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Messages - Ki Choi

Pages: 1 ... 19 20 [21]
301
Hi Tom:

MX5050 BII 2 would be the base machine you would need for TP with two track Rec/Repro heads and four track Repro head.

MX5050 BII "XLR" ... all MX5050 models have XLR I/Os so - not a good part number

MX5050 B2 HD would be an ealier model

All Otari MX5050s have a switch in the back for you to choose IEC or NAB eq and the decks can be configured to 3 3/4 and 7.5 or 7.5 and 15 ips speed.

As many have said, buying a R2R on eBay is very risky.  I have seen decks described as "perfect" conditions - needing major work when it arrived.

It would be the best to ask here before you buy one.

Ki

302
Thanks doc for your prompt response.

It makes sense Technics would source the heads from an OEM.  The heads in 1500 I have seen seems to have the same shield cans but will need to verified.

OTOH, it would be a great relief to those Technics owners to have a source for the replacement heads down the road from Otari if one of the forum members can validate their compatibility.  I have few Otaris but do not own a 1500 to experiment - maybe someday...

Ki

The general consensus is they are the same, most likely manufactured by Otari, who started out as a head maker for other manufacturers. They use different shield cans and they are rather tricky to get out of the can.

303
Can someone confirm if two decks share same 2 track record/repro heads and 4 track repro heads?
I looked at a Technics heads and seem quite similar to Otari heads without taking the heads out for part numbers.

Ki

304
[My plan is to have the Otari MTR-15 or Sony modified so that the outputs come directly from the heads and bypass all of that other stuff. I would love to get a clean signal that plugs direcly into my Audio Research pre-amp.
[/quote]

Bob:

I would leave the Sony alone.  Its playback electronics is far superior to even the Studers, IMHO.  Maybe the A80RC and A820 may have simpler signal paths but judging from components (heavy use of vintage op amps...) in output cards on A810 and the configuration of audio output boards in A807 and to my ears, the Sony APR-5003 is much better.  OTOH, it would be fun to modify the Otari.  Since all Otari headblocks are connected via edge connectors, it would be easy to solder at the connector to wire a switch to send the head signal to stock electronics or to the appropriate preamp. 

As I was playing the Studer last night, I thought about driving the power amp directly from the outputs of the recorder after putting its outputs into the Uncal mode.  Even the Otari's should supply enough current and voltage to drive most of power amps to its clipping.

Ki

305
By the way sir, do you have either of these recorders? Please comment regarding your interest.

Bob W.

Hi Bob:

I grew up in NC and did all my schooling there.  Both of my kids were born in Charlotte.  We miss the place but not the humidity and the bugs...

In my short R2R life - in comparison to many here, I have accumulated few recorders; top of the heap is the Sony APR-5003 I purchased in recommendation from Richard.  After experiencing high mortalities in shipping R2R machines via UPS, I paid extra to have the deck wood crated and air freighted from East Coast to Seattle.  It arrived without issues and has been recording and playing flawlessly. It's my main deck. The next is three A810s in portable configuration.  I bought two of them in "mint" condition from a source in Canada and third one was from a Christian Music Recording studio in TX that turned out to be a money pit...  It sat in a storage for too long - battery in the MPU board leaked and several audio boards were not working properly.  A Studer factory technician in Redmond WA is spending lots of bench time ($$$$) getting the deck back to life.   I should have given up on the deck earlier and kept it for parts... I also have perfectly working console A807s that were also obtained from Canada as labelled "Archivist" - only playback with no record head (perfect for the eventual TP tapes...)  Other than the sick A810, all of my Studers have the nice Butterfly record and playback heads in near new condition.  As Richard once told me - even if these Studer heads had only 15% life left, the decks will probably out live me...  Then I have collected few Otairs - all in perfect working condition; one MX-5050 BIII (two track heads only) and five MX-5050 BIIs. My R2R journey started when I was young but had forgtten how much fun it was.  Having a Tascam 32 rekindled my interest.  The four track record/play is done with a TEAC X2000R.  My wish is to try an A80 and A820 next if possible... and get an another Sony APR-1500 for parts.  I believe Richard has 15 Sony APR-150Xs... So I am not worthy...

Ki 

306
Finneybear,

I appreciate getting this input from you regarding the Otari and Sony recorders. I have been leaning towards the purchase of the Otari if and when I get the call from the radio station that they are availble for sale. However, although I am aware that parts are almost impossible to come by for the Sony, I thought that would not be the case for the Otari. Well, you live and learn.

Fact is, were it not for the people on this forum, some of us would not make the kind of decisions that would benefit us over the long haul. Thanks again.

Bob W.

Hi Bob:

What was the end result?
Did Richard buy the Sony?

Thanks,
Ki

307
Hi Tony:

Thanks for the info.

I will contact Canada on Monay.

Ki

308
Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Cost of Owning Studer - Tape Lifters
« on: April 24, 2008, 08:32:24 PM »
Hi TonyB:

Maybe we can go together and make one order for your Tape Lifters and my headcover...

Let me know if you would be interested.

Ki

309
Thanks Ironbut.

Unfortunately, none of the sources you had pointed me to had the headcover in stock.  However, I did get a reply from the audiohouse.ch who stocked Studer parts...  It will be around $150 with $100 for shipping for the headcover...  I will try to come up with other parts I would need to get these fine machines goinig for years to justify for the shipping cost.

Ki

310
Service Resources / Re: Studer service
« on: April 22, 2008, 01:46:42 AM »
Hi Bob:

I mainly use (or will use) the Sony APR-5003 to record 15 ps 2 track from pre-recorded and master tapes.  Studer A807 will be my primary playback machine for 2 track and Otari MX-5050 BII for 4 track material.

Ki

311
Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: MX 5050 IIB service manual
« on: April 22, 2008, 01:40:58 AM »
If you would send me an email at [email protected], I will send you the section 6.3 Capstan Pinch Roller Pressure Adjustment pages.

Ki

312
Hi,

I am looking for two head covers for A807s.  Tried Flimco and Inner City Sound Studios with no luck.
Any leads would be much appreciated.

thanks,
Ki

313
Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: MX 5050 IIB service manual
« on: April 18, 2008, 02:33:28 PM »
Send me an email.

Ki

314
Service Resources / Re: Studer service
« on: April 16, 2008, 10:07:44 AM »
Thanks to heideana's list of authorized Studer techs in the West Coast, I found Steve Culp at Triad Studios in Redmond WA - located only 20 min. from where I live. 

Steve is a very nice person who went to Studer in 1999 for factory training and had been working on Studers, Sonys, Ampex's, etc. ever since.

My portable A810 is getting an overhaul with new power caps and fine tuning to be put back to the original factory spec.

Steve's rate is $65 per hour in his shop and $75 per hour plus mileage during house calls!  I will consider inviting Steve to my house to give my Sony APR-5003 a check up.

It was a SIGN that Steve was so near where I am.  I will not need to take a chance and spend huge expenses in shipping the Studer A810 anywhere for the future.  Thus, A810 is a keeper.

Ki

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