B77

About the B77

The Revox B77 is a classic stereo reel-to-reel tape recorder introduced in the late 1970s as part of Revox's B-series hi-fi range. It uses a three-motor tape transport with two AC winding motors and one electronically controlled AC capstan motor, providing excellent speed stability and low wow and flutter. The machine is built on a rigid aluminium die-cast chassis and head block for long-term mechanical stability and precise tape guidance. It is a three-head design (erase, record, playback) enabling true off-tape monitoring during recording. The standard stereo versions offer two tape speeds, typically 3¾ and 7½ ips (9.5 and 19 cm/s), while other factory variants provide low-speed (4.75/9.5 cm/s), high-speed (19/38 cm/s), and super-low-speed (2.38/4.75 cm/s) options. It accepts reels up to 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) in diameter. Frequency response for the standard-speed stereo versions is up to 30 Hz-20 kHz at 7½ ips, with signal-to-noise ratio around 67 dB and total harmonic distortion about 0.5%, depending on configuration. The heads are made from a high-quality alloy (often described by Revox as Revodur or permalloy) designed for long life and professional electromagnetic performance. Typical dimensions are approximately 452 x 414 x 207 mm and weight around 17 kg, matching Revox's own data for the B77 Mk I/Mk II. Widely regarded for its robust construction, transport precision, and studio-grade audio performance, the B77 became a benchmark home and semi-professional open-reel recorder and was later complemented by derivatives such as the PR99 and higher Mk versions. The original B77 production has long since ceased, but Revox and specialist firms have supported it with service and, in some cases, updated Mk III-based units for new production runs.