A few questions about Otari MX5050BIII-2

[minorkeylee]

I just picked up two MX5050Biii-2 1/4" two track machines. Very excited to get them going. First off, I read that pin 3 is hot on Otari decks. True? So, just rewire my XLRs to accommodate, or rewire the machine?

Second: Would 456 or equivalent tape (RMGI 911) be good for this deck? Additionally, which MRL to buy? I guess I would be running +6 tape??

Third, I am planning on selling one of these. They both came out of a commercial install, and reportedly, NEITHER of the machines has EVER been used. So essentially, they are brand new. I believe they were purchased in 1997-98. I've looked through ebay, but its difficult for me to discern a fair market value for one of these guys. Prices are all over the place....$175-$1200. The one I saw for $1200 was the only machine I saw on ebay that was the same model as the ones I have.

I appreciate any info you may have. I used the search function here, but found most the MKIII machines discussed were 8 tracks...