Messages

1

Prerecorded Tapes / Explanation requested

« on: May 12, 2009, 08:42:08 PM »

I am a charter member of series 1 and have been very impressed with the quality of the tapes that I have received.  I must admit however, that my knowledge of R2R is still very limited. What I would like to ask is what other kinds of Prerecorded tapes are available on the market that would be able to be played on my machine. I am using a Studer A810. I see many used tapes on ebay, but I am not sure if any or all would work on the Studer. Also, are there any other organizations such as Tape Project that are also selling R2R tapes? I would appreciate some mentoring from the resident experts.
thanks in advance.

2

Tape Project Albums - general / Need some help - please!

« on: August 23, 2008, 03:37:48 PM »

I am a subscriber to the Tape Project, and I must admit that I am not a technical expert when it comes to R2R.  I have received 5 TP tapes but have not been able to use my newly restored Studer A810 because on an ongoing problem with other parts of my system.  You can only imagine how frustrating this is!  Having the tapes staring me in the face, but not being able to play them.
Anyways - a friend of mine who owns a high-end audio store, asked me to bring over the Studer to his shop to listen, so I did this today.
We set the the EQ to CCIR and played the Robert Cray tape.  There were 3 of us listening and I have to admit that we were all surprised because the tapes sounded quite awful which really surprised and upset me.  We switched the EQ to NAB and it actually sounded better, but certainly not great.
Comments from the 3 of us were words like:  Phase problem, lifeless, dull, etc...
What am I doing wrong.  I expected to be blown away but now I am very down and depressed. 
Am I missing something here?  My Studer is in superb condition having been completely refurbished by a Studer expert tech.
BTW for the record - we rewound the tape onto the tak-up reel (the empty one) and then played the tape back onto the TP reel.  I assume that is correct.
I really would appreciate some help - PLEASE

3

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Tascam BR20 and BR20t

« on: March 16, 2008, 05:55:00 PM »

Does anyone know what the differnece is between these 2 machines.
Are both of them TP compatible?
Opinions on either would be apprecaited.

4

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Technics 1506

« on: March 12, 2008, 08:11:05 PM »

OK - I think I have got it straight -
I look for a Technics 1506.  The 1506 will allow me to play TP tapes and other presrecorded tapes from Vintage years.  I build/order a Seduction which will allow for swithching to the proper equalization required for either TP or Vintage tapes.  Right?
Now - assuming that is correct - what is the differnece between the variuos 1500 models?
How difficult is it to find replacement parts for these machines?
BTW - I appreciate all the info I am receiving from you guys - from the bottom of my audio heart!

5

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Technics 1506

« on: March 12, 2008, 07:22:38 PM »

Hi Sam, personally, I'd go for either a Technics or an Otari 5050. The main reason is the switchable 1/2 > 1/4 track head configuration. There's also the modifications that either have or soon will be available that really take these machines several levels above stock. There may be other machines in the future that will prove to be as good in this respect or even better. But for now, as far as pro-sumer decks, it's pretty hard to make an argument against them. Doc, Paul, and Michael have worked hard and long to develop these mods and it would seem wise to take advantage of the research and sweat it takes to prove the long term worth of them.
To me, the collecting of old 1/4 track tapes is tons of fun. Maybe it fulfills the hunter/gatherer thing in me. And while none of them will ever reach the sonic splendor of the Tape Project tapes, they do have some qualities that is seldom heard form vinyl.
BTW, I used to live in upper state New York and we used to go to Sam the Man's Record Store in Toronto. Is it still there? We'd drive 2 hours there and back just to go there. It was the King of all the record stores I've ever seen.

Ironbut:
It was actually called Sam the Record Man and unfortunately, as with all good things in audio, is gone to that large Record shop in the sky!
Let me make sure that I am clear on something.  The Technics 1500 line would aloow me to play TP tapes as well as older tapes because of the swith between 1/2 to 1/4 - correct?  However, perhaps I am wrong with my limited knowledge, but the 1500 series does not have IEC equalization.  If the machine is modded to IEC what happens to listening to the older 50's and 60's tapes?
Sorry for the silly question, but this is a little confusing. 
Also, Otari: There seems to be a myriad of different models of the 5050.  Which speicific model numbers would be the ticket.

6

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Technics 1506

« on: March 12, 2008, 03:04:08 PM »

The Revox A77 that I was looking at has the following:
Hi speed (15 and 7.5)
1/2 track
I can have the machine modified to IEC curve.
Now - would this allow me to play any other prerecorded tape other than the Tape Project?
If it disqualifies the older tapes form the 50's and 60's is there another machine that I should look for that would allow me to play the TP tapes as well as any other tapes?
I am sorry for the newbie questions but tape has never been something I knew about.

7

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Technics 1506

« on: March 12, 2008, 12:48:59 PM »

docb:
I did a little shopping today and have my eye on a great looking Revox A77 here in Toronto.
The person that is selling it says that it should be no problem playing any kind of prerecorded tape.
What do I have to check to make doubly sure that it will work with TP tapes.
Look forward to hearing from you or anyone who can help me.

8

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Technics 1506

« on: March 11, 2008, 07:09:50 PM »

I can see this is going to be an interesting new adventure!!
Besides the Technics 1506 what are machines can I look for that can probably be found at a decent price.  What about some of the older tube models dating to the 60/70's.  Any direction that you guys can provide would not only be appreicated but will also save me a lot of time.  Specifically, if there are certain kinds/models of machines that I should stay away from, that would be of great help.
Am I correct in the understandin that not all R2Rs are compatible with the Tape Project?
Look forward to learning from you; the experts.

9

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Technics 1506

« on: March 11, 2008, 06:30:36 AM »

Ironbut:  Thanks for the welcome and the exhaustive response!
Because I am new to the R2R hobby you can imagine all the questions that are swirling in my audio mind!
Let me limit my queries to only the following:
1:  Where does one purchase refurbished machines? I have no idea where to start looking.
2:  I notice that you have a wonderful VPI TT - how does the sound of the Tape Project tapes compare?
Look forward to reading your response.

10

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Technics 1506

« on: March 10, 2008, 08:45:50 PM »

What would be the price range for a "mint" unit of the 1506?

11

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Complete Newbie needs direction please!!

« on: March 10, 2008, 06:02:20 PM »

Good evening.
Brand new to this incredible forum.  Who would have thunk - reel to reel in 2208!! Awesome!
As a teenager I always dreamed of owning a R2R machine but could never afford one.
Now that I am in my 50's - well maybe it's time!!
I need direction from you experts:
1:  I would primarily use this machine to playback prereorded tapes that I would purchase on ebay, The Tape Project, etc.
2:  I don't know the differnece between Motors, heads, channels, tracks, speeds.
3:  I want the best possible sound for the money, but don't want to spend an awful lot of money.
OK - so which machine do I look for, and is there a good place to buy one?
Sony, Revox, Technics, Pioneer, etc.
Your help would very much be appreicated.