Ampex 440C 1/4" 2-track Tape Recorder with additional 351-2 electronics and 2-track playback head

First off, this is a VERY UNIQUE tape machine. 

We know that some audiophiles love the sound of tube electronics while others prefer solid state.  It is very difficult to make an A/B comparison in audio systems between tube and solid state gear.  This tape machine was built incorporating a 4th head in the extra space available on Ampex 440C machines.  I have installed a pair of 351 electronics, tube base, along with the matching playback head.  This has enabled me to do an instantaneous A/B comparison between the two formats with the flip of a switch. 

I have personally found some recorded material to sound better on the warmer, tube base electronics and some sound better with highly accurate solid state electronics. 

The Ampex 440C is widely known to be one of the finest designs to come from Ampex.  The 351 electronics, built in the 1950s, is highly regarded to be at the top of its class with respect to tube performance. 

If you are a fussy audiophile who always wondered if music would sound better through tubes or solid state, here is your chance to find out.  If you are fortunate enough to own master tapes, this is the idea tool to experiment with.  I happen to own the entire catalog from "The Tape Project".  I have found that some of the titles do sound better through the 351 electronics than the 440C solid state electronics. 

If you are wondering why I am selling this special machine, the answer is that at 77 years old, I cannot take them all to my grave.  I have over a dozen reel-to-reel tape machines in my system up to and including the Ampex ATRs.  You can view my system here on Audiogon - explore - virtual systems - extra large room - Ken Fritz's system.

While pickup is always desirable, this unit can be crated for shipment at an additional charge.  It will be in a 3/4" thick plywood crate with 2x2" ethafoam strips cushioning all surfaces.