1
Prerecorded Tapes / Re: Poll: what format would you prefer for new tapes?
« on: March 17, 2013, 09:19:33 PM »Quote
But how would that 1/4" 1/4 track standard be (if done well) compared to modern vinyl or for that matter, CD?
A TP subscriber and I A-B'd London LCL 80119 Bruch/Hindemith (4-track 7-1/2 ips) against the TP version, and the listening comparison was interesting. While the TP version had more stable speed and a 'smoother' sound (likely less distortion), the 50-year-old 4-track was a more musical rendering, warmer and more realistic. The TP version was played on a restored ATR100 and the London on a Technics 1500, both through an exceptional sound system.
The point is: the 7-1/2 ips speed might be capable today of higher performance than recognized. My question, simply put, is: has the TP produced trials at the slower speed, and if so, what do they sound like compared to their high-speed sisters?
Of course, if there wouldn't be much of a price saving (7-1/2 ips at $300 vs 15 at $400, for example) it wouldn't be worth it. That's why I asked the question about a cost analysis ...