Tascam BR 20

[ceved]

This machine meets the criteria for the Project tapes.  Looks nice too if that matters to anyone.
My three questions are as follows;
1.Is there a head block configuration available which includes a 1/4 track playback head as my Otari's do?
2.If so does anyone know of a reliable source for such an item?
3.Anyone care to weigh in on this make model versus the Otari 55n, or the 5050 BII on any basis or criteria?
 
Thanks,

[ironbut]

There's a thread regarding this machine. Looks nice. Steve Hoffman uses one and says that the tape handling is real gentle.http://www.tapeproject.com/smf/index.php/topic,205.0.html

[finneybear]

Tascam BR 20 is basically the next generation of Tascam 42B. Better transport yet inferior sonic.

The given link has a mistake. BT20 and 42B use the same Woelke heads. They are priced at $180 each from Teac USA.

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fineybear,
Please elaborate on your opinion of the sonic inferiority for the BR 20.
If it is the internal electronics, that could be overcome by the outboard mods from Bottlehead, and or ATR Services yes?
To really add spice, do you have an opinion on the Otari 55N?
Is your opinion based on experience?
Thanks, not looking for a fight, just insight.

[finneybear]

Tascam 42's reproduce amp has FET direct coupled at the first stage. The usage of coupling caps is minimal.
On the other hand, if my memory were correct, BR20 is mostly OPs. Yep, I like 42 much better.
Actually this guy in Japan also came to the same conclusion:

http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/nekoneko_onsen/folder/117594.html?m=lc&p=2

42 and 52 are probably Tascam's best small 2 track machines, IMHO. Beautiful Woelke heads, good circuit design, solid transport.
I will take them over Otari MX5050 anytime.

No idea about MX-55 though I do have two MX-5050II and one MTR-15. 55 and 5050 are very similar designs?
MX-5050II needs a lot of work to make it sound great, BTW.

I have been doing a lot of mods just for fun. First of all, definitely you do not want to run the wires too long.
Tube amp has its appeal yet I can take transistors just fine. I prefer to have all of the basic things done right.
Most reel decks have awful power supply, for instance. You can bypass this problem with an outboard head amp,
but you will be running into other problems, and still, the basic problem is still there.

Studer A820 and A810 are typical examples. Both machines have the same amps, same heads yet A820 just sounds better.
Why? Not because A820 has a fancy transport, it's because A820 has a slightly better power supply.

Only for playback, the ideal tape project machine for me will be B77/PR99. Beautiful beautiful mechanic parts,
great sounding heads. It has so much space inside, you can put in a super power regulator, redo the head amp,
add in big power caps, swap wires, recap everything, then you will have a killer machine.
Very easy to work on, spare parts are readily available.  You never have to worry about screwing up.

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finneybear,
If you do not know what you are talking about, you make a good show of it anyway!
The 55 has 30ips, can use 12" reels and weighs a bit more than the 5050 II.
It also is a bit taller.
I have the 5050 II, 55 and the BR 20.
My decision is whether or not to keep any of them if I buy an Ampex 102.
On looks alone the BR 20 looks great standing still.
If I can get the 1/4" track playback head in the configuration, I will keep the BR 20 for older factory recorded rtr tapes, and use the modified 102 for TP, Quinton and other contemporary high end rtr tapes.
Thanks for your opinions.

[U47]

Stock 102s are pretty crappy sounding for playback in stock form. Best with outboard electronics. Comparing the the Tascam and Ampex transports is sort of like comparing a Camry or Avalon to a Mercedes S class. If you have the money, I'd go for the Ampex. Just my opinion after using both the Tascam 20 and ATRs. I actually love Toyotas :-)

Rich Brown
Acoustic Arts
Portland, Oregon

[finneybear]

Yep, getting an ATR is just the beginning! This is the same for MTR-15, APR 5002, and A820/A80, etc, All have the potentials
but unfortunately not every machine has someone to do the mod for you.

You can never get 4 track heads for BR20... I'd suggest you keep it anyway though.
That machine has real potential. Have someone beef up the power, do OP swap, you will be pleased.

For 4 track machines, 5050, RS-15xx, X-1/200, B77, etc, all have, again, potentials. My personal favorites are B77 and X-2000M (not the R).

To me, it's all about the heads. You choose the heads first then the machine.