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Author Topic: MX5050 External Tape Rewire  (Read 4676 times)

Offline luvmy92

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MX5050 External Tape Rewire
« on: January 20, 2012, 07:36:26 AM »
I'm new to the Forum and recently purchased a MX5050 B2HD that is in very good shape. I have seen a lot of mention of rewiring the tape heads to an external preamp, but can't seem to find a thread that provides explicit instructions or pics for the novice. :-) Can anyone who has performed this mod on their Otari provide detailed instructions/pics?

It would be greatly appreciated.
Mike L
1981 Khorns (Tineo) | V-Trac/BMS | Beyma CP-25 | ALK Networks | Closed in Backs
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Offline luvmy92

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Re: MX5050 External Tape Rewire
« Reply #1 on: January 25, 2012, 07:48:03 PM »
Anyone? :)
Mike L
1981 Khorns (Tineo) | V-Trac/BMS | Beyma CP-25 | ALK Networks | Closed in Backs
NOSValves VRD Monoblocks (Cherry)
Juicy Music Audio BlueBerry Xtreme w/Cream (Maple)
Thorens TD-124 (Cherry) | SME IV | Zu Audio DL-103R
Oppo BDP-83SE
Otari MX5050 B2HD

Offline stellavox

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Re: MX5050 External Tape Rewire
« Reply #2 on: January 26, 2012, 06:00:13 AM »
Hi Miks,

I'm going to see a friend on Sun who has an unmodified unit.  Will take a look and see if I can come up with any pointers.

Charles

Offline luvmy92

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Re: MX5050 External Tape Rewire
« Reply #3 on: January 26, 2012, 04:15:09 PM »
Thanks Charles. I was hoping to find a thread on here that would have some detailed pics, but no luck yet.

Mike
Mike L
1981 Khorns (Tineo) | V-Trac/BMS | Beyma CP-25 | ALK Networks | Closed in Backs
NOSValves VRD Monoblocks (Cherry)
Juicy Music Audio BlueBerry Xtreme w/Cream (Maple)
Thorens TD-124 (Cherry) | SME IV | Zu Audio DL-103R
Oppo BDP-83SE
Otari MX5050 B2HD

Offline Listens2tubes

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Re: MX5050 External Tape Rewire
« Reply #4 on: January 26, 2012, 06:22:26 PM »
Wiring from the 2T-4T head switch on the headblock is recommended. That's what I plan to do.
Neal - Ampex Fineline F-44, 3 - Otari MX5050BII-2, Revox A77 Mk II , Teac A 4010s, 4070, Sony TC102A, Magnecord 1020, Systemdek IIX/Dynavector Karat 17D2MKII, CEC CD3300 CDP, K Works NanoMax DAC, Van Alsine Transcendence Eight+ tube preamp, Dynaco MkIV amp pair, Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v1

Offline ironbut

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Re: MX5050 External Tape Rewire
« Reply #5 on: January 27, 2012, 12:43:44 PM »
Hey Mike,

If you don't already have it, you should download the service manuals which can be found here;

http://www.tapeproject.com/smf/index.php/topic,1545.0.html

The wiring from the head switch should be done with shielded cables (ground the shield to the chassis at the output connectors end).
I've never done it with a 5050 but other members here have. I've done it with my Technics RS1500 and it wasn't too tough.

There may be some trial and error involved since the main pitfall is avoiding the hum induced from the motors (which is the reason for the shielding).
Other than that, you just need to keep the new cable out of the way of any moving parts (levers, linkages etc) and find a way to secure it there.

Hope this helps.
steve koto
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Offline docb

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Re: MX5050 External Tape Rewire
« Reply #6 on: January 27, 2012, 01:32:15 PM »
You can call Shawn at Bottlehead Monday thru Thursday. He's done a ton of them and can talk you through it. 206-451-4275
Dan "Doc B." Schmalle
President for Life, Bottlehead Corp.
Managing Director - retired, The Tape Project

Offline stellavox

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Re: MX5050 External Tape Rewire
« Reply #7 on: January 28, 2012, 05:17:20 AM »
Suggest also adding a ground wire to the cables.  One end connected to the headblock as close to the playback head as you can get it - the other end to the ground lug on the preamp.  Can help reduce hum depending on your situation.  Listen for lowest hum connected / unconnected - if you end up not needing it then leave it unconnected.

Charles