our own facilities. The head cores are made from a physically hard, magnetically soft metal allay called Revodur, which has nearly perfect electromagnetic qualities. Whether you purchase your B77 in a quarter- or half-track stereo format its heads will be built to the same standard of polish employed in our professional studio decks.

The head nest of the B77 also contains space (1) for the inclusion of a fourth head, to be used for slide-projector synchronization or other audio-video control purposes, in addition to the regular erase, record play units. An infrared sensor within the head area (2) actuates automatic shut-off in the event of tape run-out or breakage.

Three-Head Monitoring and Special Effects

Because the record and playback heads of the B77 are individual, separate units, each can be optimized for its specific function. A narrow gap is employed for playback to extend the frequency response, while a wider gap is employed during recording to ensure full penetration of the oxide layer on the tape. Since the record and playback electronics are also separate, this permits you to monitor the recorded result a split-second later, making direct comparison possible to avoid the possibility of an unsatisfactory recording. The sophisticated electronics and separate heads of the B77 also permit various special recording effects. Without external components or cables the Revox B77 can:

- Duoplay, where both recorded tracks are used simultaneously but for different, interspersed information, as in language laboratories.

- Simuplay, where a running commentary musical part, or translation is recorded on one track and a synchronized musical part or other accompanying material is recorded on the other.

- Sound-on-Sound, where a single individual, by playing various musical parts and successively mixing his live part with a previously recorded section, can build up an entire performance.

- Echo/Reverb, where tape-delayed echo or ambience can be added to a recorded track.

Precision Editing Facilities

An accurate splicing block and non-magnetic sheertype cutter are build right into the front panel of the B77, encouraging creative tape editing. Additionally, a lever switch is included that activates the playback amplifiers during the fast-winding modes, and shifts their operation to a pulse-type control. In this way you can quickly shuttle back and forth between fast forward and rewind to find the exact point at which an editing cut is to be made. For even finer-pin pointing of critical cuts the reels can be rotated manually while the tape remains against the playback head.

Fine Speed Adjustment

The Revox B77 MK II (not the MK I) contains a built-in vari-speed control with a range of ± 2 half-tones. for a larger range of ± 7 half-tones it is necessary to use the external vari-speed control.

WHO WE ARE 

Skyfi.nyc is a small startup business specializing in the purchase, reconditioning and reselling of select high end audio equipment.  We only buy equipment the we admire and are passionate about.  No mid-fi, no gimmicks and no junk.  

Each piece of equipment is cosmetically restored and fully tested in our well-equipped lab by an engineer with 30+ years of experience in the Hifi world.  If it does not meet or exceed the original manufactures specifications, it will not be sold.  We are select about the equipment we purchase, focusing on mostly analog, high-build quality, American and European built units.

Through our sister company, which is an authorized dealer for McIntosh, Audio Research, Sonus Faber, ClearAudio, Project and Sony ES, we have access to OEM parts and service support.  If you are local and are looking for any new equipment for the above mentioned manufacturers, please drop us a line as we can arrange both sales and professional installation in the tri-state area

PURCHASING GUIDELINES

If you would like to make an offer, please don't email or message us unless you are looking to trade something in.  

If we are accepting offers, you will see a button on the listing page to do so.  Please use it, as it is very hard to track offers through email or messaging.  This way, we are all also better protected.   If you don’t see a “offer” button its because we are not taking offers on this item.  Please don’t bother to make one.  

PAYMENTS

We prefer working through PayPal, which allows you to use a credit card or bank transfer.  We do not charge extra for any payment fees.  You can also send us a personal check (which will need to clear before shipping), certified check, money order or wire transfer.  International clients without access to PayPal should use a bank wire transfer. 

If you are picking up an item, we don not accept PayPal, you must pay in person with cash, certified or bank check or wire transfer.  If you make a PayPal payment it will be returned. 

TRADE IN POLICY 

We accept trade-ins of equal or lesser value under certain conditions.  Simply ask and let us know the exact model, condition and what accessories are included such as a box, remote, manual, etc.  We will only consider high-end equipment from mainstream manufacturers such as McIntosh, Mark Levinson, Audio Research, Krell, etc. and will typically pass on displays, projectors, receivers, dated processors and mid-fi equipment of any type.  We will offer a fair value for your equipment, but keep in mind we are running a business and will need to be able to sell the equipment at a profit after investing a great deal of time and resources in testing, certifying, repairing, cleaning and packaging the incoming equipment.  If you are looking for top dollar we suggest attempting to sell it directly to an end user.  

SELL US YOUR GEAR (Working or Broken)

We will also purchase your used or broken gear and arrange pickup if you are in our local market.  Just drop us a note for a quote, but be sure to include the condition and what is included.  

HOW TO VISIT US

We are currently operating from a residence in Ridgewood, NJ.  You are welcome to make an appointment if there is a piece of equipment you would like to see in operation before or after purchase.  We have a well-equipped, dedicated listening room with tons of equipment of all makes and models.  We are not a store, so please don’t make an appointment if you are just curious as to how a speaker or piece of equipment sounds.  In essence, no tire kickers please.  

If you are in NYC and cannot make it out to Ridgewood, we can arrange pickup in Union Square (14th Street) after the purchase.   You can call or text  (646) 852-2073 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.  We can also arrange to install, calibrate and tune the gear in your listening room if you are in the local area.  This is super useful when purchasing large speakers or heavy amplifiers.  It is also great for ensuring your new turntable is setup correctly in its final resting place.  

Thanks for looking and please send us your email address if you would like to receive a list of the equipment we receive from time to time.  We promise not to bombard you with junk email.