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1

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Otari MTR-10?

« on: October 05, 2007, 05:19:22 AM »

OK.  I really don't need another tape deck right now.  Really.  But . . .

An Otari MTR-10 is for sale in Detroit, pick-up only, in what appears to be excellent condition for what appears to be a reasonable price.  I'm close enough to Detroit that I'm tempted.  I've occasionally read that the MTR series is a terrific mastering machine, not in the same league as the ATR's (which I just can't afford), but nevertheless quite good.  So . . . anyone have the scoop on the MTR series?

John C.

2

Tape Tech / How Long do Heads Last?

« on: September 26, 2007, 05:30:09 PM »

Hi folks.

I'm curious - does anyone have an estimate of how long heads last in terms of hours of usage.  I realize that it differs with speed - twice as much tape travels past the heads for an hour of recording at 15 ips than at 7.5.  But, pick a speed.  So at 7.5 ips, how long would heads last in terms of # of hours of use - 1000?  2500? 500?  I realize it also varies with head design and material; ferrite heads supposedly last longer, but most of us are using pro or "prosumer" decks that don't use ferrite heads, at least not for R/P use.  I also realize that heads can be relapped once or twice before the gap opens and they are completely shot.  But even with the head material variable, does anyone have an estimate?  Techs who cared for these machines at radio stations and studios must have had an idea how long heads would last before replacement was necessary.  So how long?

The reason I ask is that as time goes on, parts for R2R recorders are going to get scarce.  I think you can still get parts for a Revox PR99, for example, but for how long?  If two years from now I need a new set of heads, will I still be able to get them?  If not, maybe I should go ahead and buy replacement heads for my Revox and Tascam while they are still available and just store them for that day when . . .

Thanks!

John C.

3

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Tascam BR-20?

« on: September 18, 2007, 09:21:49 AM »

It looks like I made a successful bid on a Tascam BR-20 deck (one of those situations where I made an offer that I was certain would be refused, but lo and behold, it wasn't . . . oh well).

Does anyone know anything about these units?  My understanding is that this was the successor to the Model 32.  It has a front panel switch for IEC/NAB eq, which is the main reason I bid on it, but if any of you have any general info on the machine (particularly on service items to check on when I get it), I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!

John C.

4

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Studer 810?

« on: August 27, 2007, 02:52:14 PM »

Hi everyone.

I'm in the process of looking for a tape machine that will work with the Tape Project tapes.  Does anyone know if the Studer 810 has switchable NAB/IEC playback equalization?  There are a couple of these machines on e-bay, both seemingly in excellent condition.

Thanks!

John Colombo

5

General Discussion / Where do I start?

« on: August 27, 2007, 10:45:02 AM »

Hi everyone.

I am very interested in The Tape Project.  I have been a music lover all my life (played clarinet through high school; fooled around on piano), and I have a decent stereo system (Magneplanar 1.6QR's driven by a Musical Fidelity A5 integrated amp).  For many years (at least the last 20), my music listening has been exclusively via CD and now some SACD.  The idea of having some reference-quality tapes to go along with my large CD/SACD collection is intriguing and the release lineup I see on the web site is right up my jazz/classical alley.

So, where do I start?  I'm not ready to plunk down $5-6K for the complete Bottlehead RS1500, but If I'm serious about this, I need to acquire a tape deck, and I want something of high quality that one can still find parts and service for.  When I was in college, I briefly owned a Revox A77, but that was a 4-track machine running at the standard 3.75 and 7.5 ips.  I see that there are a couple of Studer 810's for sale on e-bay that seem to meet the requirements (half-track; 15ips; IEC equalization selection), along with a couple of Technics RS1500's and 1506's, but I'm a little wary of buying a "vintage" tape machine off e-bay unless I'm getting it from someone that offers some kind of return/warranty policy.  Are there folks out there whom you trust that sell refurbed or good-condition used machines at reasonable prices (e.g., under $1500)?

Any thoughts from the group on this would be appreciated.

Thanks!

John Colombo

EDIT: After poking around the forums some, I see that my question essentially has been asked and answered before (mea culpa!  Should have looked first).  So . . . I'll leave things at "Hi" and post my specific machine questions in the Tape Machine forum.

I'll add, though, that I'm getting a bit excited about re-entering the analog world . . .

John C.