1. Equipment For Sale
  2. sku: 3848134759622203
  3. AMPEX REEL2REEL

AMPEX REEL2REEL Stereo Reel Tape Recorder Recording 601-2

Reel2reel Ampex 601-2 Stereo Reel Tape

( Brand: Ampex ), ( Part Type: Reel Tape Recorder )

Review AMPEX Stereo Reel Tape Recorder Vintage Recording

The Ampex 601-2 Reel-to-Reel Stereo Tape Recorder is a vintage audio marvel, hailing from the golden era of analog recording. This iconic piece of equipment is a two-track, half-inch, 15 ips (inches per second) stereo recorder, designed and manufactured by Ampex, a company renowned for their innovative contributions to the audio industry.

The Ampex 601-2 boasts a sturdy and robust construction, with its chassis made of high-quality steel. Its control panel is a symphony of knobs, switches, and meters, giving the user an intuitive and tactile experience while recording or playing back. The recorder features a balanced armature-type tape transport, ensuring smooth and precise tape movement, and a calibrated tension system to maintain optimal performance.

The Ampex 601-2 offers a variety of connectivity options, including RCA inputs and outputs, allowing for easy connection to various audio sources and playback systems. It also features a built-in equalizer, allowing for fine-tuning of audio frequencies for optimal sound quality. The recorder's tape heads are made of high-purity iron oxide, ensuring high fidelity and clarity in recordings.

The Ampex 601-2 Reel-to-Reel Stereo Tape Recorder is not just a recording device, but a piece of audio history. Its rich, warm, and detailed sound is a testament to the power of analog technology. Whether you're a professional audio engineer, an audio enthusiast, or a music lover, the Ampex 601-2 offers a unique and rewarding experience, transporting you back to the golden age of audio recording.

Pros of buying an Amp x Reel-to-Reel 601-2 Stereo Tape Recorder:

1. Authenticity and Historical Value: Amp x is a legendary brand in the world of audio recording, and the 601-2 is an iconic model. Owning this machine can be a source of pride and a way to connect with audio history.

2. Superior Sound Quality: Reel-to-reel recorders, in general, and the 601-2, in particular, are known for their warm, rich, and detailed sound. This can be especially appealing to audiophiles who value the unique character of analog recordings.

3. Flexibility: Reel-to-reel recorders allow for extended recording times, which can be beneficial for long jam sessions, interviews, or live performances. They also allow for easy editing and splicing of tapes.

4. Tactile Experience: Operating a reel-to-reel recorder can be a satisfying and engaging experience. The physical interaction with the machine, the sound of the motor, and the tactile feedback of the reels add a level of satisfaction that digital recorders cannot replicate.

Cons of buying an Amp x Reel-to-Reel 601-2 Stereo Tape Recorder:

1. Maintenance and Repair: Reel-to-reel recorders require regular maintenance and can be expensive to repair. Parts may be difficult to find, and a skilled technician may be needed for repairs.

2. Limited Capacity: Reels can only hold a certain amount of tape, which can be limiting compared to the virtually unlimited capacity of digital storage.

3. Less Convenient: Reel-to-reel recording requires more setup and preparation than digital recording. Tapes must be loaded, and the machine must be calibrated for optimal performance.

4. Fragility: Tapes are more susceptible to damage than digital files, and they can degrade over time. This can result in loss of recordings or a decrease in sound quality.

Conclusion:

Buying an Amp x Reel-to-Reel 601-2 Stereo Tape Recorder can be a rewarding experience for audiophiles and collectors, offering a unique sound quality, a tactile experience, and a connection to audio history. However, the maintenance, repair, and fragility of reel-to-reel recorders should be carefully considered before making a purchase.

Recommendation:

If you are passionate about audio and are willing to invest in the maintenance and upkeep of a reel-to-reel recorder, the Amp x Reel-to-Reel 601-2 Stereo Tape Recorder can be a worthwhile addition to your collection. However, it's essential to research the machine thoroughly, ensure it's in good working condition, and be prepared for the added costs and challenges that come with owning an analog recording device.

