Check out the new Tape Project website at tapeproject.com, now with online ordering. Inventory is updated every week, so stop by often to see what we have in stock.

Author Topic: A80 weight?  (Read 9104 times)

Offline Teeg

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 73
    • View Profile
A80 weight?
« on: October 16, 2009, 07:05:33 AM »
  Does anyone know the approx weight of a 1/4" A80 on the roll-around stand? I have the opportunity to purchase one but it would have to be crated and shipped.

Thanks,
Tom
T.j. Bassi  
    Martin Logan reQuests....Martin Logan Descent x 2....Atma-Sphere MA1 OTL amplification....Krell KPS25s digital front end....VPI Scoutmaster....Studer A80 VU MKII....Ampex 300-2 Tube/SS Playback "Ampexius Maximus"....Ampex MR-70

Offline Ki Choi

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 314
    • View Profile
Re: A80 weight?
« Reply #1 on: October 16, 2009, 09:55:58 AM »
Hi Tom:

The weight for A80RC MkII is 117lb net but the A80VU MkII is 258lbs - assuming you are referring to a two track 1/4" machine.

Most of the difference in weight is due to the heavy side plates/frame that covers the whole side on VU model from the tope of the deck to the bottom with the casters.  However, it adds further stability in operation of the VU tape transport, IMO.  RC model uses lighter (???) side plate covers just the deck's sides and rest is the rectangular metal tubing posts.
Ki Choi

Offline Teeg

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 73
    • View Profile
Re: A80 weight?
« Reply #2 on: October 16, 2009, 10:14:29 AM »
Ki,

   I believe it is an A80VU, as it has a full plate between the overbridge meters and the transport. The seller was not sure (it must be on the machine somewhere and I am not too familiar with the different variants.

 Thanks for your reply.

 What is your opinion on the A80? From your posts I am guessing you are a Studer aficionado.

Tom
T.j. Bassi  
    Martin Logan reQuests....Martin Logan Descent x 2....Atma-Sphere MA1 OTL amplification....Krell KPS25s digital front end....VPI Scoutmaster....Studer A80 VU MKII....Ampex 300-2 Tube/SS Playback "Ampexius Maximus"....Ampex MR-70

Offline Ki Choi

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 314
    • View Profile
Re: A80 weight?
« Reply #3 on: October 16, 2009, 09:33:29 PM »
Hi Tom:

Yeah...if the A80 has the heavy full side plates, it's a VU model more than likely.  You can also identify its model by locating the Rec and Repro adjustments on the meter bridge.  The seller should be able to see the actual model number and serial number in the back with run-time hour meter that will give you pretty good idea on useage life of the recorder.  Let me know if you need further info on where to look.  It would be best to get the Mk II at least.

There are opinions that VU models' factory audio electronics are not as audiophile quality as the RC model due to heavy use of now obsolete Philips TDA941 opamps in Rec, Repro and in the VU meter amp sections.  The RC models have very straight discrete audio sections that are simple in comparison to VU models.  This clearn audio configuration may have been the main reason why Mark Levinson picked the RC model over the VU model to make his legendary ML5 recorders.

Due to its simplicity, the RC model is not very flexible when it comes to EQ selections.  You basically have to decide on the EQ and not change (other than having different sets of audio cards for NAB and CCIR EQs and swapping the cards...).  The VU model's EQ is selectable from the meter bridge.

On the other hand, if you plan to use an external tape preamp such as the Tube Repro Preamp for TP tapes, VU model is ready for action without the mods.  The heads are wired to multipin connetors that can be plugged into other devices.  You can configure the record section to be factory state but re-direct the repro head connectors to the external tape preamp.
Ki Choi

Offline Studer Fool

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 72
    • View Profile
Re: A80 weight?
« Reply #4 on: October 18, 2009, 12:56:13 PM »
Nice description by Ki:
"On the other hand, if you plan to use an external tape preamp such as the Tube Repro Preamp for TP tapes, VU model is ready for action without the mods.  The heads are wired to multipin connectors that can be plugged into other devices."

I plan to do this myself someday.  BUT BE Careful here!  For one example the heads on the VU A-80 are low impedance type and feed a 1:10 step-up transformer (secondary shunted by 180K ohms and 33pf) .  The heads on the RC A-80 are relatively higher impedance and feed a 47K ohm resistor.

cdw
Christopher D. Wait
Charter Subscriber SN# 026
Studer A80-VU & Studer A80-RC (and Doc's lovingly modified Ampex 934 with Seduction Tape Head Preamp Combo!)

Offline Teeg

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 73
    • View Profile
Re: A80 weight?
« Reply #5 on: October 18, 2009, 05:51:38 PM »
Christopher,

   Can you expand on your last post? You gave the head impedances for the two A80 variants,  and said 'Be Careful'.....

Are the A80 VU head impedances too low for outboard electronics without additional mods?

Tom
T.j. Bassi  
    Martin Logan reQuests....Martin Logan Descent x 2....Atma-Sphere MA1 OTL amplification....Krell KPS25s digital front end....VPI Scoutmaster....Studer A80 VU MKII....Ampex 300-2 Tube/SS Playback "Ampexius Maximus"....Ampex MR-70

Offline Studer Fool

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 72
    • View Profile
Re: A80 weight?
« Reply #6 on: October 19, 2009, 05:51:33 PM »
Tom asks:
"Are the A80 VU head impedances too low for outboard electronics without additional mods?"
Depends on the outboard electronics!
One way to think of this is to analogize this to low output low impedance Moving Coil phono cartridges (MC) which need either a step-up transformer or extra low-noise gain (usually as extra gain stages).  Same thing here.  Ki mentioned the very desirable "Tube Repro Preamp for TP tapes" which would need either a step-up on the front end (best/easiest bet imo) or some extra gain shoehorned in (don't think Doc has planned for that).

One needs to match the outboard electronics to the heads in the machine... or change the heads($$)!

cdw
Christopher D. Wait
Charter Subscriber SN# 026
Studer A80-VU & Studer A80-RC (and Doc's lovingly modified Ampex 934 with Seduction Tape Head Preamp Combo!)