Messages

31

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Modding non technics machines

« on: March 14, 2008, 06:40:07 PM »

Well, it would seem my original idea to encourage Technics back into the game took a slight detour. If Otari is interested in making a "Tape Project Special" unit, so much the better. Perhaps, even Otari could build a unit with an Isoloop transport? Hmmm. Craig

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Tape Tech / Re: Examples of Tape Problems

« on: March 07, 2008, 09:52:56 PM »

Not to be an idiot, but exactly where are the photo's located?

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Tape Tech / Re: Inverse tape playback circuit

« on: February 08, 2008, 06:49:47 PM »

Arian, are you referring to a home brew NAB/IEC preamp by any chance?

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Suggestion Box / Hopefully, a slam dunk suggestion

« on: February 06, 2008, 11:24:17 PM »

I have suggested titles here before, but this artist should come with no disagreements from anyone who loves music. Frank Sinatra, and the album I would like is Sings for Only the Lonely, Capitol ST-1053. A devastating album, if ever there was one. I mean "devastating" in the best possible sense, that it is one so chock full of emotions. It always makes me sad to listen to it, since so few records can touch people on this deep a level, both musically and sonically. "Blues in the Night" has some serious subterranean low end to it that you feel more than hear, totally missing on the crappy CD reissues. When I hear "One for my Baby...", which closes the album, I cannot help but think about the times of the 1950's when life was a whole lot simpler, and more still. Truly a record for both it's own time, and all-time, too. It would be indescribably beautiful to hear this album given the TP treatment. To be played only when you are alone, and in the dark.

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Suggestion Box / Re: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

« on: February 06, 2008, 10:48:51 PM »

I believe, Charles, you are referring to Bob Irwin of Sundazed records. A very nice guy. He was at many of the Stereophile Hi-Fi shows some years back. I picked his brain many times on both stuff he has released, and the stuff I suggested that he would possibly release.

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Tape Tech / Bottlehead Seduction question

« on: January 16, 2008, 03:51:13 PM »

This is directed at Doc, mostly. With the above, is it possible to modify in such a way to have both NAB or IEC tape EQ switchable? From what I see, it appears it is assembled as one or the other EQ. Some clarification would help. Can this be done? I can't afford your more expensive preamp that already has this feature built in. Thanks!

37

Suggestion Box / Re: 3 live Fantasy Records

« on: December 08, 2007, 12:18:01 PM »

I, too, have a soft spot for Dave Brubeck. He has been to the our local Rochester Internatinal Jazz Festival 3 times, and I've been there each time. That is one dude who can play-At 86, what do you expect? He is quite witty too, telling the audience about some of the pieces he wrote while here in Rochester. I would say he has a soft spot for us, too. He has graciously signed 3 of my Brubeck Lp's (Together Again for the First Time, Jazz Impressions of Eurasia, and Jazz Goes to College). If it were up to me, he would appear here every year for as long as he wants!

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Prerecorded Tapes / Re: Jazz tapes from Ebay

« on: December 06, 2007, 02:05:44 PM »

I assume it was a four track tape?

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Suggestion Box / A crazy idea, but...

« on: December 05, 2007, 09:08:56 PM »

I have a crazy idea for a title that, at first blush, makes no real sense. But then as you think about it, it makes more sense than most others to really generate interest in this thing. My suggestion is Jingle Bell Jazz on Columbia Records from 1962, CS-8693 (LP). This is truly an all-star affair that sounds warm and wonderful, IF you are lucky enough to find it in it's original form. It has been re-released several times over the years, on both LP and CD, with ever-changing song titles along the way. The last version of this album, on CD from 1985, is truly horrific. Here's why: in the early 1980's, Columbia wanted to record their current roster of Jazz stars digitally. People like Dexter Gordon, Wynton Marsalis, etc. were asked to do Christmas numbers. These songs were then "blended" with many of the numbers done back in the 1962 release to make an all new version of Jingle Bell Jazz. What you find out when you listen is that the numbers done digitally sound so bad, it's scary. Those cover the first half of the last version of the CD. Then, all of a sudden, Duke Ellington comes on from 1962 doing "Jingle Bells", and these earlier 1962 tracks sound remarkably good! Columbia wanted to show off their latest technology, and ended up, instead, showing off the fact that they used to do it right, once upon a time! The original version of this LP has the red bag filled with Christmas gifts on the front cover, and is in Stereo 360 Sound. Why this title makes so much sense is this: People have many guests over to their homes for Christmas parties and such at holiday time. Imagine the look on peoples faces when they hear Duke Ellington, Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, Carmen McRae, Lionel Hampton, etc. sounding so lovely on tape! Like many early 1960's Columbia's, it was well recorded in New York at the 30th Street studios (probably by Fred Plaut) and produced by Teo Macero. It's both a nice way to introduce people to the Tape Project, and hear great Christmas music at the same time! Everyone wins. What do you think?

