Otari MX70 value?

[pdlstl]

Hello,

First time poster here.

I've owned a small commercial facility for about eight years which has been completely digital-based. I've recently decided I want to change over to an analog/digital hybrid setup.

I've been in contact with a person who has 2 MX70 1" 16-track decks for sale. I have not seen them other than pictures so far. Will look at them next week. One is described as being fine functionally except for a melted pinch roller which the owner has said he will replace with one of the $65 rebuilt pieces. He states that the other machine is in need of repairs and that he has it for parts.

Additional information:

Headstack hours unknown.

Included are 2 CB-117 remotes and 1 CB-109 autolocator.

One serial number begins with 187 which I believe indicates a manufacture date of 1987. Don't know serial on the other.

This gentleman has thrown out a initial price pf $3500 for the entire lot. I feel that is a bit high considering the unknown hours on the headstack(s) and the fact that the 1" 16-track format to be less desirable.

Because I'm a total noob in the world of analog tape decks, would anyone be willing to tell me what this package might be worth realistically?

Thank you and as I venture forward in this new endeavor I'm sure you will see my shining face again!

Earl

[blue_thunder]

The price seems a bit high to me. I bought an MX-70 about 2 yrs ago for $1500. It was in perfect working condition with a head report showing over 75% headlife on all the heads. Plus the seller included a brand new MRL tape (which costs about $400), 6 reels of unused Quantegy GP9 (worth about $900), 2 reels of leader tape (about $50), several roll of splicing tape, and a Han-d-mag degauser (about $75). I'm assuming these machines are the ones I saw on craigslist in Dallas, which says they are in storage. Since they're in storage, you may not be able to test them out. Personally, I wouldn't even consider buying a tape machine without trying it out first. For the price he's asking, I'd insist on a head report. If the heads are shot, you probably won't be able to find any for less than say $1000. Also, look at the audio cards. Each one will have 3 rectangular relays (about 1cm x 2cm x 1cm - two of them are in one of the corners and the other is in the middle of the card). If those relays are black and are made by Omron, then they are okay. If they have clear plastic tops on them, then they will likely need to be replaced. They're relatively cheap (like $4 each), but you'll need 48 of them for 16 tracks. Also look at the Output driver on each card. It's a large black component that will have one of the following numbers on it (I-0050, I-0125, or I-0178-B). If it has I-0178-B, it's good. The other two output drivers are prone to failure (especially the I-0050). You can purchase the I-0178-B direct from Otari, but the last time I checked they cost $150 each and take several months to ship from Japan. Even if both machines are in great shape, I don't think I'd pay $3500 for them.