If you want a plug-and-play machine that works out of the box, buy a modern TEAC or a serviced Revox. However, if you are a tinkerer, a vintage audio enthusiast, or a producer seeking the sound , the Grundig RR 940 is an absolute gem.
The pinch roller (the rubber wheel that pulls the tape) hardens over time. If your machine eats tapes or the speed fluctuates, this is the culprit. grundig rr 940