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Best Playback player

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wrangler_n_space:
What are some decent playback dat players that arent to expensive

twoodruff:
there are plenty of dat players, or homedecks that can be used strictly for playback. Everyone will have their personal favorite, so I'll start with mine, the fostex d-5. I just love the unit. Although it has no spdif out only aes outs, I have found this deck to be very reliable in my home. It handles 90m when I MUST put them in and doesn't seem to mind heavy playback. I bought both of mine used off the ebay and felt weary, but sent them straight in for cleaning/tuning and have enjoyed them ever since. Good luck and let me know if you have further questions.

Trey

Tim:
I use a Tascam DA-20mkII for playback and a Tascam DA-20 for recording. Like Trey I bought both of mine off of Ebay used, sent them right in for cleaning and have had no problems at all. They see a fair amount of use and I use 90m's in both decks pretty regularly (this is not an endorsment of this practice  ;) )

The only deck that I would caution you to definitely stay far away from is the Sony R-300. I have heard nothing bad things about that deck. Save up just a little more and get a DA-20mkII.

I have heard many good things about the Fostex D5 and I know that the Sony R-500 is really a workhorse too.

I only have a few friends with the Panasonics (SV-3700 and SV-3800). I haven't heard any complaints, but my knowledge of the Panasonics is pretty limited.

Good luck!

CrazyED:
The Sony PCM-R500 is definatly a tank.  Its a self cleaning deck so i've never put a cleaning tape in it, nor have I ever even sent it in for a pro cleaning or anything, just checked the hour meter on mine and it has 3941 hours on it.   I used to use it for doing clones a lot back when I traded dats (d8>r500) but now I just use it for DAT>CD transfers mostly.

Close to 4000 hours, never had a problem, seen tons of 60m/90m tapes, definatly as solid of a deck that you can buy.  All kinds of ins and outs, but its got a hefty price if bought new, although i've seen them go for as low as 500 on ebay.

Nick's Picks:
re: the DAT20mkII....

Carl has one at his house for his playback going into his hi-fi.  It sounds like ass comparred to a CD burnt from that same tape and played back through his CD deck.

point being, I think they may be reliable, but they dont' sound all that good.  the D/A must not be of very high caliber I'd guess.

when it comes to digital playback, i'm starting to lean towards the  theory of "buy crap decks and a good outboard D/A"

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