New Deck or Upgrade

[ironbut]

Hi Jay,
Yes, I'm talking about the upgrades I've done to my Technics. Which is one of the reasons I've stayed out of this but I just thought I'd let you know my thoughts on the Flux head.
Regarding the Otari and Studer,.. I don't know. You may have be the one to tell us.

[jcmusic]

Hi Jay,
Yes, I'm talking about the upgrades I've done to my Technics. Which is one of the reasons I've stayed out of this but I just thought I'd let you know my thoughts on the Flux head.
Regarding the Otari and Studer,.. I don't know. You may have be the one to tell us.

Well Steve,
That may happen real soon as my new Studer A810 is on the truck, and arriving tomorrow 10/27/09. I can not wait to check it out!!! I am pretty excited!!!

Jay

[ironbut]

Cool!
Try and get some sleep and don't forget to eat!
Have fun!!!!

[xcortes]

Cool Jay,

Will you use it with your Seduction or what electronics?

What was your source for the machine? When you say "new" what do you mean?

Thanks!

[jcmusic]

Cool!
Try and get some sleep and don't forget to eat!
Have fun!!!!

Steve,
Thanks for advice and I will get some sleep, have to get up early do a few things before it arrives!!!

Jay

[jcmusic]

Cool Jay,

Will you use it with your Seduction or what electronics?

What was your source for the machine? When you say "new" what do you mean?

Thanks!

Hi Xavier,
I mean new to me, I will use it as is for now. I have alot of listening test I would like to do before making any mods or anything else. I also want to compare how it records.

Jay

[stellavox]

Update to my last post.

Spent a part of yesterday afternoon with a friend "auditioning" the Studer A810 heads (on that machine) versus the Nortronics pro (on my Stella).  Used the Project "Dances" tape. I couldn't hear any difference between them tho my friend slightly preferred the Nortronics.  Very good separation/resolution.

This has got me thinking - how do the heads on the A77/B77 compare - maybe they are just as good??? Are they (A and B) identical - anyone (able to) do(ne) some research??  If as good (or even close), could "open up" a new, inexpensive tape project machine prospect.

Someone able/want to send me a machine (with the heads wired out) so I could compare???

Charles   

[Brian C.]

I think the so-so Studer electronics mask any differences.
My colleague can't wait to replace the A80 in the studio, calls it a "fog machine" and claims all the A series have sonically mediocre electronics in his experience

I'm trying to persuade him that a Stellavox SM8 with Lundahl transformers would make a good replacement.
It would certainly free up some space in a tight little control room that has become quite warm since the arrival of a full-track Ampex 300!
LOL

Brian.

[jcmusic]

I think the so-so Studer electronics mask any differences.
My colleague can't wait to replace the A80 in the studio, calls it a "fog machine" and claims all the A series have sonically mediocre electronics in his experience

I'm trying to persuade him that a Stellavox SM8 with Lundahl transformers would make a good replacement.
It would certainly free up some space in a tight little control room that has become quite warm since the arrival of a full-track Ampex 300!
LOL

Brian.

Brian,
Why do you say so so electronic's of the Studer's? This I find kinda interesting!!!

Jay

[Brian C.]

Brian,Why do you say so so electronic's of the Studer's? This I find kinda interesting!!!

Jay

The problem is likely due to Studer's adoption of 741-type chips in the line drive. I haven't got the A80/A810/A820 schematics to hand but my PR99 has cascaded ICs there. Hence Paul S's recommendation to take unbalanced output from earlier in the chain. In the studio this is not really an option.

Anyone out there replacing Studer output cards with discrete circuitry?

Brian.

[kipdent]

Brian--

I have the schematics but am not too techy; however, I'm sure Ki can chime in later. In any event, I believe at least the A80 is a bit different and has no cascaded ICs. It is regarded as one of the nicer sounding Studers and there are many well-known albums that were mastered on one. Anyone else know more about this?

[jcmusic]

Brian,Why do you say so so electronic's of the Studer's? This I find kinda interesting!!!

Jay

The problem is likely due to Studer's adoption of 741-type chips in the line drive. I haven't got the A80/A810/A820 schematics to hand but my PR99 has cascaded ICs there. Hence Paul S's recommendation to take unbalanced output from earlier in the chain. In the studio this is not really an option.

Anyone out there replacing Studer output cards with discrete circuitry?

Brian.

Well I am only guessing, but I wouldn't think you could compare the PR99 to any of the A series machines. I also wouldn't think they used the same IC's.

Jay

[Brian C.]

I know my friend doesn't like the sound of the A series after 20+ years in studios, both sides of the glass. He much prefers the sound of the 3M M79 in comparison.

Just found this outfit that sells an  "All discrete Studer A101 Opamp" replacement for the A80 "These are remakes using the original Fairchild Transistors and layout found in the original Studer A101."...

http://morrisaudioproduction.com/

Next time I'm at the studio (hopefully in the next week or two) I'll try and have a dekko at the Studer's output board to test my hypothesis in lieu of a schematic.

But I'm sure there are people here who know for sure.

Brian.

[stellavox]

Brian,
regarding "I think the so-so Studer electronics mask any differences."

Just so we're clear here; with both decks, the heads are "wired out" and I'm using the same playback Cello electronics, so I'm trying to limit the differences to the heads.

Charles

[ironbut]

Great thread guys!
Charles,
I'm sure you already have one planned, but we're all expecting a subjective and objective review of your findings.
Keep up the good work!