Messages

16

Prerecorded Tapes / Re: Quinton Tape Review

« on: February 10, 2010, 01:45:56 PM »

Hi Larry,
I remember reading long ago that those Quinton tapes were all digital sourced.  Can't find where I read that now, and I can't find the original Quinton thread here on TP which is where I think I saw that mentioned.  Am I "misremembering?"

17

Tape Tech / Re: Otari 5050MII Speed Problem

« on: January 25, 2010, 01:29:15 PM »

Can you "jumpstart" the capstan by turning it with your hand when in the high position and get it to begin turning?

18

Tape Tech / Re: Otari 5050MII Speed Problem

« on: January 21, 2010, 03:34:51 PM »

You're welcome.  Let us know how it turns out.

19

Tape Tech / Re: Otari 5050MII Speed Problem

« on: January 21, 2010, 03:07:01 PM »

Yes.  Everything runs through that pitch switch.  If no high speeds, or no low speeds, work on any given switch setting WITHIN THE OTARI (either your 3 3/4 and 7 1/2 ips won't work or your 7 1/2 and 15 ips won't work, or NONE might work as well, save for 1 speed no matter where its set) then you can bet its your pitch switch!)  See here:

http://www.tapeheads.net/showthread.php?t=5597

20

Tape Tech / Re: Otari 5050MII Speed Problem

« on: January 21, 2010, 01:20:44 PM »

If its like many Otari's with the same issue you have (I had two myself) then the issue, believe it or not, is your pitch control switch in the middle of the deck.  Some de-oxit spray will do the trick.  On one of mine, I was able to fix it just by rotaing the knob and pulling itout and in a few dozen times (bad contact).

21

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Otari MX5050 output hum

« on: January 16, 2010, 08:24:32 PM »

Try the cheater, it will fix it.  Have seen this in many systems/houses with the MX-5050 series.

22

General Discussion / Re: How do you take the capstan motor out?

« on: November 11, 2009, 07:11:29 PM »

Its sealed for good.  Do not try to open it!!  Just follow the instructions and oil the capstan itself every year or so---as per the Otari manual!

23

Prerecorded Tapes / Re: Recording My Pre-Records

« on: November 07, 2009, 06:45:33 PM »

Yeah, all depends on the deck and how its calibrated.  Your Otari is calibrated to record differently at 7.5 and 15 ips if it was set up right.  One will sound better to you then the other, depending on who did the work and how they adjusted it.  So like Doc said, it really is "trial and error".!

  In general, recording @ 7.5 ips with commercial R2R's on all my otari's sounds the best---plus you save some tape!  I agree with whoever told you that 7.5ips sounds more tape like in recording a commercial 7.5ips tape. Comes down to a fuller midbass and bass at 7.5 ips in my Otari 7.5 ips experience recording commercial tapes.  Live recordings though?  Best by far on the Otari is 15 ips.  Can't tell you why, other then the obvious.  Just have to experiment Jay....

24

General Discussion / Re: Source for 6 screw plastic reel hub for 1/4" tape?

« on: September 05, 2009, 04:50:01 AM »

Hi Ki,
Trust me, I understand about the day job getting in the way of audio-fun.  I have thought this EXACT THING myself recently!  Sometimes I wish I was retired already!!!

Ahh, I see on the hubs!  You might have to get "creative".  Maybe drill holes into the 3 hole hubs or something to make the 6 you need!  Or cut the 2" ones you have into eight 1/4" pieces using a light-saber.   Or something like that....  ;)

Take care!!

25

General Discussion / Re: Source for 6 screw plastic reel hub for 1/4" tape?

« on: September 04, 2009, 07:52:22 PM »

Hi Ki,
How are you doing?  Did you try splicit.com?  I have bought plastic NAB hubs there many times before.  Can't remember hoe many holes they had though.....

26

Exotic Dances from the Opera / Re: Comparing Exotic Dances - TP vs. HRx

« on: August 22, 2009, 04:45:09 PM »

Hi Larry,
Well "yes" on the ears and same goes for you too!  We must be on the "same page" sonically.  I forgot to add this info, but I came to this EXACT conclusion on the HRx of Arnold's Overtures versus the TP tape as well.  It's like deja vu all over again!  I guess it's just REALLY hard to beat all analog all the way through.  Maybe someday....

27

Exotic Dances from the Opera / Re: Comparing Exotic Dances - TP vs. HRx

« on: August 22, 2009, 01:40:13 PM »

Hi Larry,
Well, I finally got around to comparing my HRx Exotic to the TP tape version today.  It's really amazing as I had not looked at your specific comments until after I had taken my notes between the two.  My conclusion is almost EXACTLY what you had written, even with some of the exact audio jargon!

From my notes-----
The tape is: "smoother, silkier, warmer with greater texture in the mids, greater airiness on top with a more extended treble, soundstage is more open with greater depth".

The HRx is: "thinner harmonically in the mids with less palpability, there is a slight "glassiness/glareiness/hardness" to the sound that is not on the tape at all, deep bass is more pronounced and extended, sound hangs more around the physical space of the loudspeakers(less expansive)"

Bottom line is that I agree with you 100% that BOTH versions are sonic stunners.  If I did not have the TP tape, I would have never known ANY of the deficiencies listed above even existed on the HRx version!

That Marcia from RR told me the HRx version would be better then the TP version seems almost laughable now.  Both are GREAT, but there is no contest the TP tape beats it.  Now, does it beat it by the $460 difference in cost?  Let me get back to you on THAT one.  ;)

28

General Discussion / Re: OTARI MX5050 BIII 2

« on: July 30, 2009, 06:43:12 PM »

Hi Steve,
IMHO, the two Otari's (BII and BIII) are very close to each other and I believe to be some of the best in the world---now or "ever".  I have a few of each example that are all tuned up to comare back and forth.  Also---Ki Choi can confirm the merits of the Otari's, as you know he has just about every deck ever made---Studers, Sony's, Technics, Otari's, you know the routine-----

The BIII is slightly better then the B2, in these areas:
1) Is slightly smoother and quieter as a transport (better at searching too---see "logic" below)
2) Sounds better stock and records better stock (I use my BIII for all live recordings and dub recordings over a BII)
3) Has better logic controls (a few more settings and is "smarter")
4) Just "feels" more refined (think "Studer" vs. your favorite vintage deck) and is laid out better and is more "user friendly"

Both are great decks and as 80% of the parts interchange between the two (even the whole headstacks!)---- it makes them extremely worthwhile!!  Very easy to get parts too.

The thing is you have to be PATIENT when searching for one.  There are SO MANY.  And the difference between a pampered BIII and a beat up BII is  lightyears.

29

General Discussion / Re: OTARI MX5050 BIII 2

« on: July 30, 2009, 06:07:22 PM »

I think you would be better advised to find a used BIII with BOTH curves.  I have two B3's and they have the switch right on back.  Without sounding rude, are you "anti-used" or something?

One of them I picked up for around a hundred dollars locally.  It is in mint shape, like brand new.  Probably had 200 hours on it, total.  I have a friend who picked up two BIII's still in the BOX and never opened!!  I think he paid around $600 the PAIR!

Just trying to help out.  The new versions are several thousands of dollars more and you will not have (to me) what is a HUGE selling point of the deck (among the other dozen selling points of it)----the switch that goes between NAB and IEC (DIN)!

30

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: The most beatiful R2R... to me anyway...

« on: June 15, 2009, 11:44:13 AM »

Well Ki my friend, you are living the "American Dream", congrats!  Especially considering these tough economic times.  I bet Jeff is not moving too many of his J-corder decks right now.