Revox
Revox is a Swiss high-fidelity audio brand known for precision tape recorders, component systems, loudspeakers, and multiroom technology.
Last updated August 22, 2026
AI crawler reads
No AI crawler has read this profile since Oct 28, 2026.
Overview
Revox is a Swiss audio brand whose identity was built around high-fidelity tape recording and later expanded into complete home-entertainment systems, loudspeakers, networked audio, and installation solutions. The name was registered by Studer on 27 March 1951. It was developed as the consumer-facing counterpart to Studer, whose professional recording equipment served studios and broadcasters. The division between the two names became a central feature of the business: Revox products were intended for demanding domestic users, while Studer-branded machines targeted professional applications. The first Revox-branded recorder was the T26, introduced in 1952 as the successor to the Dynavox 100. It was followed by a succession of technically ambitious open-reel machines. The A36 introduced push-button solenoid transport controls and a direct-drive capstan, while the B36 became the first three-head model in the range and the D36 introduced stereo recording. During the 1960s, Revox moved from valve-based designs toward transistorized equipment. The A77, launched in 1967, became one of the brand’s defining products. Its servo-controlled direct-drive transport and long production life helped establish Revox as a benchmark for reliable domestic tape recording; more than 460,000 units were produced according to the cited reference material. Revox subsequently broadened from tape machines into integrated high-fidelity components. The A76 tuner and A78 amplifier complemented the A77, and the B7xx and B2xx series developed the brand’s reputation for substantial construction, extensive connectivity, and advanced control electronics. The B250 amplifier, for example, offered numerous inputs with automatic sensitivity calibration. Revox also experimented with deliberately minimalist user interfaces through its H series. Its component portfolio later included cassette decks, compact-disc players, tuners, televisions, video products, and loudspeakers. Some products were closely related to professional Studer equipment, while others were manufactured or supplied by external partners and marketed under the Revox name. The company underwent major corporate changes after Willi Studer sold the Studer Revox Group to Motor-Columbus in 1990. In 1991, the group was divided into professional Studer, consumer-oriented Revox, and manufacturing operations. The Studer business was subsequently acquired by Harman International in 1994, while the Revox Group was excluded from that transaction and sold to private investors. This separation allowed Revox to continue as an independent consumer audio brand rather than becoming a Harman-controlled label. In the 2000s and 2010s, Revox repositioned itself around integrated, modular, and networked home audio. The Re:system M51, introduced in 2002, combined multiple source modules with multiroom distribution and could serve several rooms and listening zones. Later M-series products, servers, network receivers, and control applications extended the concept. Revox also maintained a strong loudspeaker business, including conventional hi-fi models, active speakers, subwoofer systems, and architectural installation products. Its design language commonly emphasizes aluminum, glass, restrained interfaces, and high build quality. Revox has continued to draw on its historical association with open-reel recording. It announced a modern reel-to-reel playback machine developed with HORCH HOUSE in 2016, followed by a renewed interest in recorder products. In 2024, the brand announced the B77 MK3, a new audiophile tape recorder positioned as a modern continuation of the influential B77 line. The current Revox proposition therefore combines heritage products and analog revival with network audio, multiroom systems, premium loudspeakers, and custom-installed home entertainment.
