Tascam 32-2B & Output From Tape Head

[rbwtapeinterlink-Bob]

Hello all,

It's great to be back here. I've finally moved to Georgia in March and have my own separate music room. It's not as large as I want but I am blessed to have it. It is located above the garage and almost sound proof. I have gotten rid of all the recorders I had in order to make the move lighter and less costly. As you recall, I had the big Sony, Otari as well as the Technique 1506. I chose to keep my Tascam 32-2B. Unfortunately I still am not able to afford the Tape Project Tape program yet, but I hope that time will come soon. In the mean time I understand there are company's making tapes that can be purchased one at a time. I will do some research on that.

I just had my Tascam serviced at a local shop. Here is my question. I am thinking of having direct RCA wiring from the tape heads so I can use the Bottlehead pre amp if I can find one used. I hope to locate someone who wants to sell an earlier model and move up to a later model.

In the mean time Would the wiring come from the playback head only leaving the record head in tact??? Before I ask the tech to do it, I want to be certain how to guide him. I have not even approached him on this particular project yet. I wonder will this affect input/outputs jacks on my Tascam?  Would I still be able to recording and playback tapes? Also, what kinds of cables should I suggest the tech use for purposes of wiring the heads?

Again, I am so happy to be back in the fold here. I look forward to hearing from those who still remember me. And, I hope there are some members who reside in the Atlanta Georgia area.

Bob W.

[Listens2tubes]

Head direct out wire to the external playback Bottlehaed amp is the ticket.  Using a good quality, sheided wire (see below), terminated with a male RCA plug. The original playback electronics are disconnected from the playback head. All recording electronics and heads remain working and untouched.  Only caveat is you miss your meters dancing when playing a tape, as they are part of the playback electronics. The meters will work when you need them - setting RECORD levels. On my Otari I opt for Cardas Tonearm Cable: http://www.cardas.com/content.php?area=oem&content_id=28&pagestring=%3Cb terminated with ETI Copper Bullets.

[ironbut]

Hi Bob,

Great to hear from you!
When I re wire a machine, I choose to terminate to chassis mount RCA's jacks. I use the 2 conductor, shielded 23 ga Cardas chassis wire (I buy it from Michael Percy Audio).
The main reason I use jacks rather than running the cable/RCA plugs straight to the tape preamp is more for practical, personal reasons. Mainly, I have tried several different cables in this position and they all sound different. Knowing myself, I have little doubt that one of these days I'll change the cable that I've been using for the last few years. It also gives me a chance to try different cables when I "roll" tubes or change components in the downstream gear.

As far as advice for your tech goes;
Route the cable in as short a path as possible,
Avoid motors, relays or anything else with a strong magnetic field.
Ground the shield at the output only and be sure and put a bit of shrink wrap on the head end to ensure that no stray wire strands from the shield touches the chassis (don't ask how I know this!).

With most machines, it's pretty straight forward but always test and re test before you button everything up.

Have fun in the land of Kudzu. I grew up in Stone Mountain!

[rbwtapeinterlink-Bob]

Hello "Listens to tubes" and Steve,

Thanks guys for leading me in the right direction. This is great information I can certainly use. Steve, tell me, how did you terminate the outputs from the tape head so that you can use other cables down the road. Did you terminate the outputs by adding them in a stationary manner to your tape deck, and if so, how did you do that? Exactly what parts did you use? Right now my music only system consist of a pair of "modified by Peter Gunn, Magnapan 1.6 speakers, 2 Emotiva X-Ref10 sub woofers, Parasound top load CD deck, Pacific Valve tube DAC, Decware tube ZPre amp, Classe DR-5 pre amp, Threshold power amp, VPI TT, Grado Reference, SAE MC, Shure V15-type 4 and Denon DL-103r cartridges.

Steve I still have the Marie Schnieder music you sent me. I just recently purchased a disk of her music performed by: Vertical Voices. You have got to get this CD my friend. It is simply AWESOME! Actually A while back I send Ms. Schneider an email asking if she would consider committing some of her music to the reel to reel tape format. She was not willing to do it at the time, but did not go into what her reasoning was. I believe her orchestral works would be ideal for reel to reel tape and certainly this most recent "Vertical Voices" music would sound awesome on reel to reel. Thank you, thank you and thank you guys.

Bob W.

[ironbut]

Hey Bob,

I just replace the stock RCA/XLR jacks with nicer ones (usually Cardas GRFA standard length or Neutrik silver plated XLR). If I replace XLR with RCA I make an adapter plate from aluminum stock I pick up at Home Depot since the hole is twice as big.

[rbwtapeinterlink-Bob]

Hello Steve,

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I spoke with the tech this morning. I think I will wait until I actually get a used Bottlehead tape pre amp and then have him to the re-wiring of the output tape head on my Tascam 32-2B. I have not seen used Bottleheads on Ebay or Audiogon in a long time. Hopefully, one will come available in the near future.

As you know it already has the ability to switch between NAB and IEC so that won't be a problem playing back the new reel to reel tapes. Right now I will go ahead and start purchasing some good tape and begin recording some of my LP records. I have some Bill Evans, Miles Davis and Dark Side Of The Moon and other recordings I believe to be originals. While the recordings will not equal the magnificent sound of the LP, I'll be able to listen to it and try to reserve my records.

Bob W.