Messages

31

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Otari MX-5050 BII

« on: May 03, 2007, 01:35:20 PM »

Dave,

Thanks for starting this. I have a Technics RS1506 and an Otari MX-5050BII-2. Due to some space limitations in the E.C. (read WAF), I will need to use the Otari in my "main" system. The Technics will stay in my darkroom system. I have built a tape version of the Seduction that is switchable between NAB and IEC. My plan is to try the IEC setup on the Otari and use the Seduction on the Technics. I did get the full operator/service manual for the Otari and will probably mod it for the Seduction at some point just to see the difference. The Otari seems like it will be very easy to use if I leave the electronics as they are, but am tempted by the all tube approach.

I'll post results as they materialize.

Gary

32

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: RS-15xx alternative hubs

« on: April 30, 2007, 10:53:50 AM »

Thanks, Doc.

Gary

33

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / RS-15xx alternative hubs

« on: April 29, 2007, 03:15:18 PM »

Doc,

I read in your Stereophile show posting today that your RS-1500s use a Studer-type hub from "Darklab". Given my hatred for the stock RS-1506 hubs, I'm very interested. I did a Google on Darklab and found Darklab Magnetics in Germany, but the link yielded the dreaded Error 404. Can you provide any help here?

Thanks,
Gary

34

Suggestion Box / Re: Fantasy Label Jazz Titles

« on: March 27, 2007, 03:40:28 PM »

Doc,

Let's just pretend I'm from Chicago and put me down for a million votes for the jazz titles (:-)!

Gary

35

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: RS1500 hub adapter spacers

« on: January 26, 2007, 09:48:18 PM »

They are supposed to be used when you use a metal reel.

Gary

36

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Rack ears...

« on: January 26, 2007, 05:51:46 PM »

What deck? I think I have a pair for Otari MX-5050BII.

Gary

37

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: RS1500 hub adapter spacers

« on: January 26, 2007, 12:24:43 PM »

I called Otari about these for my MX-5050, was lucky enough to get them with my 1506. The Otari rep said they cost $40 a pair and suggested I buy a thin sheet of rubber and use that. Have you ever seen the little rubber grippers they sell for opening jars? Get one of those at the grocery or somewhere and cut to the diameter of the hub. The thickness should be about right.

Gary

38

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Tape Machine Compatibility Database Project

« on: January 25, 2007, 12:31:44 AM »

I have the MX-5050BII-2 mentioned above. I have switched it back to 7.5/15 IPS. I also have a Technics RS-1506 which would require an outboard IEC equalization unit (read Seduction). The 1506 has the requisite speed and 2 track playback capability. I'm still trying to decide which to use as I plan to go with the tube-based seduction in place of the built-in SS amps in either case.

My question is which of the 15 IPS IEC alignment tapes from MRL is the proper one to select for this project?

39

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Technics RS1500 head rewiring

« on: January 23, 2007, 12:31:20 PM »

If you wanted to have the ability to switch between the internal preamps and the external, could you just add RCAs for the external preamp and a switch to select? If you did this would you introduce unwanted noise, etc? What if the switch were mounted on top or other place more accessible from the front where the deck is in a cabinet or entertainment center, would the additional run add undesirables? Doc's "easiest" solution is beautiful, just wondering about an enhancement.

Thanks,
Gary

40

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Another Tape Deck Resource

« on: January 15, 2007, 06:56:57 PM »

There is an excellent mail list ([email protected]) that has members well-versed in a wide range of reel to reel decks. I would suggest everyone supplement their sources with this mail list.

41

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / IEC Equalization

« on: January 15, 2007, 06:15:02 PM »

I have two R2R machines, a Technics RS-1506 and a Otari MX5050-BII2. My preference is to use the Otari for Tape Project tapes. Should I proceed getting a Bottlehead Seduction and modify it for IEC or maybe sit back and wait a bit for "further developments"?