History
Revox originated within the Swiss Studer organization founded by Willi Studer. Early Studer-designed tape recorders were sold under the Dynavox name, but a dedicated marketing organization, ELA AG, was formed in 1950 and the Revox name was selected for amateur and domestic recorders. Studer remained the professional brand. The Revox name was formally registered on 27 March 1951, and the first Revox recorder, the T26, appeared in 1952 as the successor to the Dynavox 100. During the 1950s and 1960s, Revox developed a technically progressive range of open-reel machines. The A36 introduced push-button transport operation and a direct-drive capstan. The B36 was the first three-head machine in the range, and the D36 was the first stereo model. The 36 series ended with the G36 in 1967 after more than 80,000 units had been made. It was replaced by the transistorized A77, which used a servo-controlled direct-drive capstan and became one of the most recognized Revox products. More than 460,000 A77 machines were produced. The A77 was supported by related hi-fi components, including the A76 FM tuner and A78 amplifier. In the early 1980s, Revox introduced the B7xx series, later followed by the more feature-rich, microprocessor-based B2xx family. The B250 amplifier exemplified the range’s emphasis on connectivity and calibration. At the same time, the H series pursued a contrasting minimalist interface philosophy. Revox’s tape-recording reputation was reinforced by products such as the A700, B77, and PR99, the latter adapting the B77 concept for professional-oriented use with balanced connections, location functions, and a real-time counter. Revox expanded into cassette recording, compact discs, tuners, televisions, video products, and loudspeakers. The B710 and B215 cassette decks were closely related to professional Studer designs, as were the B225 and B226 CD players. Other products were rebadged or manufactured by outside companies, and therefore did not necessarily share the same Studer engineering origin. Loudspeakers became a significant long-term category, beginning with the Series 46 in 1970 and continuing through AX, BX, BR, Symbol, Agora, Scala, Prestige, and Re:sound families. The company also developed subwoofer and satellite systems such as Triton and Piccolo. The corporate structure changed substantially in the 1990s. Willi Studer sold the Studer Revox Group to Motor-Columbus in 1990. Motor-Columbus separated the professional Studer business, consumer Revox operations, and manufacturing activities in 1991. In 1994, Harman International acquired the Studer Group from Motor-Columbus, but Revox was excluded and sold to private investors. Willi Studer died in 1996. Beginning in the 2000s, Revox focused increasingly on integrated home audio. The Re:system M51, introduced in 2002, combined source modules, amplification, and multiroom distribution. The M10 rack-based control and source center followed in 2006, while the compact M100 arrived in 2010. Audio and multimedia servers and the Joy network receiver family extended the brand into digitally distributed music. Revox also developed wall controls, remote controls, and software applications for multiroom installations. The company preserved its analog identity while adapting to contemporary listening habits. It announced a reel-to-reel revival in 2016 in cooperation with HORCH HOUSE and later announced the B77 MK3 in 2024. Revox’s contemporary portfolio combines premium stereo equipment, networked and multiroom systems, loudspeakers, architectural audio, and selected analog products, with the brand’s historical reputation for precision, materials, and serviceability remaining central to its positioning.
- 2024
B77 MK3 announced
[1]Revox announced a new audiophile tape recorder based on the historical B77 lineage.
- 2016
Reel-to-reel revival announced
[1]Revox announced a new reel-to-reel player developed with HORCH HOUSE.
- 2002
Re:system M51 launches
[1]Revox introduced a modular audio-video and multiroom platform capable of distributing sources across several rooms and zones.
- 1994
Studer acquired by Harman while Revox is excluded
[1]Harman acquired the Studer Group, while the Revox Group was sold separately to private investors.
- 1991
Revox separated from professional Studer
[1]Motor-Columbus divided the group into professional Studer, consumer Revox, and manufacturing operations.
- 1990
Studer Revox Group sold to Motor-Columbus
[1]Willi Studer sold the group to Motor-Columbus, beginning a major restructuring of the businesses.
- 1967
A77 replaces the 36 series
[1]The transistorized A77 succeeded the 36 series and became Revox’s most widely produced tape recorder.
- 1960
D36 introduces stereo recording
[1]The D36 was the first stereo model in the Revox recorder line.
- 1956
B36 becomes the first three-head Revox
[1]The B36 expanded the recorder range with a three-head design.
- 1954
A36 introduces advanced transport engineering
[1]The A36 featured push-button solenoid controls and a direct-drive capstan without belts or idler wheels.
Products and positioning
Premium Swiss hi-fi centered on engineering precision, durable materials, understated industrial design, analog recording heritage, and integrated multiroom audio.
Open-reel tape recorder · 1952
T26
Introduced in 1952, the T26 was the first recorder sold under the Revox name. It succeeded the Dynavox 100 and was also offered in a radio-recorder configuration.
Open-reel tape recorder · 1967
A77
The A77 was a transistorized recorder introduced in 1967. Its servo-controlled direct-drive capstan, relay-operated transport, and extensive production run made it one of the defining products in Revox history.
Open-reel tape recorder · 1979
B77
The B77 became a major late-generation Revox open-reel recorder, using logic control and direct-drive transport. It was aimed at demanding home users and later served as the historical reference for the B77 MK3 revival.
