Tape Project Forum

Tape Machines => Reel to Reel Tape Machines => Topic started by: ironbut on March 14, 2011, 01:59:10 PM

Title: What hardware are you using?
Post by: ironbut on March 14, 2011, 01:59:10 PM
I think that it's high time that we find out what the members here are using to play tapes with.
This isn't just for Tape Project subscribers (but it would be cool if you could mention if you are) but for anyone who wishes to post.
Please state the machine type, the head configurations, stock or after market heads, the playback electronics used and any "special" adapters/cabling that you employ.

Technics RS1500 with Flux Mag. Extended Response 1/2 track playback head (other heads stock) Bottlehead Repro.
Tape Project subscriber.
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: xcortes on March 14, 2011, 02:33:04 PM
From my ATR Services invoice:

"ATR Services- Ampex ATR102, 1/4", 2 channel studio tape recorder-reproducer. Unit is re-manufactured to new asset
condition. It is supplied ready for rack mounting. Unit is supplied with new Flux Magnetics mastering series Hy-Mu tape
heads.

Modify the recorder for operation with Doc Bottlehead electronics. Modification includes installation of custom tape head cables
terminated to RCA male pin plugs. Installation of low current silver contact head switch located in the head block assembly. This modification will permit listening to either the standard ATR102 playback amplifiers or the Bottlehead amplifier.

ATR Services, low capacitance Teflon dielectric tape head cables.

Flux Magnetics Playback head, 1/4", quarter track, new.

Installation of switch on head block to select quarter track or two track. Custom switch and hardware"

Bottlehead Repro
Tape Project Sudscriber.
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: Teeg on March 14, 2011, 05:29:30 PM
   ATR-800 1/4", converted from 1/2" four-channel by ATR Services. All three heads NOS Ampex, electronics are stock. Direct-head output wired from headblock but have not tried other electronics. Cabled to preamp by Mogami XLR.

  Previously mentioned capstan-less Studer A80 VU MKII, stock electronics, two track playback on stock heads, 1/4 track Flux Magnetics playback head mod by JRF Magnetics with headblock mounted gold switch.  Photo here:

https://sites.google.com/site/twotracktape/_/rsrc/1300144148506/temp/studerA80.JPG (https://sites.google.com/site/twotracktape/_/rsrc/1300144148506/temp/studerA80.JPG)

 Ampex 300-2  7.5 & 15 IPS playback only machine with both AG350 (NAB & IEC) and 350 (Tube, NAB only) electronics. Custom headstack in the works containing two playback heads for listening with either electronics. Viscous damper as on MR-70. Tentrol constant tension kit on supply reel. Mounted in rack swiped from Sonicraft. Currently under rebuild, transport almost ready, working on electronics. Cables are various Ampex/SignalCable/Mogami.

 Photo here:

https://sites.google.com/site/twotracktape/_/rsrc/1300144127902/temp/300Ampex.JPG (https://sites.google.com/site/twotracktape/_/rsrc/1300144127902/temp/300Ampex.JPG)


  Ampex MR-70 1/4" two track, currently undergoing restoration, plan is to keep everything on this stock.

Not currently a TP subscriber, hope to fix that soon.

TJ

Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: deeng on March 14, 2011, 05:59:23 PM
Studer A80 with ATR Services Aria playback electronics and Flux Magnetics head.  I'm a tape project subscriber.
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: c1ferrari on March 14, 2011, 08:32:09 PM
Studer A820, 2 track, 1/2" and 1/4" record and repro, stock electronics, TP subscriber :-)
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: cvandyke on March 15, 2011, 08:19:24 AM
I'm currently using an Otari MX5050BII direct to a seduction-like tape head preamp. I'm working on an Otari MTR-10II which I have fully functional but still tweaking. I have a mostly built Eros preamp to go with it; hopefully both will be done soon. Oddly, Otari machines keep showing up for free or very inexpensively and I can't seem to turn them away. TP subscriber.
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: TomR on March 15, 2011, 09:54:10 AM
Stock Technics RS1520 that is connected to my Simaudio I-7, for TP tapes (Yes, I am a subscriber). I am certain that I am going to do an upgrade, at some point, but I think a little room correction/enhancement followed by a speaker upgrade will happen first. I am personally not crazy about the Technics tape path - I think it is a little harder to thread than other decks (although seeing Steve Koto aka Ironbut in action will leave you dumbfounded), so when I do get around to an upgrade my thought is to do something different.

ReVox A-77 (stock) for non TP tapes. That number of non TP tapes is dwindling as I discover more of my mid-70s Ampex tapes afflicted with tape squeal.
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: docb on March 15, 2011, 10:18:10 AM
Hmm, lessee,

There's my Ampex ATR 104 aka Curly, that was converted to 1/4" 2 track and now resides as a recording slave in the Tape Project duping line. The input circuitry has been streamlined and tweaked for the cleanest possible transfers. Don't ask, 'cause we won't tell exactly what we did...

