Otari MX5050 B2HD Pro Serviced Tape Deck, JRF Heads, Athan Roller, Video

Otari MX5050 B2HD Professional 2-Track Half-Track Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck — JRF Heads, Athan Roller, Freshly Serviced

The Otari MX5050 B2HD is the direct predecessor to the well-regarded BII series — a professional 2-track, half-track deck built for studio, broadcast, and mastering work, and sought by engineers and audiophiles who want the full signal-to-noise and frequency response advantages of half-track recording on 1/4" tape. This example has just come back from a professional technician with documented service (completed 4 May 2026) and some genuinely desirable upgrades aboard. A short video of the unit playing is linked below.

The machine: The B2HD runs a direct drive, servo-controlled capstan — no main motor belt — with counter and sync belts present and serviced. Factory-configured for 7.5 and 15ips; a third speed of 3.75ips is accessible via internal dip switch. The unit retains Otari's factory 2/4 track playback head switch above the head cover — a sought-after feature allowing playback of quarter-track tapes without modification. Large and small reel compatible. NAB/IEC equalization switching, pitch control, built-in test oscillator, dual VU meters, and XLR connectors for line and mic I/O on both channels.

What was done: The unit received a JRF Magnetics replacement head block conservatively estimated at less than 10% wear — essentially new heads with no apparent signs of previous use, and a significant value in themselves. A new Athan polyurethane pinch roller was installed along with new counter and sync belts, a replacement micro switch, repaired cold solder on the left bias amplifier, full demagnetization and cleaning, head and drive alignment, and new rear feet. Calibrated for Maxell UD tape. Confirmed frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz ±3dB at 15ips / 30Hz–18kHz ±4dB at 7.5ips. Technician's assessment: plays and records great.

Internal modifications — honest disclosure: A previous owner made significant internal modifications to this unit. The balanced output transformers have been removed and replaced with a capacitor-coupled circuit; the XLR output connectors are present but carry unbalanced signal. The mic input transformers were similarly replaced with an IC-based circuit. As a result, the unit cannot be calibrated to factory Otari voltage specifications and was set up by our technician using an alternative method (comparable to TASCAM), to excellent sonic result. Two known remaining issues: one channel measures approximately 2dB lower than the other on record — inaudible in normal use but detectable with a test tone — and one VU meter exhibits occasional damping irregularities at very low signal levels.

This is a machine for the recordist, the archivist, or the audiophile who values the performance of a professional half-track deck and the exceptional JRF head block above factory balanced output. It is not represented as fully stock.

Ships fully insured in heavy duty packaging designed to ensure safe arrival. All sales final; condition represented accurately and completely.

📦 Worldwide shipping available – Securely packed and insured. Local pickup near 01810 also welcome.
Quoted international shipping rate is to Australia, the furthest destination from my location in the USA. Please inquire for shipping rate to your particular non-US address. The package will be large, heavy, delicate, and insured for full value, so shipping may be a significant expense.