Tape Project Forum
Tape Machines => Tape Tech => Topic started by: Listens2tubes on September 03, 2012, 07:29:33 PM
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What is part of the freq response are extended when using JFR's Extended Response Heads?
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In the playback heads, it's the low frequency response. Extending it lower improves the low frequency phase response as well.
The record heads have that improvement, plus more headroom for both signal and bias.
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Thanks Paul :-) That's what I hoped you would say. This will close the gap with LPs, having better bass response. Will have to continue hoarding pennies I guess.
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Hello Listens2tubes,
Which one of your many tape decks did you plan to put these tape heads on?
bob w.
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I actually am having Otari MTR-10 2 track heads put on my 5050 by John French. When i spoke to him about the project I asked which how the Flux Mag heads would compare. He told me the pro smooth surface heads would be slightly more extended in the bass due to wider gap. Now that's what I call extended responce.
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My deck is with JRF right now. He installed the MTR-10 heads and says they work well. I had asked him before this project began how they would compare the the Extended Response heads and he said they would be the same or slightly more extended due to the wider gap of the smooth heads. This is also the first time he saw the roller bearing upgrade.
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Please keep in mind all 'improvements' (like extended frequency) aren't a free lunch. They come at a cost. In this case your track width will be reduced, thus reducing your signal-to-noise ratio. Whether the change in noise or frequency response will be audible or worth it is up to your ears I suppose.
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I'm not sure where you picked this bit of trivia, but it doesn't have much basis in actuality. Track width is set by the NAB standards or which ever set of head type you have (DIN, etc) Extended LF is mostly about contour which has no bearing on S/N.
Now it is true that some people do not like the extended freq head, its not because of loss of S/N. They measure quite well in that regard, and as to low end response I have measured flat response to 17hz on an ATR 102 I restored for a client. Top end was extended out to around 34kHz (slightly down) at 30ips.
Personally I didn't hear any problem with the heads, quite liked them.
Alan Garren
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As they are pro machine heads being set up by John French, I'm not too concerned.
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OH YES!!! Picked my machine up from JRF. John showed me the freq response but his printer was down. 15ips IEC: 20Hz - 30kHz with a couple 1/2 dB bumps between 50 and 100Hz and a 1/2 db dip at 20Hz. Very respectable flat response. Then he recorded a CD from his HHB pro CD player and switching back and forth from Source to Tape was perfectly matched sound. Got the machine home and have been enjoying it since.
Now to start tweaking my turntable, phono preamp setup for best possible repro for taping. And since winter is upon us there's a EROS tape preamp kit I have to finish. :-)
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Sounds like things worked out Neal.
What's the facilities at JFR like? I'd love to check that place out myself!
Have fun!
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First of all John is a gem. Secondly the shop is a multi-room lab/workshop that oozes tapedecks. Walk in and you are greeted by a J-Corder 1500 and accessories in a tall showcase. The fun begins there and just walking around I got so excited to be in a place with so much tape machine glory. I wish I had the presence of mind to take pix with my phone but alas I was too busy soaking up all that surrounded me.
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sounds interesting...if anyone has original good playback heads they do not want I would like to purchase them...
Thank you
Lawrence