Inspired by horology, driven by a passion for Hi-Fi, Metaxas & Sins’ extraordinary TR-X Tourbillon reel-to-reel analogue tape machine is as much a feast for the eyes as the ears.
While it’s unlikely reel-to-reel tape will enjoy quite the same revival as vinyl turntables, there’s plenty to intrigue and delight in this work of audio art. After all, it’s beautiful to look, and the audio credentials for reel-to-reel are high. Before the advent of digital, magnetic tape was the standard format for master recordings. It still has its advocates.
Interest has been fueled by the increased availability of classic albums on open-reel tape, and there’s no doubting the attraction of hearing an album in the same format on which it was made.
The company says reel-to-reel has the potential to deliver the warmth of analogue sound with less processing, greater dynamic range, and better clarity and extension at the frequency extremes compared to vinyl records.
A first generation copy dubbed in real time directly from the original master tape can get you closer to the entirety of sound captured during the recording sessions for a classic album than any other format, we’re told.
Interest has been fuelled by the increased availability of classic albums on open-reel tape…
Is the TR-X Tourbillon the ultimate expression of Hi-Fi as art?
The TR-X Tourbillon is designed for 10.5-inch reels, and is inspired by wristwatch mechanics, a tourbillon being used to increase timing accuracy. The TR-X Tourbillon is the first reel-to-reel tape machine to use the same concept to regulate the speed of the tape. It’s also transportable, thanks to an external £3,200 battery box.
The TR-X Tourbillon is available in two versions, one for recording and playback, the other for playback only. It sells for £59,998 and £46,998 respectively.
Netherlands based Metaxas & Sins was founded by Kostas Metaxas. A prolific product designer, Metaxas has collaborated with various luxury brands, producing everything from pens to clocks. He’s also a recording engineer who’s made hundreds of live concert recordings; magnetic open-reel tape is his playground.
The Metaxas & Sins TR-X Tourbillon is available from distributor Absolute Sounds.
Introducing the Magico S7 2026 edition, a new flagship loudspeaker aimed squarely at lovers of luxury audio. Designed and engineered in California, this imposing floorstander, which replaces the original Magico S7 after a decade-long production run, arrives as the most advanced expression of the company’s mid-tier reference range yet, sitting between its A Series and…
Personal audio specialist Astell&Kern has unveiled the PD20, a new digital audio player (DAP) able to adapt its sound output to the individual hearing profile of each listener, rather than delivering a single, fixed sound signature. Designed for music fans who want studio-grade sound on the move, the PD20 has been developed in collaboration with…
Ferrum Audio, a high-end Hi-Fi manufacturer from Poland, has launched its range of digital-to-analogue converters, headphone amplifiers and power systems in the UK, bringing a new integrated audio ecosystem to British music fans in search of premium personal and lifestyle sound. The company, operating out of Warsaw, is positioning itself in the increasingly crowded ‘high-end…
The Luxe Review 
Inspired by horology, driven by a passion for Hi-Fi, Metaxas & Sins’ extraordinary TR-X Tourbillon reel-to-reel analogue tape machine is as much a feast for the eyes as the ears.
While it’s unlikely reel-to-reel tape will enjoy quite the same revival as vinyl turntables, there’s plenty to intrigue and delight in this work of audio art. After all, it’s beautiful to look, and the audio credentials for reel-to-reel are high. Before the advent of digital, magnetic tape was the standard format for master recordings. It still has its advocates.
Interest has been fueled by the increased availability of classic albums on open-reel tape, and there’s no doubting the attraction of hearing an album in the same format on which it was made.
The company says reel-to-reel has the potential to deliver the warmth of analogue sound with less processing, greater dynamic range, and better clarity and extension at the frequency extremes compared to vinyl records.
A first generation copy dubbed in real time directly from the original master tape can get you closer to the entirety of sound captured during the recording sessions for a classic album than any other format, we’re told.
The TR-X Tourbillon is designed for 10.5-inch reels, and is inspired by wristwatch mechanics, a tourbillon being used to increase timing accuracy. The TR-X Tourbillon is the first reel-to-reel tape machine to use the same concept to regulate the speed of the tape. It’s also transportable, thanks to an external £3,200 battery box.
The TR-X Tourbillon is available in two versions, one for recording and playback, the other for playback only. It sells for £59,998 and £46,998 respectively.
Netherlands based Metaxas & Sins was founded by Kostas Metaxas. A prolific product designer, Metaxas has collaborated with various luxury brands, producing everything from pens to clocks. He’s also a recording engineer who’s made hundreds of live concert recordings; magnetic open-reel tape is his playground.
The Metaxas & Sins TR-X Tourbillon is available from distributor Absolute Sounds.
First look at ultra-premium Magico S7 2026 flagship loudspeaker with £159,000 price tag
Introducing the Magico S7 2026 edition, a new flagship loudspeaker aimed squarely at lovers of luxury audio. Designed and engineered in California, this imposing floorstander, which replaces the original Magico S7 after a decade-long production run, arrives as the most advanced expression of the company’s mid-tier reference range yet, sitting between its A Series and…
New Astell&Kern PD20 personal audio player delivers High-Res sound tuned to your hearing
Personal audio specialist Astell&Kern has unveiled the PD20, a new digital audio player (DAP) able to adapt its sound output to the individual hearing profile of each listener, rather than delivering a single, fixed sound signature. Designed for music fans who want studio-grade sound on the move, the PD20 has been developed in collaboration with…
Ferrum Audio debuts premium modular head‑fi desktop music systems in UK
Ferrum Audio, a high-end Hi-Fi manufacturer from Poland, has launched its range of digital-to-analogue converters, headphone amplifiers and power systems in the UK, bringing a new integrated audio ecosystem to British music fans in search of premium personal and lifestyle sound. The company, operating out of Warsaw, is positioning itself in the increasingly crowded ‘high-end…
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