Revox B77 MK III: The Comeback of a Legend
By Maximilian Merk (Text and Photography)
The Return of an Icon
During the golden decades of analog audio technology, reel-to-reel tape machines were considered the ultimate in sound quality. From the 1950s through the early 1980s, they shaped recording studios and high-end home Hi-Fi systems. While more convenient formats like cassette, CD, and streaming have emerged, the appeal of analog tape remains strong, especially for those seeking pristine audio fidelity.
The Revox B77 MK III represents a significant comeback for this iconic format, embodying Swiss engineering excellence. It's not merely a rehash of the beloved MK II; while the robust mechanics remain, the electronics have been completely redesigned. The MK III features a signal path free of sound-affecting capacitors, new technically superior tape heads and pinch rollers, and a fully balanced design with XLR inputs and outputs for professional studio environments. Innovative network connectivity allows seamless integration into Revox's multiroom and multiuser systems, controllable via a smartphone app.
The design of the B77 MK III honors its heritage with black surfaces, solid aluminum parts, and tactile switches, creating a machine that is as pleasing to operate as it is to behold. The mechanical operation provides a tangible connection to the music, offering a unique listening experience.
Master Tape Quality and Listening Experience
Revox's acquisition of Horch House, a master tape specialist, ensures access to top-notch in-house tape production. Master tape copies, priced around €480, offer unparalleled quality by bypassing several sound-degrading steps inherent in vinyl pressing or digital conversion. This results in a listening experience that is immediate, physical, and natural, allowing the music to become the main event.
The B77 MK III excels in delivering music with presence and clarity. Tracks from artists like Incognito, Al Di Meola, and Djabe & Steve Hackett showcase the machine's ability to reproduce sound with organic warmth, precise bass, wide soundstages, and detailed, tangible instrument reproduction. The highs are silky, the mids open and natural, and the bass is lean yet substantial, offering an honest and direct sound.
Unlike streaming, which offers a vast, accessible buffet of music, listening to a master tape copy is akin to a deliberate, high-quality dining experience. It requires time and focus, rewarding the listener with depth and an appreciation for the nuances of the music.
Revox's Legacy and Commitment
Revox, founded in Switzerland in 1948 by Willi Studer, has a long history of producing high-quality audio equipment. The company's journey began with reel-to-reel tape recorders, with models like the T26 and the A77 setting industry standards. The B77, introduced in the late 1970s, was an advanced evolution of their tape machine lineup.
Beyond tape machines, Revox has also been a pioneer in multiroom audio systems since 1983, offering personalized audio experiences for every family member. The company's commitment to its legacy is evident in its Classic Department, which meticulously restores vintage Revox equipment, often providing a two-year warranty on refurbished devices. Revox maintains a comprehensive stock of replacement parts for all its models, ensuring the longevity of its products.
The Revox B77 MK III, produced in limited quantities at the Revox Klangwerk in Villingen, Germany, represents a fusion of past excellence and present convenience, offering a truly exceptional analog audio experience.
Technical Specifications (Revox B77 MK III)
- Concept: Classic tape recorder with optional digital LAN control.
- Playback: 2-track, 19 cm/s and 38 cm/s.
- Playable formats: All common tape formats.
- Drive: Revox's own three-motor drive mechanism.
- Counter: Digital totalizer.
- Remote Control: Controllable via Revox multiuser system and app.
- Special Features: Fully balanced construction with XLR inputs and outputs, revised signal path without capacitors, precision sound heads with extended service life.
- Production: Revox Klangwerk, Villingen (max. 20 units/month).
- Warranty Period: 2 years.
- Price: Around €16,000.
Accompanying Equipment
- Turntable: VPI Prime Scout
- Phono Preamplifier: Van den Hul The Grail
- Cassette Deck: TEAC V-7010
- Streamer/Music Server: Meridian Sooloos
- Integrated Amplifier: Krell K-300i with digital section
- Loudspeakers: Wilson Audio Sabrina
- Subwoofer: Velodyne DD12+
- Cables: Nordost Red Dawn
- Rack: Bassocontinuo Accordeon
