Messages

31

Prerecorded Tapes / Adding leader at the beginning and end of pre-recorded tapes...........

« on: September 18, 2011, 06:31:51 AM »

I didn't want to hijack the thread, so I'm starting a new one.

If you're collecting the 2 track versions of these releases, be sure and add plenty of leader at the beginning and end of each reel since they are acetate backed and will have become brittle with age.

Would the practice of adding leaders at the beginning and the end of non-acetate backed pre-recorded (or for that matter blank) would hurt, help, or  not matter?

32

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: # and types of machines owned

« on: September 17, 2011, 10:14:18 PM »

I qualify as a hoarder when it comes to cassette decks.    5 Eumig Fl-1000ups, 8 Advent 201s, and I've lost track of how many B&O and Grundig cassette decks I have acquired.

Btw.   I collect cassette decks because cassettes are less vulnerable to sticky, oily fingers, and one can't even get custom heads made for cassettes so as parts.

33

Tape Project Machines / Roller bearing guides' effect on the 'longivity' of the tapes............

« on: September 17, 2011, 08:40:34 AM »

I understand how it could improve the sonics.    Since there would be less 'scraping', would this imply that the durability of the sonic signature of the tape be 'significantly' improved  compared to fixed guides?

34

Tape Tech / Re: Otari MX5050BII main speed switch

« on: September 14, 2011, 05:53:09 AM »

I've got 5 5050s 3 BII-2s no room to set up another.

Wow!   So you're a hoarder.      I only have 2 Pioneer RT-2022, and 4 Beocord 2000 deluxe as far as RTRs are concerned.   

But! As I typed this I thought, I could finally get the Ampex F-44 Fineline up here for this purpose.

F-44 is a good sounding machine, but perhaps, a little 'too loose' when it comes to bass for my ears.   Still, I can see why some might dig it, especially for non-rock, and non-classicals.

Now where to put it? 8)

Have you ever considered, IKEA STOLMEN, ISS Shelving Compression pole shelving, or Rakks Compression Poleshelvings?

35

Tape Tech / Re: Otari MX5050BII main speed switch

« on: September 12, 2011, 02:39:08 AM »

Why go through all this hassle just to play low speed pre-recorded reels?

Just get yourself another low speed machine,  it's not worth the potential hassle of degraded performance and degraded reliability.

36

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Tandberg TD20A se logic circuit issues...........

« on: August 30, 2011, 08:24:08 PM »

Great!   I have Pioneer rt-2022, two of them.    I know rt-2022 is certainly comparable to br20, at least sonic wise.

37

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Pioneer RT-1050

« on: August 23, 2011, 02:24:37 PM »

iThe deck has a front panel tape selector knobs that will play and record IEC at 15ips only).  The old 1974 manual says that this will give you a better S/N ratio... 

Does it?

38

Raw Tape / Re: Tape Woes

« on: August 23, 2011, 01:37:57 PM »

Regarding sticky tapes, ever tried cold playing them (it crossed my mind a few years back that maybe the band got their name from that process,..I kinda doubt it.).

What is 'cold playing'?

39

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Tandberg TD20A se logic circuit issues...........

« on: August 14, 2011, 10:15:51 AM »

My sincerest apologies, sorry for my clumsiness in asking questions.


Should have asked like this:

"What is the experience of people who have used Tandbergh TD20A SE compared to Otari MX5050 High speed version in regard to sonics, reliability, durability, and maintainability?"

40

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Tandberg TD20A se logic circuit issues...........

« on: August 10, 2011, 02:32:25 AM »

 Later on I got a chance to use an Otari 5050 and my impression was that it was 10 times the machine that the Tandberg is.

You mean 10 times based on sonics, or on durability/reliability/maintainability issues?

41

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Tandberg TD20A se logic circuit issues...........

« on: August 09, 2011, 03:26:14 PM »

I have heard that it is the biggest issue with 20a se that the logic circuit for some reason has a tendency to get shorts.

Is this due to 'dirty' electricity?   Would getting a high quality power conditioner or regenerator make a positive difference?

....and would it be possible to make replacement logic circuit through reverse engineering?

42

Prerecorded Tapes / Re: Moldy B/C Tapes on eBay

« on: July 18, 2011, 12:27:00 PM »

Great idea, thank you.

43

Prerecorded Tapes / Re: Moldy B/C Tapes on eBay

« on: July 13, 2011, 03:51:29 AM »

Some of the reels I've  bought has 'musty' smell.   Does this mean presence of mold?

44

General Discussion / Which shipping service is the most 'reliable'?

« on: July 05, 2011, 03:58:24 PM »

I have had stuff 'lost' 3 times in the last 4 years, all involving USPS.

...and I mean 'lost' permanently.    Several months ago, 2 USPS employees have been caught stealing the packages in the city I live at.


No wonder they're losing customers.

45

Prerecorded Tapes / Re: For Well Heeled Beatle Fan

« on: July 05, 2011, 04:15:09 AM »

Great, I am not a Beatles fan.    I am an ABBA and Jane Morgan fan.