ABSOLUTE SOUNDS EMBRACES THE REEL-TO-REEL TAPE REVIVAL DISTRIBUTING THE METAXAS MACHINES IN THE UK

Absolute Sounds high-end audio distributor adds Metaxas & Sins’ TR-X Tourbillon and Papillon reel-to-reel tape machines to its Ten Collection of boutique HiFi brands’ creations.

High End HiFi Distributor Absolute Sounds, is now distributing Metaxas & Sins’ reel-to-reel analogue tape machines.

Metaxas & Sins Papillon

ABSOLUTE SOUNDS TEN COLLECTION

The highly individual Metaxas & Sins TR-X Tourbillon and Papillon reel-to-reel tape machines have been selected by Ricardo Franassovici, Absolute Sounds’ founder and MD, to join Ten, a curated collection from independent makers, which sits alongside the main Absolute Sounds portfolio.

Metaxas & Sins TR-X Tourbillon and stand

As Ricardo Franassovici explains, the time is right for Absolute Sounds to distribute these fabulous reel-to-reel tape machines, the first such devices the company has carried since its formation in 1979. “There are two important reasons why I have selected these Metaxas & Sins tape machines to join the Ten collection. The first is that thanks to a number of specialist suppliers, the increased availability of the reel-to-reel format to consumers makes it a viable – and highly satisfying – medium for music connoisseurs. The second – and crucial – factor is that Metaxas & Sins has succeeded in elevating the sound quality from open-reel tape to new levels, wrapped in a package that exudes individuality and flair. Unique, exceptional, highly desirable – these are perfect additions to my Ten collection.”

Metaxas & Sins TR-X Tourbillon

Absolute Sounds’ main distribution portfolio comprises twenty two high-end audio manufacturers from around the world some of which have been distributed exclusively by the company for several decades. ‘Ten’ sits alongside this portfolio and is a distinct collection from artisan audio makers, personally curated by Ricardo Franassovici. Metaxas & Sins’ reel-to-reel tape machines join preamps and power amps by Robert Koda, Trafomatic and HSE, and speakers by DeVore Fidelity, to form the current Ten collection.

METAXAS & SINS

Founded by Kostas Metaxas and based in the Netherlands, Metaxas & Sins is renowned for the quality and originality of its design approach, creating “high-end audio sculptures” and “kinetic art objects” that are as striking to the eye as they are to the ear. Kostas is a renowned artist and product designer whose collaborations with luxury brands stretches well beyond audio equipment including pens, clocks and much more besides. He’s also a prolific recording engineer who’s made hundreds of live concert recordings using magnetic open-reel tape. These passions meld together in each unique Metaxas & Sins creation, handmade by Kostas and his sons to create sonic art…“art colliding with audio technology” as Kostas says himself.

Metaxas & Sins Papillon Reel to Reel machine

METAXAS & SINS TR-X TOURBILLON AND PAPILLON

Metaxas & Sins makes two reel-to-reel tape machines – the TR-X Tourbillon and the Papillon. Both are designed from the ground up to utilise the finest component parts available today; from the heads to the totally discrete circuits. Although Absolute Sounds will carry both machines, the initial focus is firmly on the TR-X Tourbillon. Designed for 10.5-inch reels, the Tourbillon is a ‘location recorder’ in other words, sufficiently compact and transportable to be used in a variety of environments, rather than purely recording studios, with an optional battery box so it doesn’t have to be plugged into the mains.

Metaxas & Sins TR-X Tourbillon

As is the case with all Metaxas & Sins’ creations, the design is horologically inspired. In high-end wristwatch design, a tourbillon (French for whirlwind) is an addition to the mechanics of a watch lever escapement to increase 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.

In the words of Metaxas & Sins: “The TR-X Tourbillon is an entirely newly designed professional reel-to-reel tape location recorder and playback machine that meets and exceeds the highest demands of recording engineers and the most serious audiophiles… combining 2020s technology with 1960s ‘soul’.”

METAXAS & SINS TR-X TOURBILLON AND PAPILLON UK RETAIL PRICES

TR-X Tourbillon 10.5-inch open-reel tape player: £46,998

TR-X Tourbillon 10.5-inch open-reel tape player/recorder: £59,998

TR-X Tourbillon stand: £9,398

Lion battery box for TR-X Tourbillon: £3,200

Pappillon Studio 15-inch open-reel tape player: £72,998

Pappillon Studio 15-inch open-reel tape player/recorder: £89,998

Pappillon Studio stand: £19,998

Absolute Sounds is the sole UK distributor of Metaxas & Sins reel-to-reel tape machines.

Find out more about Kostas Metaxas in our interview with him here.

HiFi Pig Says: Kostas Metaxas is a true artist and his creations really reflect that, some of the most original looking, and fabulous sounding HiFi that we have encountered.

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