Ampex 400 rare reel to reel
   

 This is a rare opportunity to purchase an Ampex 400, these machines are rare in the USA, even more rare to find one in the UK, more unusual still is that this is not a standard Ampex 400 but thought to be a custom built machine by Ampex, the recorder has the sort after Ampex 300/350 valve amplifier, above the amp is an unusual and very rare power amplifier which a built in speaker, usually the Ampex 400 would have the amplifier built into the tape recorders box but this some appears to be an expensive adaptation of this great machine. The recorder is very hard to source complete as many of these machines get split apart for the impressive valve amps, this is a rare opportunity to buy a complete machine.

The overall of the recorder, the machine is complete with the three lids

The main tape deck showing the two Nabs included in this sale

The main amplifier, very rare Ampex 300 amp and unusual power amplifier above

Inside the amplifier box

Close-up of the bottom Ampex 300 amp

Showing the interconnect cables

The Ampex tape deck amplifier

The innards of the amplifier

Another close up shot

Inside the main tape recorders case

Ampex logo, there is some significance in the style of the logo but cant remember what

Another Ampex plate

The main tape deck controls

More details on this Ampex 400.

Video file of the machine working

This recorder has been featured on You tube for some time, so instead of making a new video, I have made a link to it here, the video demonstrates the recorder in operation and recording, please note though this recorder is old and to get a better response out of it you would need to get it serviced.

The recorders output is not bad considering how old it is but with a service and a tune-up it would sound much better, just putting new tape on it and adjusting the Bias effected the output greatly.

 

 

 

To start the video playing, press the play button twice, click on the image and you will be directed to You Tube

 

 
 
 

Specifications
Shipping

IMPORTANT NOTES!

  • Mono full track

  • takes 10.5 inch reels

  • comes with reel nabs (No reels)

  • Runs on 110V,

  • 240-110V transformer supplied

  • Runs on 60Hz cycles

  • Warm valve pre and power amp

 Sorry, this one is too fragile in my opinion to be shipped, though I can pack it very well, I do not believe the case would survive in the post so collection only from Paignton

Tea/Coffee is always waiting for those who wish to collect.

 

I would like to mention that I would be interested in swapping this recorder for other reel to reels, mainly professional recorders so if you have something and would like to trade, drop me an email.