CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

[Jeremy112]

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Yep, betamax! I am interested in possibly getting one of these ancient relics, I want to know what some of the high end models of the day were so I know what to go looking for.

Anyone know any models?

[Curt Palme]

Analogrocks is the King of Betamaxes.

I'd say the SL2500 and 2700s are pretty good. I'm working on one that I'll have running in a month, I think it's the 2700. Keep in mind with the SuperBeta models, as with the SVHS ones, if the tape wasn't originally recorded in SuperBeta mode, the extra specs of the Splayback won't help you.

At this point I don't think it's as much about the model number as it is about the actual working condition of the unit. If you want to dub old tapes to DVD, just find a machine that works properly. Finding a good BEta tech is as hard as finding a good CRT tech at this point (I'm NOT a good Beta tech, but know the basics), so to get a truly refurbished machine, you'll be spending $100s to a good overhauled one. I do the basics, test all functions, and sell them for $100-150 so I can make a tiny profit... if I'm lucky. THe next good one I get going I'll use to transfer my own Beta tapes to DVD, then I'll sell it.

Also, if a Beta tape was recorded in mono non Hifi, a hifi machine isn't going to do anything extra for you.

[Curt Palme]

Analogrocks is the King of Betamaxes.

I'd say the SL2500 and 2700s are pretty good. I'm working on one that I'll have running in a month, I think it's the 2700. Keep in mind with the SuperBeta models, as with the SVHS ones, if the tape wasn't originally recorded in SuperBeta mode, the extra specs of the Splayback won't help you.

At this point I don't think it's as much about the model number as it is about the actual working condition of the unit. If you want to dub old tapes to DVD, just find a machine that works properly. Finding a good BEta tech is as hard as finding a good CRT tech at this point (I'm NOT a good Beta tech, but know the basics), so to get a truly refurbished machine, you'll be spending $100s to a good overhauled one. I do the basics, test all functions, and sell them for $100-150 so I can make a tiny profit... if I'm lucky. THe next good one I get going I'll use to transfer my own Beta tapes to DVD, then I'll sell it.

Also, if a Beta tape was recorded in mono non Hifi, a hifi machine isn't going to do anything extra for you.