Professional-oriented tape recorder
PR99
The PR99 adapted the B77 platform for professional and semi-professional applications. Balanced inputs and outputs, a real-time counter, and an auto-locator distinguished it from the domestic B77.
Cassette deck
B215
The B215 was a high-quality Revox cassette recorder closely related to Studer professional cassette technology. It represented the brand’s effort to bring precision transport and electronics to the compact-cassette format.
CD player
B226
The B226 was a Revox compact-disc player heavily based on professional Studer designs. A special Signature version used a black faceplate and a high-performance Philips DAC implementation.
Modular multiroom audio-video system · 2002
Re:system M51
Introduced in 2002, the M51 was a modular central system supporting multiple audio sources, amplification configurations, and distribution to several rooms and listening zones. Its modules included radio, server, streaming, and multiroom functions.
Integrated hi-fi system · 2010
M100
The M100 was a compact audiophile stereo system with integrated amplification, tuner, and disc functionality. It continued Revox’s approach of combining high-quality materials with a relatively restrained control layout.
Network receiver · 2012
Revox Joy S series
The Joy S118, S119, and S120 brought networked music playback into Revox’s premium hi-fi range. They extended the company’s traditional component approach toward internet and digital audio sources.
Audiophile reel-to-reel tape recorder · 2024
B77 MK3
Announced in 2024, the B77 MK3 is a modern tape recorder positioned as a continuation of the B77 tradition and Revox’s renewed commitment to high-end open-reel audio.
Loudspeakers · 1970
Revox loudspeaker families
Revox has produced loudspeakers since the Series 46 in 1970. Its portfolio has included conventional three-way models, active speakers such as Agora, digital active Scala systems, subwoofer-satellite products, and modern Re:sound and installation ranges.
Turntable · 2020
Studiomaster T700
The Studiomaster T700 is a belt-driven turntable introduced around 2020. It combines a carbon-fiber tonearm, built-in moving-coil preamplification, and an Ortofon Quintet Bronze cartridge.
Brand decisions
2024
Announce the B77 MK3Generation changeBackground
Revox continued to leverage the recognition of its historic B77 open-reel recorder amid renewed audiophile interest in tape.
Action taken
The company announced the B77 MK3 as a new audiophile tape recorder based on the B77 lineage.
Aftermath
The announcement reinforced Revox’s status as both a contemporary hi-fi company and a custodian of open-reel recording heritage.
2016
Return to reel-to-reel audioProduct launchBackground
Renewed interest in analog recording created an opportunity to revive Revox’s historic open-reel identity.
Action taken
Revox announced a reel-to-reel player developed in cooperation with HORCH HOUSE, initially focused on playback.
Aftermath
The announcement linked Revox’s digital and multiroom business with a renewed premium analog proposition.
2002
Launch the Re:system M51 multiroom platformProduct launchBackground
Digital sources and whole-home audio were becoming increasingly important to premium domestic audio systems.
Action taken
Revox introduced a modular audio-video system with source modules, multiroom distribution, and support for several listening zones.
Aftermath
The M51 became the foundation for Revox’s later modular M-series and its positioning in integrated home audio.
1994
Revox excluded from Harman’s Studer acquisitionM&ABackground
Harman International acquired the Studer Group from Motor-Columbus after the earlier separation of Studer and Revox.
Action taken
Revox was sold separately to private investors and did not become part of Harman’s acquired Studer operations.
Aftermath
Revox continued as a separately owned consumer audio brand while Studer became part of Harman.
1991
Separate consumer Revox from professional StuderStrategyBackground
Motor-Columbus reorganized the former Studer Revox Group into professional Studer, consumer-oriented Revox, and manufacturing activities.
Action taken
The Revox business was treated as a distinct consumer hi-fi operation rather than being combined with the professional Studer business.
Aftermath
The separation established the corporate structure that enabled Revox to pursue its own premium home-audio strategy.
Recent events
- 2024
Revox presents the B77 MK3[1]
Product launch · Product generation
Revox announced a new audiophile tape recorder drawing on the historical B77 product family and the brand’s open-reel heritage.
- 2016
Revox announces a return to reel-to-reel tape products[1]
Product launch · Product generation
Revox announced the planned reintroduction of a reel-to-reel tape player, developed with HORCH HOUSE, initially as a playback-focused machine.
Sources1 sources
Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/revox · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled