Tape Project Forum

Tape Machines => Tape Tech => Topic started by: stellavox on March 29, 2010, 07:59:09 AM

Title: SO - those of you that have "wired out" out your heads -
Post by: stellavox on March 29, 2010, 07:59:09 AM

(cables from the heads to outboard electronics) - what kind/type of cables are you using?

THANKS

Charles

Title: Re: SO - those of you that have "wired out" out your heads -
Post by: ironbut on March 29, 2010, 11:53:56 AM

Hey Charles,

I'm using a pair of Silver Audio Silver Breeze phono cables. I find that the cable run between the heads and tape amp input is pretty picky. Every change there has been obvious and I settled on these after a year or so of experimenting around.
The Silver Breeze isn't the cheapest cables around but they certainly aren't crazy expensive IMHO. I did demo a few more $$$ cables that were as good (if a little different sounding) and considering how much I love my Repro Amp, if I'd liked them a lot better I would've found a way to afford them.

I don't doubt that there is some way to DIY a cable similar to the Silver Breeze (it's an old design and I've had my pair for 10 years). Maybe I'll look into that (one of these days) since I would like to put one back in my phono system (where I got this one) and they never come up for sale used.

Title: Re: SO - those of you that have "wired out" out your heads -
Post by: Max on March 29, 2010, 01:58:05 PM

I understand the cable from the heads to the preamp should be a shielded twisted pair design.  I first tried Kimber Silver Streaks and they resulted in too much hum.   I have had good results with the Bottlehead cable that is Canare cable with Cardas rcas. I have also used and like the Cardas Quadlink 5C.  The latter two were quiet.  I also found that having a very, very (did I mention very) tight rca connection at both ends was critical to eliminating hum.

Title: Re: SO - those of you that have "wired out" out your heads -
Post by: docb on March 29, 2010, 03:05:00 PM

Absolutely, positively needs to be 100% shielded twisted pair outside of the tape machine chassis, and preferably inside as well. Coax will not cut it outside the tape machine. Once disconnected from the internal electronics the head has become part of the preamp system and really has no relation to the tape machine anymore. So the shield must be connected at the preamp end of the cable and not connected to the tape machine chassis. If you reallocate RCA jacks on the back of the machine or install new ones for the head cables be sure that the RCA ground shell is not connected to the tape machine chassis.

Title: Re: SO - those of you that have "wired out" out your heads -
Post by: c1ferrari on March 30, 2010, 02:04:41 AM

Doc,

How about balanced cables?

Thanks,
Sam