Details:

5 motors 1 reels 7 inch timing accuracy. Recorder is sold with case freq response ,000 signal to noise 50 db speed weight 42 lb - tube.

part #: reel2reel prices

  • $15.52-$99.99

specifications vintaelec:

  • brand: Ampex
  • part type: Reel Tape Recorder

Payments vintaelec:

  • PayPal

Ratings:

  1. Seller was very informative and accurate from beginning to end. 08-27-16
  2. Great transaction 09-27-16
  3. stated never used but there were some obvious signs of wear 07-27-16

Shipping vintaelec:

  • type: Flat
  • cost: $79.0
  • handling: 1 days

Returns vintaelec:

  • policy: no returns

General vintaelec:

  • vintage electronics > equipment
  • in stock: Yes

Offer vintaelec:

  • Started: February 16, 2017, 7:05 pm
  • best offer: true
  • bids: 0
  • quantity: 1
  • Sold: 0

Seller vintaelec:

  • zipcode: 60010
  • city: Barrington, Illinois
part type: reel tape recorder,
category: electronics > vintage electronics > equipment, sku: 3848134759622203,
Review#1 Seller was very informative and accurate from beginning to end. ()
Review#2 Great transaction ()
Review#3 Description stated never used but there were some obvious signs of wear ()
Ampex 601-2 Is Similar To:
  • (39.4% similar) I will not honor buyers with false information unconfirmed address. Ask questions. I have only had one problem and that was a scam, sold many tubes with happy people myself buy for personal use. I was going to gut it out make into a stereo TV unit being as is not too big and has nice 4 legs with ...(November 6th, 2017)
  • (36.6% similar) 7MM wide magnetic tape on IA or nab reels up to you are buying a vintage Ampex aria ATR-100 series audio recorder reproducer and the other accessories shown in pictures. The recorder reproducer can operate in either nab or IRC equalization standard at any two four speeds selected from following ...(February 1st, 2018)
  • (38.3% similar) The family told me it was part of the stock he collected for spare parts. Please review the photos that I have taken of piece and all pieces. Please consider this item as for parts or repair. Everything appears to be factory original but I can't confirm. I was told by the family that owned it ...(January 6th, 2025)
  • (43.4% similar) I was told by the family that owned it functional before being stored for years. Please review the photos that I have taken of piece and all pieces. I have labeled each one with a number and if you want specific piece please indicate it so can sell that. Today I have some really nice pieces that don...(January 6th, 2025)
  • (35% similar) It was housing a Ampex 440 in it. Its about 31 tall and 20.5 wide. See photos for details. This is a nice vintage 19 stereo rack...(March 22nd, 2025)
vintaelec logo
5 offers $15.52–$99.99 USD
  • New. Offer #1 priced at $99.99 + $20.40 shipping estimate = $120.39* total. All are brand new sealed Two have small tears in the plastic, I showed the reel with the largest tear in the photos.+$20.40 shipping
  • Brand New. Offer #2 priced at $15.52 + $5.22 shipping estimate = $20.74* total. +$5.22 shipping
  • Good. Offer #3 priced at $39.99 + $8.88 shipping estimate = $48.87* total. +$8.88 shipping
  • Very Good. Offer #4 priced at $29.99 + $5.97 shipping estimate = $35.96* total. The box and booklet are in very good condition Tape is in very good visual condition.+$5.97 shipping
  • Brand New. Offer #5 priced at $18.15 + $0.00 shipping estimate = $18.15* total. ULTIMATE AMPEX SCHEMATICS, OWNER & SERVICE MANUALS (350 PDFs on DVD) This DVD contents more than 350 Original AMPEX PDF owner's, repair, service manuals, schematics, brochures, etc.FREE SHIPPING

Copyright © vintaelec.com