The BottleNagra is a Nagra T Audio that has been modified to allow direct connection of the repro head to a Bottlehead Tube Repro with NAB/IEC/Nagramaster eq settings. This is the show dog that travels to CES, RMAF, Head-Fi meets, etc. to demo TP albums.

Right now there is a Bottlehead modified Technics RS1500 and a Bottlehead Eros tape head preamp sitting at Bottleheadquarters. I will probably keep this around for the modest collection of 1/4 track prerecorded tapes (maybe 100 reels?) I acquired back when people would just give them to me along with all those "old tubes that were my father's".

The latest addition to the stable is a Studer A80 VU MkII. It's a bit of an odd bird that Romo found, a 1" four track machine set up for 3.75 and 7.5 ips, that was used in the production of cassettes. It has been kludged with a set of 8 track heads for some reason. When I am done with it, it will be a 1" 2 track machine running 7.5 and 15 ips with Bottlehead playback electronics, for use with our 1" 2 track format 15 ips Tape Project running masters.

I also have a sweet old early 60s Telefunken/AEG tubed portable deck that I have restored to go with my restored 1958 Telefunken Salzburg console that resides in our living room. The tape deck is for show, but the tuner in the console is used every weekend for John Kessler's great blues show on KPLU.

A lot more machines have come thru the Chateau over the years, but that's pretty much what we have at the moment.
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: Teeg on March 15, 2011, 07:25:14 PM
 
  Doc said:

Quote
1" 2 track machine running 7.5 and 15 ips with Bottlehead playback electronics, for use with our 1" 2 track format 15 ips Tape Project running masters.

  Whoa!

   Now that's cool.........

Tj
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: Ki Choi on March 15, 2011, 09:55:52 PM
I can't tell a lie...

I just don't know where to start...
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: mikel on March 15, 2011, 10:18:49 PM
I can't tell a lie...

I just don't know where to start...

ok Ki. we are all going to hold our breath until you list all your tape decks (including those in transit to you).

:)
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: ironbut on March 15, 2011, 10:19:48 PM
Ha-ha!
I was kinda wondering what you'd post when you saw this thread Ki.
Maybe picture(s) would be more appropriate in your case.

Go Blue Devils!
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: MylesAstor on March 16, 2011, 05:22:12 PM
I can't tell a lie...

I just don't know where to start...

ok Ki. we are all going to hold our breath until you list all your tape decks (including those in transit to you).

:)

Does thinking about getting a tape deck count Mike? :)
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: MylesAstor on March 16, 2011, 05:29:51 PM
I think that it's high time that we find out what the members here are using to play tapes with.
This isn't just for Tape Project subscribers (but it would be cool if you could mention if you are) but for anyone who wishes to post.
Please state the machine type, the head configurations, stock or after market heads, the playback electronics used and any "special" adapters/cabling that you employ.

Technics RS1500 with Flux Mag. Extended Response 1/2 track playback head (other heads stock) Bottlehead Repro.
Tape Project subscriber.

I'm intensely jealous of all you guys (and gals?) who have the house/room/property for a nice studio machine or two or three (OK, a few dozen in Ki's instance :). Don't think I'll see one of those puppies until move out of Manhattan :(

Me I'm using a J-Corder/Bottlehead modded Technics 1500 running into either a BH Repro or C/K tape preamp. The C/K is also outfitted with Mundorf Au/Ag oil caps (very nice choice!). An unboxed Transparent Audio IC runs between the tape deck and tape preamp--though am constantly on the lookout for a better, low cap cable (Have a new, relatively unknown IC in mind that am now using as a phono cable that could be real promising in a 20 inch length). A Transparent Audio Reference MM2 IC runs between the tape preamp and my preamp.

Eventually, I'd like to have Charlie King swap out the heads in my Technics and install some Pro Nortronics heads. From what I've been able to hear, these heads are quieter, much more transparent, resolve more information, and have much tighter and deeper bass than the stock Technics headset.
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: c1ferrari on March 16, 2011, 08:44:19 PM
I can't tell a lie...

I just don't know where to start...

That says it all!
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: steveidosound on March 18, 2011, 12:18:41 AM
See my tag line at the bottom of all my posts. :-)
Master of the cheap, obscure and old...!
(not to mention the broken - needs some restoration)
Title: Re: What hardware are you using? need pdf owners man TEAC A3340S, output ques
Post by: taylortapes on March 18, 2011, 08:13:25 AM
Hello, new member; I bought my neighbor's father's TEAC A3340S yesterday for $150, it appears in great condition.

If anyone has pdf file of user's manual, please send me the link, or send as attached file to me: [email protected]

On the TEAC A3340S; on the back under the word "Output"  (line out) there is:

R         L         Front
3         1


R          L         Rear
4          2


Currently I have rca jacks (red/white) running from the Front to the stereo tuner.

The question: Should I be running another set of rca jacks (red/white) from the Rear to the stereo tuner.  I have a feeling that I am only hearing only a portion of the recorded music on the tape.

As you can see I am a novice at this...but most interested and learn fast.

Many thanks, taylortapes




Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: ironbut on March 18, 2011, 10:08:01 AM
Hey Taylor,
I'll answer this post in the thread you started on the 3340s before.
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: jdza on May 15, 2011, 05:17:20 AM
Steve requested some detail on my equipment in the thread on the Levinson ML5, so a few  additional photos taken at various times:

(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/jdza/HIFI-MAY1.jpg)

(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/jdza/a803.jpg)

(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/jdza/studera80016.jpg)

(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/jdza/studera80005.jpg)

(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/jdza/a80007jpg.jpg)

(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/jdza/sabc001jpg.jpg)

(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/jdza/tvkamer013.jpg)

(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/jdza/aspeakerjpg.jpg)
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: Ki Choi on May 15, 2011, 09:40:53 AM
Forget the tape machines... but horns....Wow!

What is the small Khorn like corner horns?
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: ironbut on May 15, 2011, 11:35:28 AM
WOW!
Absolutely stunning!
I assume that your gear is in the room between the woofers?
BTW,.. how low do they go?
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: Tim Leggett on May 15, 2011, 02:25:26 PM
I am just getting started refurbishing and modifying a Technics RS 1520. Ordered a tape path upgrade kit and am sending head block #1 off to JRF this week to get it back to stock.

Eventually in a few months head block #2 will be sent to get back to stock except for a Flux Magnetics playback head to use with an Eros preamp.
Title: How Cool Is That, jdza!!
Post by: c1ferrari on May 15, 2011, 04:59:55 PM
Regards,

Sam
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: Ki Choi on May 15, 2011, 05:26:39 PM
I am just getting started refurbishing and modifying a Technics RS 1520. Ordered a tape path upgrade kit and am sending head block #1 off to JRF this week to get it back to stock.

Eventually in a few months head block #2 will be sent to get back to stock except for a Flux Magnetics playback head to use with an Eros preamp.

Hi Tim:

Welcome and it seems you are already deep into seeking the best sound possible.
Now you need to get some Tape Project tapes to play on your modified Technics.
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: jdza on May 15, 2011, 10:24:16 PM
Quote
What is the small Khorn like corner horns?

The smaller speakers are/were Klipschorns. The top was removed and replaced with the Iwata horn. This carries a JBL 2440 driver fitted with 2450SL diaphragms.These extend to 20k but as it starts to beam at higher freqs the JBL 2404 tweeters are rolled in at 10k at 6db/oct to act as a "filler" more than a tweeter. As the front panel of the original K horn was in a light wood that did not match the horn this was changed to a darker wood-that still does not match the horn (sigh).The Iwata horn here is identical to the smaller horn in the main system(except  it is 3 inches shorter to accomodate the 2 inch throat vs 1.5 inch in the other).

Quote
BTW,.. how low do they go?

They were designed for low distortion ,high efficiency  and higher reach rather than absolute low extension so start dropping like a brick in the low 20s as the horns are no longer loading the drivers at that freq. Lower tones are still clearly felt but at a much lower level.
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: astrotoy on May 16, 2011, 04:06:12 PM
I have lots - see my sig. Main tape player is same as Steve Koto's "Technics RS1500 with Flux Mag. Extended Response 1/2 track playback head (other heads stock) Bottlehead Repro.
Tape Project subscriber." In addition I have an Otari MX5050 BIII. Currently I use the balanced output of the Repro to either directly feed my Pacific Microsonics Model Two ADAC or the Steve Koto dolby B converter which then goes to the Model Two (for my tape ripping project).  The phono side is a VPI HRX TT with a 12.6 arm an Lyra Skala cartridge and an extra wand with a Lyra Helikon mono cartridge for my mono vinyl.  A custom Bottlehead phono preamp with adjustable EQ for my non RIAA vinyl also feeds the Model Two for ripping vinyl. For the computer audio, I am using Merging Technologies Pyramix 7 on XP and their Mykerinos sound card all in a Zalman fanless PC with two 128GB solid state drives and other external storage.  My two channel system has a Herron VTSP-3A preamp feeding a pair of Cary 2A3 SET monoblocks (putting out about 4W/channel) into a pair Avantgarde Duo horns.  I also have a parallel 5.1 system using a Conrad Johnson MET 5 preamp feeding the same amp and speakers and 3 Avantgarde self powered Solo speakers for center and rear and a Velodyne DD18 sub.  The main source is an Oppo BDP-83NE (Nuforce Edition) for DVD, bluray, SACD, DVD-A.  The power source is a Ground One isolation transformer and distribution system (by Art Kelm) fed from  240V single phase power and 20 foot ground rod (see www.ground1.com). 

Larry
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: Tim Leggett on May 23, 2011, 06:17:33 PM
I am just getting started refurbishing and modifying a Technics RS 1520. Ordered a tape path upgrade kit and am sending head block #1 off to JRF this week to get it back to stock.

Eventually in a few months head block #2 will be sent to get back to stock except for a Flux Magnetics playback head to use with an Eros preamp.

Hi Tim:

Welcome and it seems you are already deep into seeking the best sound possible.
Now you need to get some Tape Project tapes to play on your modified Technics.


Hi Ki,

I have the first series subscription on order, the eight remaining titles. It will be a while before I play any of them until I get my machine in top shape...

I will work over the machine while I am installing the tape upgrade kit. If it needs repairs I can't do I will send it off for additional work as well.

Tim
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: Jayeltex on May 31, 2011, 07:25:45 AM
I'm also using a Technics RS1500 ...but with "2" 1/2 track heads. a flux magnetics extended response head on the right side of the head block and a new Technics 1/2 track head on the 1/4 track side. This means I now have a choice of heads depending on the music (some tapes sound better with the flux magnetics head and some tapes sound better using the new Technics head). It's kind of like having 2 tone arms (2 cartridges) on a turntable which I can do on my Clear Audio Solution turntable.

The internal preamp has been by passed and I'm using a Bottlehead Eros tape head preamp.

It's being run through an EAR line stage preamp, a McIntosh 402 amp and Wilson Benesch speakers.

I'd like to eventually replace the EROS head preamp with the REPRO

And of course a TP subscriber...
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: ironbut on May 31, 2011, 12:21:18 PM
The two 1/2 track heads is a very cool idea!
I listen to 1/4 tracks fairly often so that won't work for me. But I agree, there are some tapes that the stock head seems to favor.
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: Tim Leggett on June 19, 2011, 06:22:54 PM
I have received my RS-1520 head block back from John French. He did an awesome job on the heads, tape guides, and switch.

All playback/record heads were re-lapped with edge relief slots cut. The ferrite erase head was re-lapped and polished as well. John was also able to send a pair of pinch rollers too!

I played a tape I made on my Tascam 22-4 @ 15 IPS and it played back with a dead center stereo image on the 4 track head.

I then recorded 2 track @ 15 IPS and playback was very good. Needless to say the machine sounds a lot better after the head block reinstall and tape guide adjustments.

But the machine needs the capstan control board adjusted a bit, as well as wow/flutter/speed adjustments. It needs a lot of work for tape tension and brake tension too, which is most assuredly affecting speed stability. It also doesn't stop all the time in a state where the tension switch is engaged, another tell tale sign of tension/brake issues. I don't have test tapes or measurement equipment to make the speed adjustments myself.

So I ordered a shipping box from Doc to send it off for a service manual run through for adjustments, so we are making progress down here. After the machine gets back I will install the tape path modification kit Doc sent. I will just need to go through 2 track record/playback alignment routine when all is said and done.

Does anyone know the best starting BIAS and EQ switch setting for RMGI SM468 on an RS-1520?
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: ironbut on June 20, 2011, 10:37:37 AM
Hi Tim,

There are data sheets for the different RMG tapes available on the US Recording Media website.
http://usrecordingmedia.com/datasheets.html
I'm not sure if the 1520 also has the 1-2-3 switched setting like my RS1500, but I've been using bias and eq set on 2 with 468 and it seems pretty good.
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: Tim Leggett on June 20, 2011, 06:02:14 PM
Hi Tim,

There are data sheets for the different RMG tapes available on the US Recording Media website.
http://usrecordingmedia.com/datasheets.html
I'm not sure if the 1520 also has the 1-2-3 switched setting like my RS1500, but I've been using bias and eq set on 2 with 468 and it seems pretty good.

Thanks Steve, that is exactly what I was looking for. The 1520 also has the fine EQ and Bias adjust pots, one of each for each channel!
Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: Tim Leggett on August 08, 2011, 06:20:03 PM
Well, the Technics RS-1520 is at J-Corder getting a rebuild.

I found a service place here in Houston that ran through the service manual I gave them, but it still wasn't working as I expected it to.

It did not always stop with the tension switch engaged ready to play, fast forward or rewind. And they could not get that pesky wiggle out of the strobe. I found out that if I can see, I can hear it!

So, while that one has gone out the door, another has come in its place.

Title: Re: What hardware are you using?
Post by: Yoko on August 10, 2011, 05:55:43 AM
by the way: I need a flight case for my AMPEX ATR recorder (like the one above), give me PM if you have a tip or experience. Yoko