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.
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Sixty years after Jimi Hendrix first plugged into a Marshall amplifier, the partnership is being celebrated with three newly reimagined pieces of audio and guitar gear. Marshall has expanded its Marshall x Hendrix Anniversary Collection with limited-edition versions of its Major V headphones, Emberton III portable speaker and hand-built JMH Studio amplifier. Each product has…
German luxury technology brand Loewe has opened a new concept store at Harrods, placing its TVs, audio products and coffee machines inside one of London’s most prestigious retail destinations. The landgrab marks another step in the German brand’s international expansion, and its wider ambition to establish itself as a global luxury lifestyle technology business. Located…
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.
Get a first look at Robert Pattinson as Jaeger-LeCoultre’s newest global ambassador
Robert Pattinson has landed a suitably polished new role, joining Swiss watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre as its latest global ambassador. The British actor and producer will front an upcoming campaign for the luxury maison, due to debut in mid September. It is a partnership built around shared ideas of creativity, craftsmanship and reinvention – something Pattinson knows…
Marshall expands Hendrix Collection with psychedelic headphones, speaker and amplifier
Sixty years after Jimi Hendrix first plugged into a Marshall amplifier, the partnership is being celebrated with three newly reimagined pieces of audio and guitar gear. Marshall has expanded its Marshall x Hendrix Anniversary Collection with limited-edition versions of its Major V headphones, Emberton III portable speaker and hand-built JMH Studio amplifier. Each product has…
Loewe opens luxury concept store at Harrods for premium TVs, high-end audio and lifestyle tech
German luxury technology brand Loewe has opened a new concept store at Harrods, placing its TVs, audio products and coffee machines inside one of London’s most prestigious retail destinations. The landgrab marks another step in the German brand’s international expansion, and its wider ambition to establish itself as a global luxury lifestyle technology business. Located…
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