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Arnold Overtures / Re: Today I am Dr. Bottleneck

« on: December 05, 2007, 08:24:37 PM »

My wife calls me Dr. President. Do I win?

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General Discussion / Re: Tape Recorder Demag.........

« on: December 05, 2007, 08:22:43 PM »

One thing has not been mentioned, and is critical to remember. The Hand-D-Mag should ONLY be connected to AC power for no more than 3 minutes at a time! There is a fuse inside, and if it opens due to overheating, you must return the unit to the manufacturer for replacement. Go slowly, but do it in a timely fashion.

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Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Denon Reel

« on: December 02, 2007, 04:36:38 PM »

I have a copy of Audio somewhere, I believe, from 1980 or so. It contains a review of the DH-510. My recollection is that it did very well on the bench and made nice recordings, too. It had low wow/flutter and extended frequency response. If it plays back the IEC curve, I think you are all set. Enjoy.

43

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: To Doc

« on: December 02, 2007, 04:26:32 PM »

Doc says, "Hey Craig, sorry if I came on a little strong. I appreciate your enthusiasm!".

No problem there, Doc. I was typing so furiously fast because I was at work, and did not wish to get caught! That is why there was a lack of clarity on my part. As far as enthusiasm, and their associated ideas, I've got no shortages there, either. Once the ideas start to come in my head, it's like opening the Hoover Dam! I have had some ideas personally, and also read about ideas from others that could take analog recording well beyond ANYTHING digital could ever offer, let alone any other technology still to come. Ideas such as? Here are a few: 1) Film-type heads (built along the lines of an emulsion instead of using metal so wear is non-existent). Perfect for all your fragile, acetate, and sticky-shed tapes. 2) Multiple track fine line heads (imagine a super-thin track head such that you could pack 25 of these tracks within the space normally required for a regular 2-track head) This would then allow a 2-track recording to be "read" by 50 seperate tracks located within the space of those 2 tracks, regardless of tape width and format used! These heads are built with real-time electronic switching between them, so dropouts are a thing of the past and readability of information is assured and secure! 3) Contact-less heads, similar in design to what is used inside a VCR, but without all the drawbacks of such things. This would take too much explanation, so I won't. 4) Back-side playback head. This means playback has one head located on the front and also the back side of the tape. This additional head is used to a) eliminate hearing pre or post echo, b) to dig out information deep within the tape, extending bass response, and c) To reduce tape hiss levels. My ultimate fantasy machine, based on what technology is available in the here and now, would use either a 1) 3M Mincom transport, or a 2) Technics 15xx transport. The isolated loop concept is the common denominator. A Studer A-80 is my alternate for tricky tapes. For the electronics, the focus gap circuitry using an RF bias frequency at 5 MHz (!) co-built by Keith Johnson and Tim De Paravicini using tubes, of course. 
Lastly, regarding High and Outsides contention that the focus gap technology is licensed, well then, why isn't anyone else using it? It is clearly the way to go, IMHO. There must be something else to this story. Keith is a sharp guy to be sure, but nobody else has thought to use the technology in the past 50 years? Why not? I feel the time has come to show and prove, once and for all, analog is IT for sound quality. Period! Who's with me? Craig

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Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: To Doc

« on: December 01, 2007, 03:06:08 PM »

My apologies. I was not clear on both those points. For me, his machinery is one of my life's great mysteries. Bottom line-I think VERY highly of it, and want to know how it works so I can understand it. Period. That's why I'm an audiophile.

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Reel to Reel Tape Machines / To Doc

« on: December 01, 2007, 12:25:32 PM »

Hey Doc. I saw this morning on the Audio Asylum page a post from you regarding Keith Johnson and his fabulous analog tape machine. It says that you will be meeting with him at CES time next year. I just wanted to tell you that I have thought much about his recorder these past few months, and how it would be a shame that, when he passes away, all the thinking and engineering that went into it would go with him. This makes me profoundly sad. I consider his focused gap analog recorder to be the singularly finest audio recorder ever conceived and built. Matter of fact, a few years back, I contacted Reference Recordings to see if he might modify my ReVox to his machine's standard. I was told he has been approached many times over the years to do just this, and has turned away all comers. Further, I feel his current digital recordings, while technically perfect, have lost something his analog recorder had in spades-an almost human quality, if you will. I'm not sure exactly how to put it, but somehow, in being slighty less than they could have been, they are definitely better sonically. This is the very beauty of analog in a nutshell, I guess. Perhaps, he can take you under his wing, so to speak, and teach you all he knows about this magnificent device. Then, you can spread the wealth that is his focused gap recorder (with tubes once again, of course!) for the rest of us to try to aspire to. On December 31, 2007, it will be exactly 50 years ago that he recorded The Forward Look by Red Norvo on his (then) tube-based analog recorder. I shall honor his achievement by playing that LP on New Years Eve this year. Thanks for letting me get that off my chest. Merry Christmas everyone. Craig